ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Arsenal

Posted by Sam Limbert on 02/16/2012

Before the match with AC Milan in the San Siro, I couldn't decide what I expected from the game. My mind kept switching between thinking we could go there and win, similar to the way we did in 2008, and thinking we'd get walloped. Eventually, I settled on thinking we'd give it a good go but might lose 2-1, and at least give ourselves a chance of getting through in the second leg.

I should have chosen to expect us to get walloped. That way at least I'd have been less disappointed and wouldn't feel as let down by the team as I did after the match. I'd have been more accepting of the defeat had the Arsenal shown some fight, some application and some determination to get back into the tie. There's no scapegoat to place the blame with, and the result wasn't the sole responsibility of the manager. No-one was good enough and the team got what they deserved.

The big challenge has to be for this result to not affect the team for the rest of the season. Given how certain matches have led to our seasons falling apart in the last few years, I'm struggling to see how the players will pick themselves up from losing 4-0. If they don't, that defeat in Milan will be our last meaningful away trip in Europe for some time. The fans that travelled to Milan and sang throughout the game deserve better. Even at 4-0 down, the only singing that could be heard through the television were the away fans who were high up in the San Siro.

It would be easy to look at the four goals and say that we were unlucky for some of them, but that would be ignoring the larger issue that the team were dismal. The first goal came from a poor clearance from Szczesny, and then the midfield and defence were slow to react when Milan had the ball. One of the key things to do in the first leg of a knockout tie is to keep things tight at the back. We were hopelessly open and Milan were able to punish us with a chipped pass over the top for Boateng. The finish was good, but Boateng far too much time and space to attempt the volley. Ibrahimovic was offside for the second goal, but the defence didn’t chase back hard enough to put him under pressure and Robinho shouldn’t have been allowed a free header from the edge of the six yard box.

The third goal was probably the most unfortunate one to concede, with Thomas Vermaelen slipping at the key moment when he was about to close Robinho down, however it had been too easy for Milan to get into that position on the edge of the box. The penalty was a bit harsh as Ibrahimovic seemed to move his leg into Djourou, but had that been at the other end, we’d have been gutted had it not been given.

Realistically, the score-line should have been worse given the chances Milan had and how they eased off in the second half. Milan looked up for it, we didn’t. Even when we were able to control periods of the game and keep the ball, we did nothing with it. Robin van Persie was feeding off scraps and couldn’t get in the game in the first half. He had three half chances in the second, however that was the extent of what we could create for him.

Not even bringing on Thierry Henry at half time could salvage anything for us. It would have been unreasonable to expect Henry to be able to drag the team up by himself. The Henry of old might have been able to pick the ball up a long way from goal and make things happen, but as we saw at Sunderland, the current Henry is primarily a finisher in the penalty area. He was given nothing to finish. It appeared to me that some of the players possibly believed the potential for the Henry fairy tale and were just waiting for him to come off the bench and win the match instead of focussing on winning it themselves. It was a sad way for Thierry Henry to end his Arsenal career.

The way we appeared to be relying on Henry by bringing him on at half time seemed symbolic of the current problems with our squad. We had to go back to a club legend, who is nowhere near the player he was, to try and dig us out of a hole. It highlighted that proper investment in the squad is needed this summer. It was needed last summer and arguably in January. We made some good signings last summer, but also some strange ones considering who left the club. We’re relying on quick fixes to get us moving again as a club. Whether we’re in the Champions League or not, or if Arsene Wenger is the manager, this summer we have to have a proper shake up and be willing to spend money. I’m all for responsible spending and not wasting money on over-priced players, but we have to be realistic and be willing to spend those few extra million pounds that will keep us competitive in modern day football.

However we have more immediate things to worry about before the summer. Any spending we do will be dictated by the forthcoming three months. We have to just focus on the players we have at the moment and how they can come back from the horror show at the San Siro, not in the second leg as we’re all but out of the Champions League, but in the Premier League and the FA Cup. Once again we have injury concerns in defence, with centre backs now going down like our full backs were. We can’t expect to see Per Mertesacker back anytime soon, and Laurent Koscielny worryingly limped off in Milan. We really missed the calming influence of the big German at the back on Wednesday, and Koscielny has been our player of the season behind van Persie. Against Milan, Thomas Vermaelen looked like a man who has been playing at full back recently and John Djourou is nowhere near the form he was showing at this time last year.

A lot of people will point the finger at Arsene Wenger for the result. Yes, when you lose 4-0 you can say the manager should have prepared the players better, and some of the investment in the squad issues could be traced back to the boss. However the whole club need to take responsibility for a result like that, those above Wenger at boardroom level, and those below him in the playing squad. Once the players are on the pitch, it’s up to them to fight for the Arsenal and execute any plans. The team that Wenger fielded on Wednesday were good enough to be competitive in the match, to score, and to remain in contention in the tie. The vast majority of them let their manager, their club and their fans down.

Sunderland on Saturday in the FA Cup is absolutely massive for our season. Effectively going out of two competitions in four days could destroy our team spirit and have a substantial knock-on effect on our top four hopes in the league. This team have responded to bad defeats before, and have to do so again. Although we can’t afford to have another bad defeat that we then need to respond to again. The least we should expect as fans is for the players to give everything for the team and look like they want to win. They didn’t do that on Wednesday. It was immensely disappointing as much as it was saddening to see Arsenal take such a deserved beating.

