Why SOME Arsenal fans need to put away the pitchfork
Arsenal’s defeat against Spurs on the weekend was an absolute disaster. After a spirited first-half performance, Arsenal capitulated and showed that their squad still has a brittle backbone. Arsenal fans may be feeling glum, disheartened and reactionary this morning. However, after a troublesome result such as this, it’s important to put away the pitchforks and take a few days to consider.
Arsenal are third place in the Premier League and just 3 points away from the top of the League. This season has seen a number of players raise their games, or introduce themselves to the footballing world: Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere, Marouane Chamakh and so on. Some important players are yet to hit full gear, and when they do are sure to aid Arsenal’s title tilt (Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie). There is decent competition in all areas of the squad. Arsenal have excellent away form. Things aren’t that bad.
Of course, the weekend’s result has brought out the Anti-Wenger brigade in force, whose complaints will now begin to seem more and more reasonable to general Arsenal fans. Yet, deep down, it’s nothing more than reactionary nonsense.
Let’s face it – Arsène Wenger is one of the great modern managers. He is, perhaps the paradigm example of a contemporary, forward thinking Premier League boss. His emphasis on youth and his attacking philosophy are inspiring.
Yes, it’s been five years since he’s won Arsenal a trophy. That’s a long painful transitional period, but I do believe that Arsenal are well on their way to becoming a force once more, in the Premier League and in Europe. The Gunners haven’t had the kind of money that Manchester United, Chelsea and now Manchester City have had to spend. Instead the focus has been on youth and who is a better man to do this than Arsène Wenger?
If Arsenal lose Wenger they will be in a lot of trouble. Who could possibly replace him? Would they be in any better position to deal with the problems inherent within Arsenal’s squad than Wenger himself? The answer to these questions is somewhat uncertain.
Wenger has a lot of questions to answer following Arsenal’s third home defeat this season. I don’t believe, however, that any true Arsenal fan wants Wenger out of the club. Those who do need to take a few minutes to collect their thoughts and consider what a Wenger-less world would amount to.
What’s important now is how Arsenal react after this disaster. The Emirates needs to become a fortress once more. The loss should have been a wake-up call to many players. A spirited first-half performance is not enough to win a game. Wenger needs to drill this into his players and Arsenal need to develop a character and spirit of the kind that Manchester United are currently showcasing.
I trust that Wenger’s still got it and that he will deliver silverware to Arsenal’s fans. Do you?
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