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Arsenal went into last night's Champions League semi-final with plenty of hope and belief but, despite starting the game brightly enough, the tie was dead after eleven minutes as Manchester United struck twice early on through Jung-Si Park and Ronaldo. In the second half, the Portuguese international applied the finishing touch to a sweeping breakaway move to give the visitors a three-goal lead on the night and banish any hopes of a miracle. Robin Van Persie's penalty strike was barely consolation for an Arsenal team that were well beaten over both legs.
In a way it was an outcome that was hard to be upset about. The Gunners were comprehensively outplayed and over-powered in both legs and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and accept you were beaten by the better team. What was bitterly upsetting though was being forced to witness the gulf in class between the two teams. In the earlier years of Arsene Wenger’s reign, Arsenal were able to square up to Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and trade blows with them toe-to-toe like two bare-knuckle fighters. Both teams were physical but could also play football. Over the two legs of this semi-final though, Arsenal were unable to live with United’s power, ability and desire. It was painful to watch and is something to be very upset about indeed.
Looking at the two teams last night man for man, how many Arsenal players would warrant a regular starting place in the United team? The sad and depressing answer to that is probably none of them and with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov in reserve, it is questionable how many Gunners would even make it onto their bench. That really is a bitter pill to swallow but if we are brutally honest, we know that is the truth. The question is though: is Arsene Wenger honest enough with himself to come to the same conclusion and, more pertinently, do anything about it?
It now really is time for the manager to admit that the current squad he has assembled is not good enough or strong enough to challenge at the absolute highest level. The story of the Champions League semi-final was in many ways the same tale that was told in the FA Cup semi-final. Arsenal were not physically equipped to compete with Chelsea over 90 minutes in a game that really mattered and, once again, when the chips were down, they were unable to land a significant blow to United over two legs. The Gunners are lying fourth in the Premier League and, although they have put together a good recent run of results, Aston Villa in fifth place are a team who won their first match in three months last weekend - it cannot be said that they ran Arsenal hard in the race for Champions League qualification. Consequently, the depressing assessment of this season is that the Gunners are the best of the also-rans in what is a very weak league indeed.
That may seem like a very harsh judgement of a team that has reached two semi-finals and finished in the top four but we can only measure Arsenal by the high standards Arsene Wenger set in his first ten years at the club where he clinched league titles and FA Cups, even achieving a couple of Doubles. The current squad does not have the look and feel of the previous teams that have made Wenger a legend at the club. It doesn’t have the depth, the talent or the power. This squad desperately needs injections of experience, steel and quality if it really is to try to pull itself up to the benchmark that Manchester United have now set.
Wenger described last night as "the most disappointing of his career". In assessing where things went wrong, let’s hope he does not take last night’s match in isolation though and looks at the bigger picture because it seems clear to anyone with a modicum of football appreciation that the Arsenal squad needs an overhaul. In the past, Wenger has been afforded time and space to manage how he pleases. But with changes occurring at Board level and supporters becoming increasingly impatient, the demands for success will become ever more pressing. One wonders whether he will have as much licence to do things in his own way in the new corporate era of the Club.
Arsene Wenger left Highbury as a footballing emperor. He has yet to establish new trophy-winning dominions since the move to Ashburton Grove though and from now until August when the new season kicks off could be the most critical period of his Arsenal career.
Comments
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Posted by Trint on 05/07/2009
This is a sentiment that has been echoed by many but what are the available options do you suggest? To bankrupt Arsenal football club the way Liverpool, Chelsea and United have? To have the ability to spend 30 million pounds on substitutes?
Why Arsenal for that matter? Why not Newcastle? They have a similar stadium capacity. The fact is Arsenal have the system for creating a team to play the Arsenal way and do it with a break even transfer budget.
If we play our best then maybe a Champions League semi-final is the hope and the FA cup is realistic. Since the double years the other big 4 have spent big and each has had their success.
But without spending money recklessly what options are you presenting?
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Posted by kemar on 05/07/2009
your right. he does not see that arsenal need new and better player to have a chance. yes kids are good coz there are the future but in time of big match you need play that can step up. I'm arsenal fan and i love there style of ball game but i need more and i want to see more form them. New player is need and that's a fact, you dont have money then play player thats are cheap but can do the job
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Posted by Bryan on 05/07/2009
But you forget that Manchester United goes out and gets the best players throughout the world and pays them money to come play for them. Arsenal on the other hand takes young players and makes them into what they become. To say players like Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie, and Andrey Arshavin couldn't make it onto the Manchester United stacked team is rubbish. Arsenal continues to mature and grow, and will soon be the top team in the Premier League and will return to the Champions League final like they did in 2006.
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Posted by luke on 05/07/2009
good article. wenger really needs to get the cheque book out and start considering some established talents.
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Posted by Michael Flagg on 05/07/2009
Arsene Wenger deserves it right for loosing in such manner to Man United because he claims to know it all about making money and not tittle! He is old with his football ideas and should please leave the team for new manager. He can not be playing with peoples emotion all over the world supporting Arsenal.
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Posted by Pat Mmifinyana on 05/07/2009
I fully agtree with David Young. I am an arsenal fan myself but I have been very honest about the quality of players in the team, especially the middle field and back line. I have always contended that they need to strengthen up the team in almost all fronts. In addition, they need a bit of experience in all fronts, trully Wenger can no longer trust his young side cos like David said, threr is just no talent. If he still believes there is, I am afraid he is waiting for talent that will never be there. Its time for him to bring about four talented and experienced players. Supporters and fans are increasingly growing weary of his inability to beef up the team. In terms of quality, Arsenal is far below both Man U and Chelsea and one cannot therefore expect it to beat these teams convincingly. it does occasionally but that is usually out of sheer luck.
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Posted by through_ball on 05/07/2009
accurate observation...wenger must beef up his back 4 and conjure up a holding midfielder of the class of essien (as note by author)...while you are at it, get a free kick specialist wenger
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Posted by Eric Badasu on 05/07/2009
As a die-hard Arsenal fan, it is sad to say that despite all our cries for the past non-trophy-less seasons & calls for change..nothing ever seems to improve..rather they have sadly deteriorated.One then wonders if the board really has the fan's interest at heart or they are just a selfish bunch of money-milking suckers!And so it seems Wenger has been annointed the One-eyed King in the land of the blind!I absolutely agree with David Young that the whole Arsenal squad (including the coach) needs an overhaul!The current crop is just full of promising but young, very lazy and retarded players.We are freaking tired of "flamboyant" stylish football..we demand trophies at any cost.And 4 that reason I think Wenger's reign must come to an end..guess we would be better of with result oriented coaches like Jose Mourinho (if we can afford him) than sticking with A.W. Wenger's glory days are over and so he must go.We demand change. And "Yes We Can", with the right changes.No more Boys against Men!