As he’s leaving, I’ll finish with a Thierry Henry quote that the squad he leaves would do well to remember. “If you play hard and respect the shirt, they remember that.”

Comments

Posted by GoonerBear on 02/16/2012

The positive is now the team can focus on the Premier League. The players did not execute - and did not want it bad enough.

The back four looked bad, the midfield looked lost, the attack did not get a chance to even get involved. Blame Arsene for the lack of options all you want, the players he has in the squad could have - should have done better!

Time to pick themselves up. On to the next game.

Posted by Ifeanyi Udemezue on 02/16/2012

I now join the league of those asking for Arsene Wenger to leave. He has done enough and well for the club, for which any reasonable person would be eternally thankful. Unfortunately, it would appear that things have stagnated and that he has no fresh tactical ideas. No real progress in terms of trophies. But more worrisome is that there is no quality on bench each time the team has a problem. The squad has no spine and the manger must take responsibility. Perhaps, a new manager will freshen things up.

Posted by luqkie on 02/16/2012

The most irritating thing is, when arsenal loose, they moetly loose in an annoying manner. We all know their capability but they sometimes get predictable. The lack of confidence & leadership is another major issue. To me, walcott, ramsey, djorou are not too bright. Especially walcott, his inability to make good decisions is a major concern, as slow as hleb was, he was a better player in that position.
The Formation too is another issue, having one player upfront means, the flanks must be functioning well and the CAM must be very potent. We didnt have this at all, even when we had posession,there were no runs into the box,they wer all looking for a tight marked RVP..The blame goes to the players and mostly the coach..the team lacked character and leadership

Posted by Karl on 02/16/2012

I'm with you, Sam. Personally, I was appalled at the lack of cohesion and effort the team showed. Worse, still, is that once again our injury situation is leaving us exposed. There are some players on the squad who just flat-out need to be let go. Their commitment to the club is not in question, but their collective ability and performance has not been enough to justify keeping them. Moreover, at this point in time, Wenger, if he keeps his job, should have every available scout out looking for solid, experienced players to fill the gaps. If we have to pay a premium, so be it; but for once, it's time for Arsenal to go for the big signings ...

Posted by Francis on 02/16/2012

Rather than blaming Arsene Wenger, I blame the players who are not showing enough hunger, desire or even urgency. The way Ramsey was losing possession was very worrying. It appears that the short break for Ramsey was not enough. Gibbs is clearly not ready yet and losing both centre backs are not helping matters. Walcott is just too inconsistent these days, drifting in and out of matches.

All in all, it was so bad that I switched off my TV after the 3rd goal. Yes, we were that bad. We never got going, we never had a chance against AC Milan. I think it boils down to the same issues. The players don't look hungry, are not showing any desire and are not playing with any urgency.

Posted by Sam, Jakarta on 02/16/2012

We were outpaced, outclassed, outsmarted and out of luck! The way Ibra left Sagna with such ease and calmly pulled the ball back for Robinho to head home! Our great right back was clearly outpaced!

Then, what Manu Petit said was obvious! We were so predictable especially Theo Walcott.

So, why don't we stop praising our players. Such praise has been backfired! They didn't learn enough. They didn't practice enough! We should also stop praising the manager! He must realize he has not done a good job!

Posted by wesam on 02/16/2012

wallcott saw that henry plays it cool and doesn't want to do any running and so he chose not to run as well. henry had a very bad influence on the team. thewy wanna look cool, but they don't wanna go for the ball. gibbs only knows how to pass the ball back. song was yelling at him, "go up, not down" its arsen's fault. i knew we would get hammered, but i thought 5 nill not 4. go home henry and we'll slowly get back to playing football

Posted by Anonymous on 02/16/2012

Milan-Arsenal High School 4:0,unbeareable.I have no words,very angry.I had enough.Last year Spurs shot out the same Milan 1:0 and 4 years ago we dismantled a far better Milan 2:0.Where are we going?1 step forward 2 steps back.We're breaking records.The haeviest loss in 220 Europian games,8:2 to Man.U.It seems like some of the players don't want or don't know how to play anymore.We're bullied by Ibrahimovic all day and even little Robinho could score a header easily.High school stuff,very low.I expect to be bullied at Sunderland and go out in "vital week" and then another "unlucky" performance with Spurs.

Posted by titansgunners12thman on 02/16/2012

I barely watched this game. I saw the score prior to watching it, and was not surprised by the result.
No matter how you slice it, whether you say the team didn't play well, or didn't execute the plan laid out before them, it all falls back on Wenger. Stop apologizing for him. STOP IT! He is the head man and the team looks weaker every game. He wouldn't invest new players nor change tactics, and he should get what he totally deserves at the end of the season, Champion's League qualification or not- a pink slip. Just look at the man. He is on edge at the beginning of the game, and completely deshevelled by the end. He's going crazy himself. He doesn't have a clue. He refuses to do what he needs to do-address the defense and come up off some money- yet acts as if his plan will work. It hasn't, he's had no answers for quite a while now, I think he knows he's past it, and I'd be surprised if he doesn't resign as soon as the season is over.

