So is Wenger the answer or the problem?
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Wenger the answer or the problem? An increasing number of Arsenal fans are inclining towards the latter.
IS Arsene Wenger the answer — or now very much part of the problem?
Despite their loyalty to Le Professeur, an increasing number of Arsenal fans are inclining towards the latter. The Arsenal boss now faces the biggest challenge of his career. For unless there is a remarkable turnaround, it will be four seasons without a trophy following next Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg at The Emirates.
Even Gooners themselves are admitting their side will only make the final if they score three times against a Manchester United team who must surely find the net in North London.
And that without Eduardo — injured again on Wednesday — and a shambling Emmanuel Adebayor who is in desperate need of a rocket shoved up his, er, Arsenal. Certainly, everyone was left bamboozled by Wenger’s tactics at Old Trafford where his 4-2-3-1 formation — quickly reduced to 4-5-1 as United forced them on the back foot — detracted from all the strengths we normally associate with Arsenal.
The Gunners manager says we will see a different side at The Emirates. Hopefully for all Arsenal fans he means the old side. In a 4-4-2 line-up with Cesc Fabregas in central midfield — not torn between two roles and doing neither as he was at Old Trafford — and the attack-orientated Samir Nasri on the left.
And a benching for Abou Diaby, whose Mancunian nightmare was not helped by Wenger asking a right-footer to patrol the left touchline. Then we have the eternal Robin van Persie problem.
The main reason why the Dutchman is once again on the treatment table is because Wenger played him in the FA Cup semi-final on the suet pudding that passes for Wembley.
If there was one player likely to emerge from that with a groin strain, it was Van Persie. And all this because Wenger came to the astonishing decision to omit Andrey Arshavin — the one player who was NOT required in the Champions League.
But there is a stubbornness in Wenger these days, never more apparent than in his continued failure — refusal? — to purchase the central defender and buccaneering midfield player Arsenal have so long required.
It’s as if he’s saying: It’s my way or no way. I will build this beautiful team and not corrupt the process by bowing to outside pressure.
Well, he has one last chance to get it right, to show Old Trafford was a one-off and not confirmation Arsenal are not as good as their long unbeaten league run (against modest opposition) suggests.
The odds are now on a repeat of last year’s ManYoo-Chelski final — especially with Barca getting lumps kicked out of them by Real Madrid this weekend.
Wenger will beg to differ. Though with that defence it doesn’t really matter how well the six in front of it play.
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He's long term answer.
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I still think they will overturn the 0-1 deficit.
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Originally posted by charlize:
I still think they will overturn the 0-1 deficit.
i agree. Arsenal to win 2-1.
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Originally posted by skythewood:
i agree. Arsenal to win 2-1.
U mean aggregate score 2-1?
Or second leg 2-1?
2-2 agg means United go through ya know.
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Originally posted by jgho83:
U mean aggregate score 2-1?
Or second leg 2-1?
2-2 agg means United go through ya know.
I think Arsenal will win 2-0 or even more in the return leg.
Man U wouldn't know what hit them.
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Originally posted by charlize:
I think Arsenal will win 2-0 or even more in the return leg.
Man U wouldn't know what hit them.
Ok u wait.