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Posted by mwangi william on 05/07/2009
we kenyan arsenal fans are very very disappointed by that defeat adding that we have lost one of us,let arsen wenger know we think he values money more than what we feel.if he doesn't deliver next season he should be man enough n resign man u is getting rich through trophies arsenal is trying through child lab our we need action
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Posted by mwangi william kenya on 05/07/2009
we kenyan arsenal fans are very very disappointed by that defeat adding that we have lost one of us,let arsen wenger know we think he values money more than what we feel.if he doesn't deliver next season he should be man enough n resign man u is getting rich through trophies arsenal is trying through child lab our we need action
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Posted by Godwin Buwa on 05/07/2009
What a fantastic analysis this is. I have been nursing the same thoughts. Wenger's policy of raising young players through the ranks is a boomerang on the club's success. Much as I appreciate that it is a good policy, you can not entirely rely on young players, how talented they can be. They will always lack the steel of experience. Arsene Wenger must know that Arsenal is not an academy playing reserve league or under 21 league. Some of us who have the belief in the club are inreasingly frustrated by the constant failure for four seasions to land a silverwear at the Grove. Has Wenger read of the story of an arsenal fun hanging himself in nairobi, Kenya after witnessing the humiliating defeat by Man United this week. He may take things for granted but from the perspective of fans who spend alot to keep the club going, many are so stressed, depressed and others now suffering from post traumatioc stress disorder and developing sucidal tendencies. Its time to act Arsene and heal our soul
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Posted by Ashanpal Singh on 05/07/2009
Unlike most of the Arsenal fans,I am not dissapointed at the result,simply because I expected it.
We can't take anything away from Man U as they are clearly 'miles' ahead in footballing prowess.
Arsenal FC seems more like a business rather than a winner as they scramble to qualify for a champions league spot,sell great players and buy younger and 'cheaper' players..their targets look like 'let's do enough to pay our overheads and remain profitable'.
I know Arsenal FC is taking alot of 'stick' at the moment and I would like to add that all the fans are clearly upset at the fact that we could'nt even loose without a descent performance.
So please, before you loose your fan base,change the team...spend the money and maybe..just maybe,you can persuade Thiery to come back.
Best Regards
Ashan.
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Posted by Cliff from Nigeria on 05/07/2009
I am an ardent and faithful fan of Arsenal. Everything written in this write-up is true in my opinion. I didn't loose sleep nor was I disappointed after the match with Man United. The visitors deserved the victory. If the match is to be repeated, Man U will still win. Mr. Wenger should not be stubborn on his stand and direction. This is a time for change. Cnange is required for our darling team. Lets not make ourselves a laughing stock in the coming season.
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Posted by josh james on 05/07/2009
arsene wenger,should buy players for the post of clinchy,toure,galla,denilson, players like song,diaby,eboue,bentner should nt have a permanent shirt,he should buy players with experince dat will compete with them. how can a coach use gibbs to player united he should ve converted an experience player to player that wing,how can a coach buy only an attacking mid fielder arshavin,no defender,no defensive midfielder. he should look for a good and experirnce keeper,almunia and fanbiaski should nt be guaranteed a shirt,keeper loker gomes of spurs,defender like onyewu of U.S.A,ribery,wenger should stop looking for only french speaking players,go to brasilian,russian,spanish league to buy players, wenger will only bring disgrace and shame to arsenal if he continues will kids
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Posted by Ijeoma on 05/07/2009
I couldn't agree more. The team is very talented but is not strong enough. They'll always come fourth in the league because the bottom 16 are not good enough to challenge them but without adding some serious depth, especially in the middle of the park, they will not be able to challenge the "big three".
Wenger believes in his ability; I cant blame him he is one of the best out there. But he seems to think he can win with anybody on the pitch. Man U showed quite clearly that you need strength, depth, and experience; not just talent, to win trophies.
I dont think he is many players away from having a trophy-winning team but he needs some experience and toughness and he needs it now.
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Posted by Todd Brown on 05/07/2009
I think David has really hit the nail on the head when it comes to where Arsenal are and the misdirection of where Arsenal are going. Even though I live in Australia, I am a die-hard Gunners supporter and watching their display this past Semi-final, I was shocked to see the tactic of football of which Arsenal played. The Gunners are rated as a team who plays "beautiful" football, along with the likes of Barcelona, yet nothing of beauty was on display these past 2 games. I think it is time players of supreme experience and physical prescence are introduced to help these very talented youngsters grow into a formitable strike force, and not a disheartened group of boys playing park football. As much as I love this side and its players and coaching staff, changes need to be made, quickly.......
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Posted by Liam O'Connor on 05/07/2009
I am an Arsenal fan of 27 years and Tuesday night was one of the most disappointing nights for such a big occasion. I still however feel that with three good summer signings we can take this team forward. We need two experienced proven centre halfs to compliment our full backs and a world class defensive midfielder. Wenger is very close to getting a winning team playing Total Football, something that no other manager except perhaps Brazil of 1970 has ever achieved. A bit more luck in the injury situation also will help. Of course transfers means breaking the bank a little and I for one feel that the time has come to take that leap although I admit that this is not an easy financial step to take. In Arsene we Trust!
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Posted by Edwin Toroitich - Nairobi - Kenya on 05/07/2009
Indeed it is time that Wenger see's the big Picture. Arsenal fans all over the world are frustrated by the poor performance by the team. Arsenal fans are mourning in Kenya after an arsenal fan committed suicide after the Arsenal vs Man-u Match. We belief Wenger but many of us are now losing hope with the team. Hope the Arsenal board, may the true Wenger Kenyans fans belief in wake up from the dream...Otherwise we can wait next season excuse ..
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Posted by Owolabi Tobi on 05/07/2009
Yeah, i believe it's hightime Wenger realise that expecting the present crop of players to win against big teams is far too much of an expectation.he is a good coach, alright but he should know he needs better players to win big matches.
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Posted by jayson on 05/07/2009
Its time Arsene woke up and smelled the coffee! The youngsters are good but not good enough. They need blending with a few more experienced players the way ManU has mixed them. We cant afford to go another season without a trophy and this team as presently constituted cannot win trophies.
Where i come from,Nairobi Kenya,a fan was so gutted in the manner of defeat he hanged himself!It was utterly humiliating.
HE must get a tall defender, a midfield enforcer and proper cover for Clichy. Why didn't he play Eboue from the beginning?! The kid Gibbs just almost died of stage fright!
You can see the difference Arshavin has brought the team and am sure had he been playing, things could have been different. Arsene please stop killing us slowly!
It is however not true to say none of Arsenal's players can get a number in ManU.Why does Sagna keep on sending over ineffective crosses that have never borne any result! Wenger cant see that Sagna needs to get to the byline before cut back! Amazing!
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Posted by Abdulaziz on 05/07/2009
The most important point you made was that this team is judged based on Wenger past teams.Its as if everyone is scared of making these changes to the team . Wenger should realise buying 2 or 3 experienced players would not mean abandoning his philosophy but these youngsters need someone to learn from.