Posted by DaveC on 02/16/2012

Wenger has reached his peak. We need a new manager to get Arsenal to a new level. It is easy to blame on the players, but who picks the team ? Who is responsible to set out the team tactically ? Here's what we have observed last night against AC :-

- a team with no leadership

- the OX was one of the better in form player with a better keep ball and creative skill, but he was left on the bench

- players were at a lost ( clueless ), no sign of clear game plan

- player weren't motivated ( it is the manager's responsibility to get the most out of the player. Look at the difference M. O'Neal did to Sunderland with the same set of players )

- the manager fail to identify player not good enough to get Arsenal to the new level and still refuse to replace them ( look at how quickly Harry Rednap made such decision )

Wenger was good at the earlier days of EPL, but clear he's not good enough to get to the next level. This is why, up till now he still has won anything in Europe.

Posted by Tornike on 02/16/2012

We can compare now this Arsenal side to the side that a few years ago beat Millan - the European Cup holder! Now we can compare and see how Arsenal have degenerated for the last years. This comparison speaks for itself

Posted by Kwesi on 02/16/2012

The possibility of bowing out of two competitions within a week, repeat of 2010-2011 season it seems. And every season for the past 3 or 4 years before that. C'mon Arsenal! Get in the game and get serious or get out!

Posted by Tausif Kaiser on 02/16/2012

Blaming Arsene does not change the fact that the players do not perform. He could have started with Chamberlain instead of Rosicky on the left side, but that does not matter. In the end it is down to the players to perform and against Milan they never did. I'm not saying that Arsene is completely blameless, but his job is to pick a team and believe they can perform. Unfortunately, that was not what happened at the San Siro.

Posted by Chris on 02/16/2012

Ramsey does not even deserve to be on the team. He is an absolute joke of a player.

Posted by I.Nace on 02/16/2012

Milan-ArsenalHighSchool 4:0.I'm an Arsenal fan of 40years & more so on the international arena,but this is unbeareable.I'm angry,embarrased & I can't find anymore excusses,can you Sam?I'm rarely negative,but this is a shameful,guttless,careless performance!I watched it from the comfort of home without spending,but those thousands of supporters in that cold & their money!Is it fair?Last year Spurs shut down 1:0 the same Milan,with a smart & effective plan & 4 years ago we shut down 2:0 a much better Milan.We're going 1 step forward,2 steps back & we've turned into an average team,just above high school level,easily bullied & beaten,who can't kick,can't head can't pass the ball.Yhe worst I've seen.No power,no imagination & no heart at all.We didn't win a header(oh yes 1 RvP),not an accurate pass,only sideway & back passes.I haven't seen a taem so weak,poor,unmotivated in knock out stages!This team doesn't wanna play.Every single player was below average.After defending the team & manager

Posted by zebra on 02/16/2012

thanks, Sam.

i am happy that you pointed out the cause of the first goal. nobody seemed to notice it. but clearly Sagna did not want the ball, played it back to Szczesny, who, under pressure, just blindly turned it over. normally Szczesny's distribution is fantastic, very fast and inspires us going forward, but Sagna was slow that day.

it's true though. we need to expect to win. just to retain some sense of integrity and pride. it was embarrassing how unwilling we were to play yesterday. we must demand that we win and expect it as fans, and help push the team to play at the level it can.

i agree, the team that we fielded yesterday could have made the game competitive. i almost didn't even know if Ramsey was playing. Rosicky did well enough for me and Arteta as well. Ox was sharp too.

How do we solve our defensive issues now, Sam? does Djourou start now? and can Gervinho's return inspire us enough?

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. Gervinho's return might help as he'll add some more pace to our attacks. Djourou will probably start on Saturday. At the moment, it's either him or Squillaci so Djourou is the obvious choice.

Posted by mwylie on 02/16/2012

Excellent post Sam. I agree, it's no time to curse players, manager or club. Every season has an objective. Arsenal's was to finish top 4 in PL (and hopefully as bonus have a decent Cup run). Nothing has changed since Wednesday night - these remain the objectives, which must be met with the players and manager at hand. Summer will be the time for inquests and big decisions. Does it hurt that this season's objectives are so modest? Of course - Arsenal used to have ambitions for far greater feats. Again, it will have to wait 'til after the end of the season to have a debate as to why Arsenal's aims have been lowered. Right now supporters have a job to do. After playing on a heavy, rubbish pitch in Milan, with two clear days rest the squad must return to a heavy, rubbish pitch in Sunderland, and they need our backing. So c'mon, put your poison pens down and back your club. Go Arsenal!

Posted by Ryo on 02/16/2012

Arsenal will not be where they are now without Wenger. Calling for Wenger's head is stupid. Do you want Arsenal to end up like Aston Villa, a club with great history but acheived nothing the last 20 years?

Arsenal is big, but not as big as Barca, Madrid, B.Munich, Milan etc. You should be grateful Wenger give you CL football every season in such tight budget. Look at where Liverpool is. People talk about stability and bringing up youth product. Thats exactly what Arsenal and Wenger was doing and once a few match result goes wrong it was suddenly Wenger's stubborness.

Until Arsenal pay off the stadium, then you can start keeping senior players like Henry, Vieira, Toure, Adebayour was and let them lead the younger ones. With a good blend of experience and youth energy, then you can start looking for trophies. For now, endure and be grateful of Wenger.

Coming from a Milan fan.

Posted by david fitch on 02/16/2012

Milan outplayed and outclassed Arsenal in every position on the field it took Arsenal an hour to get a decent shot on target thats how good they defended.no matter what Arsenal did they had an answer.I was surprised when i saw the line up it did not seem to play to Arsenal strengths mind you the three up front for Milan were unstopable.I think Arsenal fans will have to except that this team is more Europa league standard than C.L this is not the team that beat Barcelona this game highlighted this fact.I agree with you it is not one persons fault player or otherwise the whole club has to look at itself we seen that big clubs can go broke like Rangers but clubs also have to give some return to the fans who pay every week and it this balance that i think Arsenal have got wrong.My fear is now what Spurs will do to this team,also in the summer it's not who will be coming in but how many will be leaving that concerns me most.

