Arsenal Mean Reds

Well, hopeful insanity is often rewarded with disappointment. The thrashing we took at Manchester United has shown that the Wenger project is in serious crisis, if not moribund. More on him below, but it is clear that the lack of ambition in signings, the loss of key players, the unproven youngsters thrust into the spotlight and some serious questions about tactics have all congealed in a perfect storm. Sure injuries (Vermaelen, Wilshire, Gibbs, Diaby, etc.), illness (Sagna) and suspensions (Frimpong, Song, Gervinho) have decimated the team, but look at the second teams for Chelsea, Man U and City and I’m not sure they couldn’t convincingly take us down.

Report Card

Looking at what could have been, let’s take a glance around Europe at the ex-Arsenal stars. Fabergas scored a lovely late goal in Barcelona’s victory in the Supercopa (and now has two pieces of silverware in three weeks). Nasri had two assists and looked impressive in a Man City blowout of once exciting Tottenham. And our summer target Mata scored a late goal for Chelsea in his debut. Ugh, ugh, ugh!

Man U – Will certainly be challenged by crosstown rivals City for the title, but this team is substantially better than last year. They play exciting, creative football and look set to score a ton of goals this year. They are young as well, but clearly Ferguson has a better eye for talent than Wenger right now, and he always puts veterans alongside the newbies to create stability and leadership. Rooney is in incredible form right now. Who is a leader for Arsenal?

Arshavin – Another mediocre performance. He had some opportunities and consistently underperformed in his finishing as he has since the beginning of the losing streak for Arsenal.  He too often loses the ball, even as his creativity opens up opportunities, and his shots are too often pathetic. We clearly need a better winger to replace him on the first team.

Djourou - He has pretty consistently been beaten by his lack of speed and poor decision making. The first Man U goal was lovely, but Djourou should have blocked off the finish from Wellbeck. He gave a free kick to Rooney in a dangerous spot, which then led to the fourth goal. Then he allowed the ball to go through his legs for the sixth. There is nothing to say except that he has limited talent and can’t really hang with the best in the premiership.  When Vermaelen was scratched, I knew we were in trouble.

Jenkinson – Terrible, terrible, terrible. Sent off in 77^th minute after looking outmatched by almost everyone. He is not ready for the Premiership yet (if ever).

Wolcott – He did score and forced a penalty, but sometimes made poor decisions and disappeared for spells.

Van Persie – Nice finish, when it was 6-1 (yes read the sarcasm in to that statement). Missed a penalty (that could have notched us at 1), though it was a good save. Also had two other good opportunities saved, but certainly could have played better when it mattered.

Wenger – All of the criticism now seems warranted. 8-2!!!! We seriously look like a Championship team right now. Why haven’t we bought a fullback yet? That really could have helped in this game and maybe made the result much closer. Also need a left back to replace Clichy and should already be here as well. Sure they have been rebuffed a lot, but if we don’t get Hazard, I have to wonder if stealing Park will not be a terrible decision in the long run. Most people knew Fabergas and Nasri were going, but Arsene seemed to ignore this eventuality and put us in this position, waiting to see who we get (if anyone) in the last few days of the transfer window. Where is the creativity in the midfield? One can also question his tactics in the game, particularly with no halftime changes after Man U was getting through at will, and really whether he has completely lost control of this team. Last year, going into February, we looked like a team that could compete in four competitions. The draw with Newcastle (only 4 goal comeback in top league history), disaster in the Carling Cup, the Barca return leg and a host of average results have led to the complete collapse of the team and its dismantling. Defensive holes have been present for two years now and our offensive production has been dismal since that run. I think I finally have to admit that if things don’t improve, maybe the sack is on for Wenger. One has to adapt and he seems largely unable or unwilling to do so. To be fair, he’s not on the pitch and Arsenal does get some of the worst calls of any top team (though not in this game), but he has put his players at a distinct disadvantage and it shows. 

I live on hope and I do think our first team is much better than people are giving credit for, but we need at least three new players and probably more if we are to really compete in any competition. If no additions come by Wednesday, expect a truly miserable campaign.