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Posted by adikaibe emmanuel on 05/07/2009
Honestly speaking i was really disappionted i my arsenal following thier exit from champions league by manchester united.but i still believe in my young stars.they have a very bright feature.actually to be sincere with my manager he has really proved to the whole gunner fans that he his really the best for gunners,but he should bear in mind that this young stars can only help him win the premiership but as for the champions league i think they need to learn a lot from more exprienced players i mean,some more experienced players need to be injected into the squad.
furthermore,i advice wenger not to sell any of those players because they really have a bright future.they need more time to play together as a team.they can do it, yes we can gunners
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Posted by adikaibe emmanuel on 05/07/2009
Honestly speaking i was really disappionted i my arsenal following thier exit from champions league by manchester united.but i still believe in my young stars.they have a very bright future.actually to be sincere with my manager he has really proved to the whole gunner fans that he his really the best for gunners,but he should bear in mind that this young stars can only help him win the premiership but as for the champions league i think they need to learn a lot from more exprienced players i mean,some more experienced players need to be injected into the squad.
furthermore,i advice wenger not to sell any of those players because they really have a bright future.they need more time to play together as a team.they can do it, yes we can gunners
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Posted by donpussy on 05/07/2009
TELL DAT STINGY WENGER 2 BUY QUALITY PLAYERS AND HE SHOULD STOP DECEIVING HIMSELF BY BUYING PLAYERS FOR PEANUTS TRAINING DEM AND LATER SELLING 2 ODA CLUBS THEREBY MAKING PROFIT 4 ARSENAL AND NEVA WINNING ANYTHING TAKE D CASE OF ASHLEY COLE WENGER CAN NEVA WIN ANY TROPHY WITH DOZE SKOOL BOYS
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Posted by Han Edison on 05/07/2009
Wenger should recruit experienced players. Next his game reading is sometimes wanting. I did not expect an all attaching game against a team like MANU yet Arsenal defence was so porous. Remember fans here in east Africa predominantly suport Arsenal, we are thirsty for a cup at least to revive our morale
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Posted by riadhijazlan on 05/08/2009
Why everybody was so harsh to Arsenal? we were very unlucky on both semi finals be it the FA cup or the CL. If Almunia was between the stick versus Chelsea, we should won the match. Our player of the season, RVP was also injured during these hard time. Kieran Gibbs slips was hugely unlucky. The 2nd goal was magic, nobody could stop that bullet. We start very brightly, the prove that we are a great team. We just very very very unlucky we conceded 2 in just 11 minutes.(because of the slip n the magic goal) If gibbs dont slip, i believe everybody will singing praise Arsene Wenger now, just like everybody bitchin' bout him right now n we will be the favorites to lift the CL. Come on guys, give em a break. We will bounce back harder next season.
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Posted by David McCarthy on 05/08/2009
I am probably not as qualified as you to make such comments but I played football in lower leagues from age 7 to age 37. I qualified as a ref and I have coached. More importantly I'm a business builder in my career.
Building a business isn't totally dissimilar to building a football team; the main thing is to set up a plan and work by that plan until it proves unworkable.
Wenger, more than any other football manager I can think of has played a major role in setting up his team for the next 30 years. He was aware that to build a much needed new stadium he had to forego big money in the transfer market so he built an assenbly line for youth talent to carry the team through until they are able to match Man Utd, Chelsea et al in attracting top talent.
As a fan I'm patient because since watching my first match at Highbury in 1948 I've seen many ups and downs, much lack of direction and managers too keen to line their own pockets. My money is still on Wenger to produce the goods
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Posted by simon on 05/08/2009
They are out in UCL because the sand king cant play, i believe they will come back in the next season. ARSENAL!!!
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Posted by Mahen on 05/08/2009
All the supporters are frustrated with the result.I think we need a combination of experienced and young talent to move the team to the right direction. Wenger should go out and get some players. Eventhough this may incur some cost but in the long run, you would not lose any supporters which is bad for the club itself.Comparing their game now and 4 years back I beleive we lack of speed in the front, stronger challenges in midfield and a good defense. The team rely too much on Fabregas to put thru those important passes that produce a goal.When we had Henry, goals were coming so easily as he can beat the defense with ease due to the speed the support from Pires and Ljunberg made things much more easier.I think Wenger had planned to do the same by using Rosicky,Adebayor and Eduardo but it backfired due to injury. In conclusion we need a strong holding midfielder like Flamini, a good central defender to replace Gallas.
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Posted by Benard M N on 05/08/2009
Wenger should stop being stingy why are we always selling our best players every season but nt buying anyone..we need some experience 2 gel in with the youth!our defence also needs a radical surgery and why the hell did we let flamini go??
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Posted by Stefan von Gifu on 05/08/2009
Curses to (nearly) all you winjers.
Take a step back and look at the roster more rationally and you will see the quality. And stuff it with the comparisons to ManU...they may have quality but are also a very fortunate team as well. How did they ever know Ronaldo would grow into the player he has? He'll be out of Premiersite next year anyway so let them be. Here's a more sober (and affordable) analysis:
A healthy Clichy would most certainly have made a difference; ditto goes for Gallas and the unfortunately prolonged absence of Rosicky. Had Fabregas stayed fit the synergistic Gunners would have stayed in that wonderful vein of form that keeps us enlightened to football played beautifully. Wenger continues to produce 'the goods' as witnessed by his signing of Arshavin. Add a hard man defender to spell Toure (though he should stay too) and a ballwinning central midfielder WHO PLAYS FOOTBALL & doesn't just destroy, plus the ever-evolving core of young talent & viola: 2010 Campeon! Believe!
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Posted by Max S'pore on 05/08/2009
You really believe Arsenal can win anything with this crop of players? dream on, Arsene, take a look at MU & learn a lesson or 2 from Alex. Why hang on to Adebayor, he is selfish, clusmy clown, also stop passing the ball around the opponents goal mouth, look at Ronaldo & Rooney, the moment they get the ball they dash toward the box. I am sick & tired of supporting this club who give the same excuse years after years.
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Posted by Eric Badasu (from Botswana) on 05/08/2009
My beloved Arsenal fans, lets face facts here; the gulf in class between the current Arsenal squad and the top 3 is vast...& we just cannot compete with them.Out of 10 games with Chelsea, Lvpool, or ManUre I can guarantee Arsenal can only win 3 against, respectively..provided those 3 teams are having an off day or the games are not that "important".
CLASS is permanent, FORM is temporary.
There's no leadership or passion in the squad either.We just see a group of very lazy school boys running aimlessly.Wenger's tactics are sometimes very wanting too.I expected a two line of 4-4 defensive work against United at Emirates after such a close shave in OT..but Wenger's impudence and arrogance of promising "a magnificent display" only lasted for 5min b4 the true class of ManU was established.
Go buy players Wenger & stop lying 2 yaself that TW14 can b as good as CR7 or Ade as Tores.We demand quality players in all areas.Wenger shd stop protecting his job with promises of youngsters!
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Posted by alex on 05/08/2009
the fact that anyone wants wenger to leave is crazy. hes an amazing manager and if they can get a dominant CDM for next year and keep people healthy than they will be in contention for all of the titles next year
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Posted by soccerobserver on 05/08/2009
Arsenal need to buy some experienced players to complement the young ones. Defensively, the team is not strong. The CBs should be changed and a top class defensive midfielder is required.
Arsene also needs to get a left winger who can deliver in case walcott goes missing.
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Posted by Mike on 05/08/2009
David Mcarthy..Thank You...!!!
That's what I'm talking about. A balanced and logical view of what Arsene has done for this Club we perport to love.I was at the Emirates on Tuesday. My first match was in 1969, Arsenal v Everton 3-1. I have since moved abroad but I managed to get a ticket for the match and I jumped.To be honest, I didn't really expect us to do much against the Mancs. They have been there, done it over and over. There was a huge gulf in experience, not class. We badly missed Gallas on the night but our team is also gaining experience and will get there. Keep the Faith with Wenger!
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Posted by Darren on 05/08/2009
Looking at our Club history:
League Champions (13)
FA Cup Winners (10)
Charity/Community Shield Winners (11+1 shared)
European Fairs Cup Winners (1)
European Cup Winners Cup Winners (1)
It is quite obvious that Arsenal has been successful domestically.