Posted by Zack on 02/16/2012

I am in the same boat Sam, I was hoping for a close loss so we could take it to them at home... that certainly did not happen. But isn't it sad that we are now in a situation where we, the fans, are hoping for a close loss, rather than expecting a win? It saddens me to see how we, as fans, think like this at times. The recent loss to Man Utd, I was just glad we lost a close game, in scoreline terms. A couple years ago, any loss to them was just unacceptable, which is how it should be, losing to rivals should be unacceptable, yet I have unfortunately had to accept losing closely as a positive thing.

Well that is my little rant, what a sad day yesterday was, my friends saw me and asked "What is wrong man? You are always so positive and upbeat, we have never seen you so down, girl problems?" Nope, my team made me take a pill that was so difficult to swallow... Onward, I suppose.

Posted by youngGun16 on 02/16/2012

It was a very disappointing result, but we need to stay positive, as focus on the F.A cup match against Sunderland. This cup is probably the best chance for a trophy this year, and i think we can win it.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!

Posted by nick b. on 02/16/2012

Sam: Great article as usual and I couldn't agree more.

So unbelievably upsetting and apparently mistakenly I also believed that Arsenal could have at least gotten a draw out of that match, the team on the pitch was so much better than how they played it was unreal! When Arsenal don't use their strengths to their advantage and play without purpose in attack and defense, they lack any real threat upfront and look horribly exposed at the back. I cannot remember how many times this season I have watched Arsenal come out passing to slow and indirect in the 1st half and the thing it contributes to most is them giving the ball up and allowing the other team in the game.

Blame Wenger all you want, but the team is not properly executing his game plan and passing tactics! Sad and embarrassing!!

Posted by Dan on 02/16/2012

If...if this result does not demonstrate that Arsenal - the once continent-mighty Arsenal - cannot compete anywhere near the top tier of European football any longer, I do not know what else does. We have fallen by the wayside into mediocrity, Sam. How do you think that think this result will affect RVP's chances of remaining with the club? Surely, he must be convinced now that Arsenal are no longer a "credible" club...

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. The result will probably have a bad effect on whether RvP stays into next season, however as club captain you'd like to think he'll take as much responsibility for it as the other people in the club, so will be more determined to play well for Arsenal and fix it.

Posted by patrik bergstedt on 02/16/2012

Hi Sam,

Good assesment, dear Lord what a terrible evening. It wasn´t so much that AC Milan had the night of their lives but more like this Arsenal team just isn´t any better.

Fotball at this level isn´t beggars banquet and keeping in line wagestructure and nurturing young talent is all very well but doesn´t mix to well with high ambitions.

I`ll say it again, it´s a pity we didn´t buy Scott Parker and Gary Cahill in august for 18-20 milllions and added some well needed stamina, stability and strength in the centralline.

Posted by nick on 02/17/2012

the bottom line is they need a new manager this summer or to invest in some players that have the same quality as the invicible team the article that was written about arsenal lowering there standard of players over the years was good and would behoove all arsenal fans to read it. I love the arsenal and always will but something needs to be done to stop this fall from grace. rvp and wilshere will probably be gone if we don't qualify for the top 4, then we will be no better than mid table if we don't replace them!!
gunners for life!
nick

Posted by I.Nace on 02/17/2012

Milan-Arsenal High School 4:0!I'm a big Arsenal fan especially at international arena.This is the worst performance I've seen,in some 40 years.I'm embarrassed & very upset.I'm rarely negative,but this is below average, shameful, gutless, careless! What do think,Sam? I've been watching from the comfort of home,only paying the cable,but thousands of supporters spend time & money to follow the team in those winter nights & that's not fair to play like a high school boys.No power,no imagination & no heart.We're out, but not like this.We can't kick a ball,can't win a header,can't defend,can't create,side or back passes & no care to fight.We're going 1 step forward & 2 steps back.Whole team & the manager to be blamed.No plan B,no character.The pitch,the injuries,the luck,enough.Last year Spurs shut down the same Milan 1:0,while 4 years ago we disposed a much better Milan 2:0.We're bullied & beaten like boys by Ibrahimovic,Boateng & even the diminutive Robinho.No excuses to continue.

Posted by Qasim Hassan on 02/17/2012

Really stunning loss last night...as a faithful supporter I'm truly in disbelief how we played so poorly. Of course, there was always that sinking feeling that something quite awful like this would happen, but it's painful to see what Arsenal have become. At our best, we can still challenge most sides in Europe, but we just aren't the same. It's clearly a transition period and there has to be change all around the club, whether it involves the manager, board, or players. Sam, I'm curious to see what you think RVP will do if Arsenal fail to win F.A. Cup or qualify for UCL next season or if Arsene should be sacked/resigned. Frankly, I'm frightened he'll leave to a club seeking a striker of his class, and Arsenal may utterly collapse as a result. It was heartbreaking to see Fabregas and Nasri to leave, and if the same goes for Robin, I don't know what's next.

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. I think if we don't win the FA Cup, don't make the Champions League, and see Wenger leave then I think RvP will go too.

