Arsenal's season has nose dived spectacularly from the
hopeful scenes coming forth from the FA Cup win over Hull City and the Charity
Shield win against Manchester City. The wins with the sweetened acquisition of
Alexis Sanchez all but raised the adrenaline of an Arsenal fan particularly
that the team has lost appetite in fighting for trophies the club supporters
had craved since the austerity measures of 2005 began.
Injuries have and will continue to play a big part in the
squad due to certain technical philosophy over the physical and pragmatic philosophy of
the English Premier League. Thus, the dwarfism nature of the squad, where small
surface area of a player is more important to a physically imposing frame Ala
Vieira and Edu.
Despite the expensive acquisitions, the obvious flaws
exposed by inadequate reinforcements in defensive midfield and a cover center
back are just a tiny scene in the true picture of the current Arsenal squad.
Many have complained about the ill preparedness of going into a game, over
dependant on Alexis, set pieces, mental toughness in not seeing out a game even
from a winning position.
Even on the technical side, Wenger has not settled on a
pattern that will accommodate Ozil, Alexis, Wilshere, Cazorla and Ramsey. Wenger has rotated the formation
within certain patterns in the middle, especially the positioning of Ozil and
Cazorla whilst still trying to force in Wilshere. But those are just issues
amongst issues.
The recent injection of the youth players is laudable but
insincere. The failure of the academy to step up players after Jack Wilshere is
so obvious. The inclusion of Zelalem, Maitland-Miles, Akpom are still not
justified compared to Manchester United who have incorporated well the likes of
Blackett, Nair and Wilson and one can capture the upwards trajectory of their development.
The deception in Wenger's philosophy is that he gives the
view of developing youngsters and giving them a chance in the first team,
whereas it has not been seen in the last couple of years. With the remaining 2
years on his 8million pound contract, his latest youthful development beclouding
sentiments over obvious flaws in the team. The 30+ ages of Rosicky,
Mertesacker, Flamini, Kosielny, should be taken into context. Are the
youngsters replacing the old gang, even then, is it in the view of continuing
after his contract is up or preparing a stable for an incoming manager.
Arsenal and Arsene Wenger needs a new direction. The
deceptive portrayal of the Arsenal way is not working anymore.