However, it is not the case when it comes to winning trophies outside the premier league. Even during the days where we had great players in the club, winning the coveted European cup or UCL was not something we could brag about. The only bragging rights we have apart from our domestic success is the Cup winners Cup...
My point is; we dont have the experience or the know how to be there with the elite yet. But all is not in despair, we have already reached the final once and now the semi final. That is progress to me...During Wenger early reign, we were only able to be at the q-finals stage at most. I am sure we will win the UCL one day, that much i have faith in Arsenal. It will take time but we will get there....
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Posted by Abdul Karim Isala on 05/08/2009
Am an Arsenal fan for now 10 years. I was also disappointed, but not surprised that Man U went through. I will also add my voice to say, Arsene Wenger must learn the hard way from that result. Without changing the back line and getting a holding midfielder to replace Flamin, Wenger should expect no silverware for another 3 years.
He really made a grave mistake to to instruct the young team to attack wholesale with such a lousy defence. I think Wenger needs to read more about modern football tactics before he can hope to counter his rivals (Man U, Liverpool, & Chelsea).
The arrival of Mourinho in English soccer changed the way football is now played in England. Defence is now more important for any title challenge. If you look at all the top 4 teams in the Premier, Arsenal has conceeded more goals than any other top club.
It is high time Arsene Wenger considered the distrout Arsenal fans are going through
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Posted by michelw on 05/08/2009
Quite the firestorm of posts. Despite 2 gutting defeats I am serene. The team's League run since Xmas has clouded fans' vision. Last August, did anyone really believe we would challenge for a title 08-09? The why the outrage now? Have Arsenal not improved this May compared to last year when the team flamed out before end March? No need to throw baby out with the bathwater. A mere handful of players are required. The need has been the same for several seasons now. Tall, physical centre back. Physical holding midfielder. Clinical 18-yard box finisher (I'd hoped Adebayor was that player, but 07-08 is looking more like an exception than the rule). We have so many bright young players coming up, especially playmaking midfielders. We don't need them all. Sell to raise funds. Add club money to the kitty. There will be outrageous transfer sums asked this summer. Records will be broken. Arsenal must be careful. Debt mortgages the future. A few players at the right price to keep getting better.
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Posted by Richie on 05/08/2009
I agree with most of the comments that have been written by the arsenal fans. I am a gunner for life but it is get frustrating, to be waiting for arsenal to win a title for so long. I think it is time for arsenal to review their polices, it is time to buy some players with experience who know what it takes to win trophes. The defeat the other night was one of my worse experience watching football. It is hard to acept that man u is so far ahead of arsenal, it is time to act.
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Posted by Dipa Wibisana on 05/08/2009
Who makes u an Arsenal fan? If Arsene does, then just shut ur mouth. Trust him like u trust him before. How many of you really know how the financial of the club is? I guess not many. Think as a business man for a day and think if u in the board committee what would u do in the current situation? There is something called opportunity cost and overhead cost to consider. If wenger say to you wait for 2-3 years and we can get double or treble or even just a champions league title with no additional cost, would u?
Please don't get me wrong really. I want them to win trophy as well and i do belief if they can't walk the talk by mid of next season they need to bring one central defender and one midfielder.
What i'm trying to say is they are in the transition period. Please be patient. Departure of key players has cost us a lot. Please remember the changes are constant. the invincible squad, the henry, then flamini and hleb. I'm just hoping the key player this season are not going anywhere
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Posted by Thomas on 05/08/2009
Agree partially. Are you trying to say Fabragas, Sagna, V Persie are not as good as Fletcher, O'Shea and Park? Come on, you must be kidding... But I do agree that the Arsenal team today is lacking creative players who "make things happen". A young team needs time to develop. Right now the most crucial thing is to keep the current squad. It's a shame to see another Hleb, Flamini, Cole, Edu etc nurtured in an Arsenal shirt and then jump ship when they can stand on their own.
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Posted by KABIR on 05/08/2009
I AM NOT HAPPY WITH WHAT I SAW ON 5 AFTER ARSENAL LOST TO MAN UNITED, IT WAS A SAD DAY TO ME. BUT I WANT ARSENE WENGER GO OUT THERE AND GET SOME NEW PLAYER, PLEASE BIG BOYS.
MR. RAJI KABIR AJIBOLA.
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Posted by Filip on 05/08/2009
You guys either never played soccer or do not know how team sports work. YOU BUILD YOUR TEAM if you want to achieve supremacy. MANU have had the same team, with a few additions here and there, for the past five years. Let the kids play first. They needed this embarassment so that next time they'll be able to prevent it. This team needs only two more players - an experienced BIG centre back and an experienced BIG defensive midfielder. That's it. Sure, Essien would be nice, but they'll never sell him.
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Posted by Rich on 05/08/2009
...everyone and mum has an opinion on what arsene should or shouldn't do regarding the team and where they go from here! the realty is that maybe we weren't strong enough to compete with man u this past season but who was? they're arguably the best team in the world right now and sir alex has built that team on a different philosophy! i think that many fans are quick to jump on the bandwagon calling for wenger's head but who do you bring in? we bring in a new manager! then what? bring in new players? you've still got a season or maybe two of transition where the team may not gel together and create instant success! the premiership is unforgiving and success for the top teams is a must but looking at wenger's record, i think it speaks for itself! i too am disappointed of another season without silverware but to cry mutiny and jump ship at this point would destroy all that wenger's built over the past 3 or 4 seasons! i believe that we are on the verge of success for years to come!
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Posted by tshepo on 05/08/2009
We all seem to agree on one point, our dear Arsenal is not living up to our expectations, however, most of us are suggesting that we "buy",but WERE WILL THE FUNDS COME FROM?...
No one seems to be willing to offer ideas on how we can fund raise to get the "so" called new strong players. Why should we go on a spending spree when we have been trying to "build" a team since the like of Henry left...
We need ideas that are practical and purposeful, if we can't get the money to bid for high-value players, there is only one alternative, lets wait our turn to start wiining things which should come in the next 2 years.
Now we have arshavin, i think, we got nasri and we might get one or two in CDM and/or CB then we will be on course. Lets be faithful to wenger and his methods...he will repay us for this kind of FAITH in him...naturally faith always pays back, not panic!
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Posted by Eirepaul on 05/08/2009
This result wasn't unexpected, even though we were all truly hopeful, of course. I think we need one additional quality player for each of the lines - a central defender, a defensive midfielder, and a forward that can consistently finish. We are fine on the outsides up and down the pitch. Do we have the patience for the youngsters to develop or do we buy? I say we buy only when the right players are available - in the meantime a youngster or two may step up and fill their obvious potential. Balance, trust and patience are the keys - Wenger is no fool.
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Posted by lamin ceesay on 05/08/2009
ITS TIME TO GIVE WENGER THE AXE,HE IS MAKING THE CLUB A LAUGHING STOCK.THE BLOOD OF THE KENYAN FAN IS ON HIS HANDS.GIVE HIM THE LAST CHANCE FOR NEXT SEASON SO THAT THE SOUL OF THE POOR KENYAN COULD REST IN PEACE.AMEEN
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Posted by arsenalbabe21 on 05/08/2009
I'm not sure why all you "fans" seem to find fault with Arsene in tha matter of being "stingy" and such things. He's given a budget to work with. I don't see how the fact that the board hasn't given him 70Mil Euros as a war-chest makes him stingy. What have you guys been drinkin?