Posted by velonica guns on 02/17/2012

The players should be ashamed of themselves. I was expecting much better performance, very sad seeing how they played. Need new good signing in midfield and defense and maybe a big, strong striker as target man. Honestly I can't see they challenging for the title, if they don't want to spend

Posted by Kenneth Lim on 02/17/2012

I am not surprise by the result at all. As I mentioned week in and week out, this Arsenal team is simply not good enough and Arsene time is up with Arsenal. I cannot see him bringing the club further if he refused to invest a million pound more on good British players like Parker and Cahill. He keep relying on foreign players that are letting the club down. And for English player that he trusted - Walcott, he is simply not good enough for Arsenal.

Players that should be sold:
Walcott - cannot beat players, no confident, cannot cross well and cannot score.
Song - Not in the class of Viera. Did not provide strong cover for the defense and keep giving the ball away.
Arshavin, Arteta,

Posted by JR on 02/17/2012

Sam,

I have to disagree regarding "The team that Wenger fielded on Wednesday were good enough to be competitive in the match, to score, and to remain in contention in the tie."

We did absolutely nothing in the first half. In the second half at least rvp had a few half chances to trouble the keeper, that is because Henry was there to divert the attentions of the other centre half. This is crucial to us creating chances. We set ourselves out to defend like Sunderland did against us a few days ago, with a 4-5-1. That's a small team mentality, the lesser clubs of premier league do this all the time and they get beaten all the time. I know you are a fervent supporter of Ramsey, but he just doesn't contribute enough offensively to play in the Cesc position. It feels like Denilson playing in an advanced role.

The current formation is designed around Fabregas and is just not going to work without him pulling the strings, it is time to revert back to 4-4-2, what do you think?

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. With regard to the formation change, it might work, however someone like Song won't cover the ground the likes of Vieira and Petit used to. I'd like to see someone else with RvP, but who else in the squad would you realistically want up next to him now Henry has left?

Posted by Peter on 02/17/2012

Please,the old AW would b out of his chair barking out orders and shuffling,look at d bench,there is nothing to shuffle!Wenger cuts a lonesome,forlorn figure!He looks spent!This man dug a hole and jumped right into it!My opinion,when he had d chance to step up and refurbish d spuad,he let d Arsenal faithful down,this guy is done, finished!he cut his tongue to spite his face!

Posted by Dipo on 02/17/2012

We all knew it was going to come to this.
We got carried away when we qualified for second around topping the group.
This is not yet a team.
If we do not qualify for Champions league next season, RVP will leave and who can blame him.
More importantly, it will be difficult to get seasoned players to sign for us.
If we are to compete for anything next season, we must spend or be ready for another mediocre year.
We fans have become the laughing stock of other clubs, it shouldn't be like this

Posted by Ashish on 02/17/2012

It was so disappointing to see Wenger was sitting dejected in whole second half. For summer signing he already hinted that he got no funds. Wenger is through with his tenure at arsenal. Its time for change, change in accepting low level limits.

Posted by rees :) on 02/17/2012

i never EVER thought i would say this sam. but i dont think that Arsene is the man for the job. football is changing. and we need someone who understands a bit more. i always stood by him but i think its time for a change. i dont think jose would be a good replacement but i have heard rumours of bergkamp coming in to take the throne??????? what would u say to that. i think that would be incredible and am all for it

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. I would always welcome Dennis Bergkamp back to the club, in whatever capacity that might be. I think he'd need support if he was a manger and have others around him. I'd like to see Dennis on the coaching team possibly supporting Wenger.

Posted by Keith on 02/17/2012

Sorry to say, our season ended the day it started. We were never prepared for this season and it was evident when AW had to scramble to sign a few players at the eleventh hour of the summer transfer window.

It worries me when the board said financially we would be fine if we don't play in the CL next season. Are we already preparing for the worst in the mid of the season?

Sadly, Spurs has played so much better than us this season. They were able to hold on to their star player in Modric. They signed Scott Parker on a free transfer when we too had the opportunity to get him. Brad Freidel also joined them on a free... With Adebayor joining them on loan, they suddenly played with the kind of style when we were so proud of.

So, is Redknapp overtaking AW in terms of management and tactics?

Sam, do you know why some players performed better after they laft Arsenal? Eg. Adebayor (Spurs), Clichy, Toure (City), Senderos (Fulham)... These were the ones we wanted to get rid of.

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. Of the players you've mentioned, all of them played their best football at Arsenal. Adebayor has been good for Spurs, but only after being rubbish at Manchester City. He did score 30 goals in 07/08. Some have still performed well at other clubs because we arguably let them go earlier than we'd have liked, and there was a bigger financial incentive for them to leave.

Posted by Huangisme on 02/17/2012

Arsene shall go !!!!
I have been a big fan for arsenal for almost 10 years.

It was sad to see Arsenal been beaten like a kid at san siro.

well , you might argue is not far to ask AW to go; but Arsenal must be result oriented !! , he is responsible to deliver result which is trophy; no trohpy means no result.

AW shall do wat ever it take to make sure he deliver. We need a drastic change in the management !! BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Posted by Patrick Abbott on 02/17/2012

I was dissapointed that we did not recive an 8-2 bashing in the transfer window...because that was the only time Arsenal Financial Institution (Not Football Club) decided to spend some money...even without Medicals, I understand.

So now we have to hear that it is not a train smash if we loose out on UCL qualification because AFI have made provision...Ha Ha Ha

I wish you all the best in your new club RVP and thanks for sticking out all the lies thro out your stay.

Thanks for all the money saving and youth training Arsene but it's time to fall on your sword and allow someone who can spend money to take over and restore us to a football club who targets 1st place and not 4th place.

Oxlade...move on boy...Ur wating your time on the bench

Walcott...What a W...ker! When did you start playing football... maybe as a 15 year old...U have no idea when to shoot or pass...I suggest you play for England fulltime

Ashavin...No comment...wasting blog chars

Same goes for Gibbs

Posted by ns on 02/17/2012

What a dissapointing result....we were all talking about the changes, but no one is listening! The management only cares about the money, stop talking about Lukas Podolski, Mario Götze and Eden Hazard,they all will not come to Arsenal as stingy bosses will not invest on them.
Where is the last summer selling fund gone(>50M)?
Sam, how do you think? Will Arsenal invest on Mario Gotze, Eden Hazard and....?

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. I think we need to invest in those sorts of players, but it depends on who the manager is and who leaves.

Posted by Anonymous on 02/17/2012

lets be honest, djourou is not even premier league quality let alone champions league. he should have been sold off in january for a better defender. samba looks a good player that would fit perfectly in the back 4. he can alternate with mertesacker, both can win headers. ramsey needs a really long break, his passing was atrocious and he is less willing to make quick short passes instead opting to run with the ball and getting closed down. arsene wenger needs to focus on defensive play as although we have good players, they dont seem to know how to work together. we need wilshere back soon, no one seems to have the creativity to get through defenses since fabregas left. this season arsenal's main aim has got to be a TOP 4 FINISH!!!

Posted by Snipes on 02/17/2012

Rosicky, Ramsey, Theo and Jourou MUST go. We need men on this team not boys. I cant even finish my comments, been hurting for two days now. Bottom line wenger needs some fresh ideas and fresh legs.

Posted by Canadian Gunner on 02/17/2012

Good article Sam. I have to admit after yelling at the tv for the first half of the game, I turned the game off because I couldn't stand it.

I don't understand how we get around 50m in the summer for Fabregas and Nasri and can't find a way to spend it. If the market is a little overpriced, I guess you have to spend to get it. Its funny we sell Fabregas for 29m yet Mata was worth 40m. Maybe we need to learn to properly value players who want to leave to get the right money instead of cut rate deals.

Sam - do you think outside of RVP and maybe TV that we actually have any players that top European teams would want? In the past, we had a team of players that were envied, I think we have lost that. Also, how much more do you think people will put up with of Wenger saying the team is great and can win it all when since the Invincibles, we have been getting progressively worst by table position?

Keep up the good work!

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. Possibly Jack Wilshere could be included in that list, but otherwise there isn't really anyone else. I think some people aren't putting up with it anymore. For those that are putting up with it, I fear for most it won't be much longer.

Posted by Skydog on 02/17/2012

Ars have few area need to be improved. We don hv a reliable left back. Gibbs injury problem made him not up to the standard. Walcott has the pace but no skill. When playing against a team with good defenders, walcott don't have the skill to go pass defender, can't provide good pass and cross. He is too predictable. I don't understand since walcott can run so fast, why there is no technical coach to improve his skill? Sam, do you think Walcott has improved since 2 season ago? Is it Ars don't have good technical department to improve him? Our central midfielder is stable but take long to pass the ball around. In the past, Ars scored many goals through counter attack. I think that the way Ars play is too predictable. There are 3 key points to win a game. Surprise the opponent by keep using different tactics to confuse oponnent. Play in very fast pace like mancity or tottenham. Lastly, have potent strikers and long range shooter. Hope that Ars can improve in their pace and tactics.

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. I think Walcott has improved in the last two years, just not as much as we expected or hoped he would.

Posted by Skydog on 02/17/2012

There are many fans want Wenger to resign and ask to change all the players. Do you feel proud if Ars spend a big sum of money in order to win the trophy? In fact, I look down on such a team. We suppose to build a team to win trophy rather than buy a trophy. Wenger way of managing the club didn't work in recent year because clubs like chelsea, mancity etc are so rich. We are not able to compete with them in getting talented players. Chelsea, mancity and manu can pay high wage which is not possible for Arsenal. Many Ars fans grumble that Wenger did not spend on good player. Do you think star players want to come to Ars as we can't pay them high wage? Even spending 50 million pound on Torres didn't gurrantee success. We can't even keep our star players like Nasri and Fabregas. Is there a talented star player in market want to play for Ars? If not, stop blaming Wenger. This is not an easy job without fund. If Tottenham lost players like bale and modric, I don't think they can be in top 3

Posted by TopGooner on 02/17/2012

For all those calling for Wenger's head, I have a question for you. Who do you want to replace him with? Until you can find a realistic answer for that, I suggest you keep you support for our great manager of all-time.

Despite that, I think the underlying reason that led to our demise is how financial power has been imported into the EPL and technological advances. In early Wenger era, he was able to spot talent in lesser know clubs with top notch scouting network and great potential assessment, and also being able to gloom and retain their services up to their peak. While he still has his scouts and judgement, it is more difficult to lure those talent without other clubs knowing with all the interconnected networks nowadays and obviously we don't have the most attractive incentive for them to join. And once in a while that we successfully attracted some, they leave us before we can reap the profits.

Thus, we are stuck with second-rate players which leads us to our current position.