He's an excellent manager and given the same circumstances I'm wondering if SAF or Morinho could do any better?
Yep, if we can get a couple of tough first rate defenders and an excellent holding midfielder, all with experience it appears that what we have now would be able to probably do more than just compete with ManU, Chelsea and Liverpool next year.
But, given paying off Ashburton Grove and the struggles with the board and their desire to run a fically sound corporation I'm not seeing this as Arsene's lack of ability. I wonder if Ramos, Morinho, Benittez, SAF, Guardiola, Hitzfled, Magath, Hiddink or van Basten could do as well, in fact. Look at facts, please.
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Posted by Oliver Chettle on 05/08/2009
What utter nonsense it is to call the Premiership "a very weak league indeed". This season's Premiership is probably the strongest league there has ever been anywhere in the world. Never have the world's best players been more concentrated in the top few leagues than they are now, and once again we've done better than our only rivals for the status of the world's top league, La Liga, in the Champions League. And unlike five years ago the points spread in the Premiership is no worse than in Spain - and Spain has a Big Two, not a Big Four.
The only thing wrong with the Premiership is that the Big Four are too dominant - and that is ENTIRELY down to the structure of the Champions League. We have a wonderful league, and the only thing needed to make it even better is a major overhaul of the European competitions, which currently damage every league from ours to Macedonia's (which has had the same champions nine years in a row, because the same team always gets Macedonia's UEFA handout)
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Posted by Gunnersharpy on 05/08/2009
Some of your comments are spot on, but to suggest Cesc couldnt make the Manchester starting 11, you need to pull your head in.
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Posted by Brett on 05/09/2009
There is a comment in here that everyone who is having a shot at Arsenal should read (David McCarthy). All of you armchair critics need to pull your head in and get a GRIP.
Very few of you supported Arsenal before Wenger came to the club, and about the same amount remember Arsenal in the 70's and 80's. Its high time the supporters started actually supporting!!!
Wenger is more than a coach, he is a shrewd business operator, who takes good care of our club. He does things with the interest of the club (NOT THE FANS) at heart.
If u dont like what Wenger is doing, then take ur fair weather supporter attitude elsewhere. Spending money is definately not the answer. Wengers altruistic attitude definately is.
For your information, Song has had a great year and is looking every bit the CDM that everone is crying about.
Anyone else who wants Wenger to "think of the fans" need to themselves think of Arsenal. We r not a rich club, being self-sustaining economically is no 1.
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Posted by evanhim on 05/09/2009
As a die-hard arsenal fan, the question remains,experience over ability. hey we tired of excuses where you think am from? that is not how how we do business men! Arsene Wenger aint fooling nobody, he knows what the facts are, get it rigth or out.
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Posted by chris p on 05/09/2009
Injuries are a part of the game, although it is not a valid excuse for the performance against Man U cuz every team suffers them, it can be said that the Gunners had some bad luck/timing with them this year. As said before if Cesc didn't have the long term injury he had his year EPL table would look a lot different this year. Also the make shift back 4 hurt them in the FA cup (especially w/o Almunia) and the UCL. A healthy Gallas and Clichy would make a world of difference since they are the glue to the back 4.
Economically speaking Wenger has the right plan. The club is still paying off the debt from building the new stadium, which has to be taken from the transfer budget. He is buying players at a fraction of the cost as the 3 clubs are (Arshavin and Bendtner once he learns to finish).
The bottom line is you can't fault Wenger for the way he set the club up for the future and at some point under his reign, probably with most of the current roster, he will be lifting the UCL trophy
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Posted by Tim on 05/09/2009
I have been an Arsenal fan for 15 years and still have faith in the club. To say that Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have ANY SKILLS above the players that Arsene Wenger has assembled is short-sighted and foolish. They are aging relics in a young man's game... It is clear that Ryan Young is not deserving of his paycheck as a Premier League analyst. The truth of the matter is that Manchester United poaches players from the Premier League, such as Dmitri Berbatov and Louis Saha (if you can remember that far, I doubt it) whereas Arsenal takes the time to develop a full squad from youth. If Arsenal is able to maintain the current group of players that they have, I have no doubt that they will win many trophies in the near future. Given our current squad, it is impressive that we reached the heights that we did. True Arsenal fans need to be patient, Man Who, Liverpuddle and Chelsellout will age and run low on funds; a prudent, long-term plan always succeeds.
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Posted by Mark after dark on 05/09/2009
I am very happy to see the 'Iberian' Arsenal get through to the final to play Utd. The similarities of play between wenger's team and Barca, are there for anybody to see, and their 96 minute commitment to their attractive, attacking pass and movement game in the face of the obstinate defensive game of ex Mourinho's Chelsea, was fantastic to behold - not to mention the 100% strike rate i.e one shot on goal for one goal!!! Whilst we have been their feeder club for many years it they did manage to return the favour with young Cesc. So I will be happy to have a team to cheers for come the final. Go Barca and go Arsenal in 2010!
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Posted by Edward on 05/09/2009
Arsenal need to understand that does boys are too small for all competition they need more matured players that can make it happen..
Edward
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Posted by Dikesh on 05/09/2009
I just have two things to add. Firstly All teams have injuries, yet most seem to be able to cope with them because they have quality depth in the squad, whereas Arsenal have a talented but untried 18 year old in the mix. Look at the likes of Liverpool- they've had Gerrard and Torres out, Manchester United have had Ronaldo, Rooney, and Rio out at some stage this season. For us to turn around say, we are unlucky because we have this many injuries is rubbish- thats no one elses fault except for Aresne for not having enough foresigh to see that this could happen.
Secondly- Arsenal are too light accross the entire pitch- theres no solidity to the back line, no one to plug the gaps in mid field, as a result theres no one that can put in a crunching tackle. I believe we need someone of Vidic's strength, and someone like Essien. The two of them, have proven themselves week in week out all the while their team scores goals.
But, talk is cheap- as it up to Wenger as to what he wants/needs.
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Posted by panggau_boyz on 05/09/2009
nothing much to say.....hopefully they can trashed chelsea tmrow night....i am a very die hard fan af arsenal...yes...in thier last game..i can only seat at mamak shop almost wipe my tears in the crowded of mu fan cheering up...an i play both fifa 09 and winning 11 game on my psp to trash other team to clear my frustuation funny ha..and yet i still belive wenger need a new plyer for attacking..and a very strong defender..as for gallas and clichy is on the bench..honestly..adebayor...is out of form..and y wenger never try to pur arshavin and van persie as a attacker and walcott and nasri and fabragas on thier back? try tis out on the few match and see the result...good luck gunner
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Posted by Michael Archer on 05/09/2009
I am bitterly disappointed with the way we lost over 2 legs and freely acknowledge that we need replacements at the very least in central defense and defensive midfield. However I do not see many rational suggestions. Everybody is proposing that we spend for established stars, which we simply cannot afford to do.