Posted by blave on 02/17/2012

Perfect summation as usual.

The painful defeat in Italy highlights once again the areas where the club needs to improve on and off the field.

I hope this message resonates somehow with the entire club top to bottom.

Eerie similarity to last season. The upcoming matches will be a real test of character of the current squad.

I truly hope we can salvage a top 4 finish and a respectable FA Cup run but not holding my breath.

Either way changes need to happen as you have noted. Appreciate your voice of reason!

Posted by Kevin on 02/17/2012

A depressing day. Watched the first half of the game on tape delay, and just wanted to hit something by the end of it. Couldn't bring myself to sit thru the second half. Made me so depressed. If we are having to wait for the end of pay-off of the stadium to begin recruiting and retaining our players, then we are in trouble. My question to you, Sam, is if Petit is correct in his assessment of the current players and the necessary recruitment, who are the types of players we could bring in that would create that culture? Hazard to me doesn't fit the bill, but what players are out there of champions level quality who are "unhappy" with their current club? Samba is the one that comes to mind for me, but I even question his a bit.We are feeding off of scraps with all the recently "wealthy" clubs floating around the leagues like PSG and Malaga, not to mention City, United, Chelsea, even Liverpool to an extent, tho their recruitment is suspect too

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. I think we need to recruit players that know how to win games and trophies. We need players that can consistently perform well and will actually give everything for the shirt in every game.

Posted by Titansgunners12thman on 02/17/2012

The worst part of all of this is the fact that I looked at Spurs on replay yesterday and they looked better than the Arsenal. Better passing, much better defense, more attack minded and with more attacking options, clearly better tactically, and are full of confidence.
They are playing our style, and have passed us using it. They have better players and have the look of a champion's league team. The Arsenal look lost.
Finally I am sick of hearing the excuses for keeping Arsene. Even if he were the winningest manager of all time, he would eventually leave. Why don't the Wenger supporters see that? At some point your time is up. Wenger may still be a great manager, but he needs a fresh start elsewhere as much as the club need it. I started watching soccer because of Arsene's ethos and style of play at the club. We are clearly no where near those bygone days. Let bygones be bygones. He's at wits end. Please Wenger leave to keep your sanity. I love you but your time is up.

Posted by Claud Nobbs on 02/17/2012

There is somthing wrong with the mentality of Arsenal.
The team need to see some sort of sports psychologist.
They need serious help.
Some players don't seem to want to win?
Are they secretly betting on their team to lose?
Something very starnge is going on.
Where is the will to win a match?
I am embarrased to admit that I support the club.
In fact I am looking for another team to support.
A team that give everything tp the cause and are proud to play for their club.
Any ideas?

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. Don't look for another club to support. You can change a lot of things in life, but not your football team. Things might seem frustrating but it could be so much worse.

Posted by TassieGunner on 02/18/2012

The primary purpose of a football club is to win games.

Arsenal are no longer pursuing this goal.

We have become a 'player development group', Gazidis has confirmed this.

Posted by Gooner on 02/18/2012

Now I truely agree in sacking Arsene Wenger.He is to soft to players who dont perform constantly. The player who have been captain for their country as wenger said was really poor and the only sparks are from the youngster ox. Only ox ,henry ,RVP and Kosc was playing the other we just passing and clueless. Its time to revamp the whole team and buy new players or sack wenger and get a boss like matrin oneil who manage to win with the same team. wenger dont know how to motive the time and he has become and old man who dont listen to peoples idea. arrogant old man.The is no desire in the team to even try, Song Arteta Remsy sagne gibbs walcott were no where they use to be. I dont know what else to say since no one listen

Posted by makun olayinka on 02/18/2012

i saw it coming before the milan game in the stadium of light at sunderland the team has this atitude of romanceing the ball and not going for goal.4-0 not a shocking result!

Posted by Charvakan on 02/18/2012

Where is it written that Arsenal has to win or it's a disaster? The player valuations and salaries are ridiculous. A team with a cheap owner like Kroenke is just not going to be able to do what the free spending clubs can. Wenger has been forced to realize just how bad it's gotten. Next year, if we can keep RvP, expect Miyaichi and Ox to start regularly. rosicky, Arshavin, and several others will have to find clubs elsewhere. The defense is not as bad as it seems just now. It needs some time to stay healthy and get organized. Central midfield is where we need some experience, skill, and steel. Wilshere is great, but we need a real leader, not another young guy who looks lost when things aren't going well.

Posted by Arsenal Army on 02/18/2012

This time I wish not to comment but I just can't resist.I always said that we didn't have a 'champion team attitude-mentality' and AW should focus on this.
We can play but we can't maintain our performance.Sometimes good sometimes bad.The player just play as what they want to play.The leadership and team management didn't exist inside the team.
They play but not meant to do the job.I think the best overall comment about Arsenal for this season came from Emm.Petit.He just said almost 90% true and enough for everybody even AW to understand Arsenal problems.
We been humiliated too much this season started from MU,most from bottom teams,and now Milan.Wait for Tottenham will crush us at our home like last season..then Liverpool.
The 4 defenders were getting worse and the midfielders definitely with no direction as of now.This is the time you got to pray more than you can do,I think! Better we out before we face Barca.Just don't want to meet Cesc+Barca with our current team performance.

Posted by Segun on 02/18/2012

I laugh at most of the comments here. You all talk as if you could chalk out US$10000 from your bank accounts.