A decent level proven performer is going to cost at least 10 Million and if he is UCL quality more likely 20M. For us to go out and buy 4 players of that quality is impossible, without bankrupting the club. We would need a billionaire owner like the other 3 clubs have, although I really don't like what has been done to those clubs. If the owners leave another billionaire must be found to save the clubs with huge debts. Boardroom splits and takeovers are very distracting and quite possibly cost Liverpool the title this year and in the worst case can bring your club to the brink. (Newcastle, Leeds, Southampton...)
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Posted by Michael Archer on 05/09/2009
I believe that Arsene was on the right track. Having reached the final of UCL in 2006 (first time ever in clubs 123 year history) we had critical losses in the form of Flamini, Hleb, Campbell, Cole and Henry (as well as Pires and Ljunberg). This was too many players to lose at once. Given that we can't just buy all new replacements he has to develop new players to fill the holes, this has basically set the program back 2-3 years. The main issue is how do we ensure we don't lose the next crop of decent prospects before they have fulfilled their potential ? He's trying his best to sign those young players to long term contracts and get them to buy in to the philosophy, but it will never be easy for sure. Next up will be RVP and Fabregas who will question the belief and wonder whether they should be somewhere else.
I believe Wenger is on the right path and I also believe there is not another manager in the world who could execute on this plan...
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Posted by Mark Laughlin on 05/09/2009
I am as disappointed as anyone. But how can we expect to spend the money United does and not risk a worse fate in the future? The program is about building quality from within the Arsenal way. We beleive in that. I don't have the answer. I'm just frustrated. I will say that if Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie could finish like Andrey Arshavin or even Nassi or Gilberto, we wouldn't be having this discussion. We'd be talking about this season's injuries and the bright future of our youth. Go Gunners!
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Posted by presley teo on 05/09/2009
I wouldnt say that wenger hasnt done a good job. he is the first manager in the current era who brought a squad that went a whole season undeafeated.
how many managers has did that? not many. and thats in the premier league fyi.
so as arsenal fans, we should believe in arsene wenger! he brought countless support for arsenal in recent years and we should also believe that he'll still deliver in the near future! we must oso remember that our midfield players in the man u game was oldest 22 yrs old if i didnt remember wrongly. 22 yrs old and competing in the most sought after trophy in europe! how many players get that chance and actually perform.
trusting in the younger players and we'll deliver.
in arsene we trust!
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Posted by JASW on 05/10/2009
Patience is a virtue, and today, it seems, that virtue it's been forgotten. As a coach and as a player, and a fan, I fully support coach Wenger. Time will eventually will give us the opportunity to see Arsenal as the best team in the league. Most players reach peak soccer maturity at about 27 yrs. The average in the team is well below that. Of course the team has not mature physically and mentally. Experience wise the team is basically at a 2-3 year level, can you say that about Man U or Chelsea?.
All top teams have a turn to be champions, perhaps it is not Arsenal's turn this year. Yes, I do believe that the need to add 1 or 2 physical central defenders must be addressed, but other than that, could we wait and see the development of this great young team for 1-2 more seasons? YES Of course!. V Persie, Walcott, Adebayor, Fabregas and the rest of this great young side will give us many years of great football, soccer, futebol. So coach: Drive On! here in America we support U 110
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Posted by Neil Dickson on 05/10/2009
I don't think people are taking into account the level of injuries Arsenal has had to endure over the past 2-3 seasons. Van Persie has missed countless games (makiing it harder for him to build on his form of 3 years ago), Eduardo and Rosikcy were great players for us in the midfield before the injuries, and our defence has been dessimated for a long time. All we need over the summer is one decent tall experienced defender (to make our defensive set pieces stronger) and a mature strong holding midfielder like Viera (Diaby in the future?). We may not be winning trophies but as an Arsenal fan for 30 years I love the way we play the game and I think Arsene Wenger has us on the right track. if its spending big money you want to win trophies then you should go and support a team like Chelsea who think money is the answer to everything. In life hard work and working as a team are what bring honest success! Go Arsenal 2010.
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Posted by David Shochat on 05/10/2009
I love Arsene and love Arsenal, but Arsene needs to stop being so stubborn. It is obvious that Arsenal does not have the defense nor midfield of the other big 3 in England. Adebayor and RVP are solid attackers (when they are healthy), but if you look at Man United they have 4 world class strikers, and in the EPL with the physicality, it doesn't hurt to have at least 3 world class strikers. As for the defense, besides Sagna, I have no confidence in it. Toure is getting old, Silvestre is old, Gibbs is too young to be asked to play in a Champions League semi. It is one thing for your bench to be comprised of young players whom you are developing; it is one thing to have young stars in your starting line-up. It is not ok to have young players you are developing in you starting line-up. Arsenal desperately need to address the defense and defensive mid-field this summer. Bring in Garreth Barry to anchor the defensive midfield and get some new center backs...
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Posted by Leo on 05/10/2009
Like many arsenal fans,I am very disappointed at the lack of trophies.4 years without 1 is to much for a club like arsenal.
However,people are forgetting that we did well in the league last year up until march before having a spell of bad games.We also nearly won the champs league in 2006 despiteplaying with 10 men so I truly believe that if we can stick with the current players,we can be a force next season or the one after that.
I understand we need to win something for the fans after 4 years but look at man utd.They won the treble with young players rising through the academy like Beckham,scholes,giggs etc..The 2 latter are still an asset despite their age.Given tha they are not first team regulars anymore,I believe that players who rise up the rank through the club will play more with their heart and passion than those that just came in.The challenge though is to keep the players we've got.It was wrong to let Flamini,Hleb,Gilberto leave (even though we didnt miss hleb too muc
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Posted by Leo on 05/10/2009
Plus the fact that we need the palyers to be fot at all times.Van Persie seems to be injury prone and eduardo and roscky have been long term absentees.I even dare to say we could have won the league last year if eduardo didnt suffer the horrific injury.We actually started our downslide of our bad run from the birmingham game.I believe that if all the arsenal players are fit throughout the season,we are good enought against the likes of chelsea and man utd.The problem had also been the strength in depth.We also still need to buy a defensive mid unless diaby or song could prove themselves worthy of taking that role.
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Posted by pablo on 05/10/2009
arsene wenger should spend money and build for the big boyz.allow adebayor should live asernal.
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Posted by walshak on 05/10/2009
As an Arsenal fan, I've had to give so many excuses for a couple of years now for the way things have been happening.Guess we have to be truthfull with ourselves.You can't do the same thing over and over and expect a different outcome.Arsenal was defeated handsdown.
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Posted by Blueberet on 05/10/2009
Haha...look at the scoreline now...Arsenal 1 - 3 Chelsea.......
has wenger proven to be a good in tactics? he won the EPL with good pplayers like henry, pires and solid defenders including tony adams. after departure of that era, nobody is ready to replace tony adam. I agree to invest in building youth and young players but it must be a balance in all areas of fields. Now, Arsenal do not have the young to take over whatever the previous era had left.
I am so upset by arsenal performance and demand a action against wenger. so many seasons without a single cup; is it one of the big four?
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Posted by rompi on 05/10/2009
we have a very good coach and the team is ok but we are lacking experience in our team its goona be great in the future but right now we need experience in seasoned players those that have played in the big leagues and on high level stages. look at the team of the Vieras, Gilbertos, Lunbergs, Beckamps that was experience right there...in the summer we need to blend the young team with some seasoned experience and i bet my life we will be back at the top of the English football...blend the team pls with some mature guys..look at other teams like Man U they have the Giggs, the Scholes just get some1 who can boost moral to this young team.
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Posted by Jim on 05/11/2009
The sad thing Wenger does not want to buy more experienced players when it's clear we definitely need some. Yes, we shouldn't spend money like crazy but should buy an experience centre-back and defensive midfield. I don't think Diaby will be that player, Song has the potential but we need one now, not years from now. Wenger, try to get Flamini back.
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Posted by Nesh on 05/11/2009
I jus don believe diaby,song,denilson can command the midfield on a permanent basis even in the future, they lack attitude n confidence...they need some1 like patrick viera/gilberto or recently like flamini...to help this youngsters(walcott,fabregas,nasri,bendtner,van persie n more) to win the balls in midfield n play the ball to them, that the problem for arsenal. I jus don believe that all the youngsters are bad...all of them are jus trying hard to help the team to win balls, thats when the pressure piles up, and they start missing clear cut chances, n getting tired as well and start conceding goals. Wenger just have to buy a strong talented defensive midfieder n a central defender tats 4 sure. And maybe a striker as well, if eduardo gonna be injury prone. Or not instead of rising the careers of all this talents, he is going to end up destroying them.
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Posted by Adam A.M on 05/11/2009
I COMPLETELY LOST THE LOVE OF FOOTBALL. I CANNOT ACCEPT AND CONTINUE TO ALLOW WENGER PLAY WITH MY EMOTIONS AND PASSIONS. OK ARSENAL MAKE MORE MONEY FOR YOURSELVES BUT PLEASE NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR EMOTIONS.
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Posted by nesline on 05/11/2009
Arsene, you saw wat happened yesterday. CHELSEA AGAIN!!!I mean not even my girldfriend breaks my heart the way you do with your selection... you have yourself to blame with the likes of fabianski silvetre and GIBBS.. I mean dont you have the fans feelins at heart even after one of us hungs himself. get real and for ones read our minds.....be open with your selection.....!
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Posted by Maran on 05/11/2009
This blog and the comments can go on forever as the loss to Man U was dwarfed by the lost to Chelsea last night. This match encapsulates the entire Arsenal story for the season. Outdone, outmatched, outwitted and outlasted by quality teams in the league. When they had a winning streak, I wonder whether it was sheer luck.
The game yesterday exposed everything. Anyone diasgreeing with David Young's comments on Arsene Wenger's stubborness and hopeless dreams must be foolish. Yesterday, he had shown that not only he had failed in building a credible Aresenal team, but failed in fielding a credible team. Fabianski - hopeless, Diaby- much more hopeless, Toure - lost all hope. Didn't it look like a depleted team. The players were running around aimlessly, devoid of any faith and loyalty. Although the loss of hope in Arsenal is not new, last night, I felt terribly upset by the attitude shown by the team. When will they ever grow up? Better to look for the good old Arsenal DVD.
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Posted by Dontmakeusbiggerwhingersthanchelsea on 05/11/2009
Why were these comments not being said when we beat Chelsea & Man U and drew with Liverpool twice at the start of the year? Full credit to a man who can take a young team and get them to play the best football in the world. Admittedly over the season our bench weakness has proved to be our downfall, but as has been said a careful selection of two or three good players will make a difference. Arshavin is a great start, Tevez & Ribery would be even better.
That said I can't wait for my son to be given the chance to play in a team at 18 and play for an FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League. Which other team gives young players that chance? Then again he could go play for some of these Super cashed up teams and keep a seat warm for someone else? That does not seem like a great way to play football.
Besides Barca & Chelsea would be only half the the team they are if not for the these same policies Arsene and Arsenal have kept year in year out.
Theres always next year! YEAH
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Posted by CRISPINO AUKO on 05/11/2009
It beats moral decadeds to see how Aresenal keeps losing matches in their own turf(the Emirates).This sends layal fans to commit suicide across the globe.Let Arsene Wenger Know that he has lowered the moral standing of Asenal as a team and fans are out baying for his resignation.The death of Kenyan fan (Omondi Suleiman Shows exactly how fans are dejected with this seasons results.
Arsene Wenger you owe Asrenal fans an apology to your disastrous performance.
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Posted by daninho on 05/11/2009
we are tired of wenger's style of making players and not trophies. wenger should please leave the club for a manager that is ready to win trophies and not making players
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Posted by dhananjai on 05/11/2009
all arsenal need is one centre back and one defensive midfielder and well be fine... we possess one of the best attackin players in persie, ade,eduards,walcott,fabre,rosicky,arshavin .. we need a commandin centre back & we need another viera
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Posted by ahmed on 05/11/2009
i guess saying that non of arsenal players would hardly make it in Man united reserve its because the will definitly make it at the first team, however i agree that we need to spend to win Trophies, only few addition such as centre backs , strickers and exprienced holding midefilder will do for the team to challange next season and thats what Mr wanger will do
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Posted by Eric Badasu (from Botswana) on 05/11/2009
Wenger has been an excellent coach, no doubt.But you guys who fail to see his glory days are over and rather calling for him to say are as deluded as Wenger himself.The gaffer has ran out of ideas..just look back at yesterday's humiliating defeat to Chelsea!Again the tactic of sending those lazy boys out there to run aimlessly like headless chickens for over 90minutes against a technically strong and powerful team like Chelsea is pathetic.Lost of ideas Wenger, no ability to study the strength of the oposition and apply the right game approach anymore?Lost in translation? Don't worry guys, just brace yourself for another heavy defeat against the United's Team C on Saturday at OT. There's no class at Arsenal period.Wenger needs to apologise to us and then be replaced immediately by Mourinho?Wenger has reached a point of diminishing returns and must go.My special fans, you are wasting your hopes on Wenger, he is too blind and too stubborn, he ain't gonna win anymore trophies for Arsenal!!
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Posted by Mike on 05/11/2009
I won't be long winded. But eventually potential has to lead to success. It hasn't in four long years. The time is now for the club to stop penny pinching and spend some money so we can compete with Chelsea, Man U and the other big clubs in Europe. I want to celebrate something not just watch gorgeous football. Lets go Gunners and spend some loot this year!!
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Posted by aau on 05/11/2009
I am disappointed for the performance of Arsenal, not only they are young but also they don't run and don't give pressure to opponent.
I can see ManUtd and Chelsea midfield or forward will chase the ball like a dog when they loss the ball at the front so the opponent defense can't easily hold the ball. But in recent match with ManUtd, I see Arsenal forward/midfield only stand in front of Manu defense and not really try to fight the ball. Young player lack experience but they should have more energetic, but we don't.
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Posted by paul and henry on 05/11/2009
is any one seeing what we are seeing.we just have attacking midfielders, poor centre backs and less convection rate, by our attackers. Arsenal needs fighters, may be another arsharvin in attack. did u notice the fall of kolo, remember him and sol. may be he needs a better pair(a man). why is diaby play left midfield? what is denilson doing in defensive midfield? gallas, silvester,diaby,denilson, should go and open spaces for new playes. i have my reservation on the choice of sagnal over eboue. wenger plzzzzz
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Posted by Nasir on 05/12/2009
Arsene .... please give us die hard fans something to cheer about in 2010. Maintain the current squad but maybe just 1 or 2 additional experienced players will do.