Maybe you all should buy Arsenal FC and have managers buy players without returns.

Football (actually all sports) is business and purpose of business is to make profit.

Posted by John on 02/18/2012

They lack mental toughness that characterized the teams led by Vierra and Adams. Watching the grim determination that Messi showed when scoring Barcas third I said you would never see an Arsenal player do that, you can hate Man U their players are mentally strong

Posted by dazzwater on 02/19/2012

"Effectively going out of two competitions in four days could destroy our team spirit and have a substantial knock-on effect on our top four hopes in the league."

spoke a little too soon i'm afraid..

Posted by ramzi on 02/19/2012

Hello Sam! This was a gruesome result for us... One by one result starting with humiliating defeat at old trafford,A very terrible season for us... but I hope we can bounce back and notch the 4th place. Go go Gunners!!! (very half optimistic here...)

Any solution Sam? (after looking the continuity of of the lackluster performance vs Sunderland)

Sam Limbert: Thanks for your comment. At the moment, the players just need to show some commitment and show that what they lack in ability, they can make up for in effort and hard work. That's not much else we can do until the end of the season.

Posted by AGS on 02/19/2012

I think a lot of the Gunners fans are starting to lose patience with Mr. Wenger who is so stubborn. After a poor performance he never admits what the problem is and comes up with his sweet talk again. The back four have been a problem all along but he still insists the team is good enough. Come on Mr. Wenger, be a brave man admits the mistake and buy someone and regroup. This is how a true man should face.

Posted by f on 02/19/2012

Is time to AXE wenger....and is time to let go the subclass players such as squillaci and gibbs. Bring on some class and muscle..we need quality, not quantity. This year arsenal squad is all about making up the number, look at the number of players we have in first team compare to Tottenham & Man City etc. Including youth products, we need decent quality youth player, not quantity. Whole bunch of greenie making up a team will not help us to win trophy.

I have been an Arsenal fan for 15 years, this season is the worst i ever seen. Where is the keown,adam,parlour & ljunberg figthing spirit. Perhaps i would rather pay money to buy ticket to watch Man City vs Blackpool match to see some scoring action, instead of throwing money into shit hole to see the woeful players bumping around on the pitch just to get their paycheck paid.

Posted by Muntaladayna on 02/19/2012

@ Francis. You can never, ever, expect more from a squad with limited ability, just the way you cannot expect a human to do more than they can. It all starts higher up the hierarchy, and that is when it bottles down to the manager and scouts for not ensuring the correct players arrived. The money was there, but if you remember clearly when the likes of Petit, Vieira and Henry left, on countless occassions Wenger kept saying he will trust his youngsters to fill in the gaps. The money was there and available, but Wenger had different ideas, which he should have taken another look at after a few years of not winning anything, rather than leaving it until today. His stubborness has cost alot, and Arsenal are now struggling to play the big boys like AC Milan, when once, they themselves were considered "big". This season has seen them loose 8-2 to United and now 4-0 to Milan. There was no way this would have ever happened 7/8 years ago.

Posted by damina jerry on 02/19/2012

When you refused to listen to people advice you are bound for failure. This is what has happened to Wenger. At the beginning of each season the press will write arsenal off in the challenge for the premiership,but Wenger because he is so stuborn keep on ignoring those warning but now he has failed woefully and is a laughing stock,if he finally sign big names its a shame to his philosophy i think he should just resign

Posted by benjamin on 02/20/2012

I agree with all the points and comments made in this blog! To sum all up, AW is no longer a good manager for this club anymore ! Top class Manager are not stubborn, throw tantrums on pitch, blaming injuries, bad luck and so on....I would like to have new manager people like Martin O'Neil, Pep Guardiola who are good examples of calm, shrewed tacticians, good motivators and know how to bring success.

Posted by Joshua on 02/22/2012

As a recently devoted Arsenal fan, and football fan in general, I must say the even handedness in this blog is fantastic. Much of your impassioned, yet cool and rational, analysis is spot on in my opinion. I think there is a long road ahead for the Arsenal. It will undoubtedly take some time to get back into title contention with the money being spent at other sides. Still, Arsenal has a great manager who could do quite a lot more for our side if given the opportunity and ability to deal with his player issues as necessary. I sincerely hope we are able to convince van Persie to stay should we not earn fourth in the league otherwise it will take even longer to get back to our winning ways. I am still hopeful for a better future for Arsenal. I really don't see it happening this campaign.

Posted by Lais on 03/24/2012

I will tell you what's the simple dffierence between modern 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 ..For 4-4-2, 1 defensive(or semidefensive) central midfielder, 1 attacking(or semiattacking) central midfielder and 2 strikers(2 out-and-out or 1 out-and-out and 1 hold-up-player or player/s with both qualities)For 4-3-3, 2 central midfielders(both can be of any variations of style and mentality with an exception of both can't be full-attacking ), 1 central attacking midfielder(this position requires the player capable of being a playmaker ) and 1 striker(out-and-out and /or hold-up)Other than this all other positions are same What the above(if we pay attention to details) tells us that is to change from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3, only One Real Change' of player and/or position is required,,,,i.e a striker position in 4-4-2 and a midfield position in 4-3-3; If required players are present, 4-3-3 is the best accessible to play total-football .So i believe by seeing a video of Park, i think that he can adapt to 4-3-3 in that floating role of attacking midfielder or as a striking back up for Van Persie .. 0 0

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