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Posted by Max S'pore on 05/12/2009
Arsenal need a major change over, starting from the manager, we supporters in Singapore are losing faith in him, the set of defenders he inherited from George Graham were the best, after Tony left, the whole fortress crumble.
we need backs that opponents fears to confront, Tony Adam, Lee Dixon, Winterburn & Martin Keown are the type that attackers fears the most. We're all running out of patience, I am sure Arsene will say the same old words, "we'll mount a strong challenge next season" & comes end of the season "we're a bit unlucky", c'mom AW enough is enough!
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Posted by Ambrose A on 05/13/2009
MR.WENGER CHANGE YOUR SQUAD SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY.
There is no doubt, Arsne built a very strong squad in late 1990s and early 2000s. The fact that Arsenal took many League, FA cups including doubles is a clear testimony.
Spending 5 yers without a silverware cannot be taken lightly.The cup building phase was acomplished at some stage.Therefore, the challange is the sustainability phase. Today for wenger to say that he is again on the building phase is simply subversive. Arsne's fundamental problem has been failure to timely to carry out annual audits and assess which areas need to be strengthened. in this case, some promising few young prayers are brought in to under study the aging stars who eventually take up the firsts team positions without negatively affecting the overall team pergformance. Star players such as Henry,and Flamini have left without proper replacement.
To be honest, Arsenal has had the most torerant Mngmt and fans. This has caused complacency.EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED
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Posted by Max S'pore on 05/14/2009
To be fair, I am not saying Arsenal must win trophies to prove a point, but at least we must be able to match MU & Chelsea, The talks about men verse boys is hard to shallow. The average teams in the premier league are no longer afraid of facing Arsenal anymore. Arsene trust me, abandon the child slavery idea, YOU NEED TO BUY ESTABLISHED PLAYERS and spare a thought for us followers.
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Posted by blue on 05/22/2009
I believe in potential and the young ones do have that- coming in fourth behind the big boys.
But not all young ones are stars. Look at Simpson and Sidwell. they are gone. Senderos might be going too. In short not all are going to make it.
Cesc is a star in the making, Walcott might be. But denilson and diaby seem more like squad players. AW should learn from SAF. These players are like Oshea and fletcher. Good to have and keep. But buy essien and have a proper first team and proper squad. Note SAF does well even with hargreaves on the treatement table cos he has a good squad. So keep your trainees, Most are going to do great as squad members but do buy one or two for the first team.
And If you can;t persuade flamni to stay, then buy someone. Since you have a good team basicially, this way you stay within the budget and avoid endless transition.
Replace the ones you sell. Selling one and is not going to bust the bank. You ought to have replace Helb with Arshavin immediately
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Posted by bhals on 05/23/2009
From my point of view, this team new culture it looks like a manufacturer for a professional football player, they bought these players at a very young age, and they feed these young players with a professionalism manner inside out of field, actor, great skill of football, experience in Europe tournament. Sadness thing is, this team try get rid of players who cannot meet the terms of 'sucessful' ala Arsenal when they reach at ages 24-25.
Some names likes Flamini, Hleb and Sanderos are example players how this team are creating a professional players in Europe, they end up at big Europe big clus and Arsenal worth a high cost. This is a good business expecially for team which just got a new stadium.
I have a suggestion that Arsenal have to bring in an experience international professional football boost up these young guns energy and an international moral footballing.
I love this team and always support for what they do to win all competitions at local, Europe and World.
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Posted by Anonymous on 05/24/2009
u know, i used to be patient and i would still enjoy watching out brand of football-beautiful. but now its getting ridiculous all of this.
5 years ago we wer crowned champs of england UNDERFEATED, now we only recently clinched 4th wen we wer behind villa 4 an extended period of time. we are inconsistend. Sorry arsene its time for you to go. dont get me wrong, your an amazing coach but your policy of the young players and not buying anyone is gettin ridiculous. i would also prefer a coach who is peformanced based. even if it means gettin mourniho 4 example.
a succesful team has a mix between experience and youth. manchester united have giggs, scholes, vander sar, and den youth with nani, anderson, welbeck etc. with a coach like ferguson or guardiola who can communicate with his players effectively
in the back we should buy: richards, lucio, even cannavaro
mid: alonso and in general jus experienced players, maxi rodriguez, ricelme.
we dont need any strikers
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Posted by ideh ikechukwu on 06/23/2009
i think the writer is right about his write up but for me i think the manager has a plan but should for the sake of the fans in nigeria he should please buy experence player in the midfield to completment the effort of song and dennilson and save we arsenal fan the disgrace of 4 season without winning anything because we are lossing our fan bases in nieraia
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Posted by Johnson Uche on 07/05/2009
calling all arsenal fans to be real, Wenger is only been picked on cos he won the double in his first full season so expectations are too high. Sir Fergie took Five years to win anything, you need to understand it is difficult to have a high expectation levels of a football manager, however, i think his biggest mistake ws the swift change of teams in 06/07 season this kids should have come in slowly, however the could only get better
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Posted by jones on 07/15/2009
wenger was given money to spend to recruit players,he refused ..what plans does he have for the team.please the solution is to sack that old fool called wenger.his tactics are old fashioned.you can never use those young,inexperienced players to win anything again at this age of football.look at how we were disgraced against man u and shelsea.this is ridiculous and arsenal fans cant take it anymore.Wenger please GO.We dont want u as manager anymore.
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Posted by chris on 08/04/2009
i agree with david. you have to mix youth with quality and experience if you want success. arsenal is not a team that should be happy that they got to two cup semi fianls and finished 4th. but i also wonder if wenger is building a team then why do u let the quality ones u have go. If helb and flamini and maybe gilberto were still in that team i know we would not have lost that way if not beat man u.would man u achieved anything if sir let ronaldo or ronney or vidic go? i dont know if wenger is really thinking if not we are going to loose more of our plyers.
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Posted by Anonymous on 08/06/2009
I THINK ARSENAL SHOULD START PREPARING FOR THE UFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE AS WELL COS SELLING MOST OF OUR PLAYERS WHO HAD A EXPERINCE WILL AFFECT AS EXAMPLE TOURE AND ADEABAYOR AND ARSENE WENGER HAVE TO ALSO BROUGHT IN GOOD PLAYERS WHO WILL HELP RAISE OUR TEAM LEVEL HIGHER THAN VIERA BECAUSE AS FOR ME VIERA IS NOT THE TYPE OF PLAYER TO REPLACE TOURE AND ADEBAYOR THANK YOU
Posted by IFEANYI OGU on 10/26/2009
WENGER SHOULD GO FOR FOR DE ROSSI OF ROMA,GARY CAHILL OF BOLTON,MAICON OF INTER MILAN OR VAN DER WEIL OF AJAX AND WE WILLM BE THE BEST
Posted by Anonymous on 11/06/2009
A agree with Mr Badasu. Wenger must go!
Spoken like a true fan sir! Any other insight. We have missed your opinion.
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About
Sam Limbert: My retirement as a football player came at the age of 14 due to being rubbish, it's fair to say I was more Kaba Diawara than Thierry Henry, so I turned my focus to writing about the game. I'm a lifelong Arsenal fan and have been lucky enough to watch the team across England and Europe. My favourite Gunner of all time is Dennis Bergkamp, and the 2004 Invincibles is the greatest side I've ever seen in English football. I try to be positive about the Arsenal as it's the hope that keeps us going! Follow me on twitter @SamsMatchReport.
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