Why Arsenal is going down the pecking order in EPL

Dent too hard to repair?

Life has become hard in the ‘Red side of London’ these days. Arsenal is yet to recover from the trauma of losing its captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Now that they are gone, Arsenal are yet to find the touch, pace and lethal aggression on goal that they are renowned for. This has reflected into thier current campaign, the performance so far says it all. 3 losses in first 5 league games. 14 goals conceded so far(12 goals in 2 away games considering Arsenal were the best performers in away games last season). Arsenal now linger at the bottom half of the table with just a few points above the relegation zone, although it is too early in the season. This is the worst start of the season for Gunners in years, till my memory serves.

And what did Arsene Wenger do to stop this catastrophe? He, indeed, had to let go his strong philosophy of letting in young talents and nurturing them into world class stars (although rarely any of those stars dared to stay at the club. Best example, of course, Fabregas!) Wenger cashed in (thankfully and finally) on some experienced players like Arteta, Benayoun, Mertesacker, etc mostly due to pressure from all around. There have also been foul cries out there of letting Arsene Wenger off his job for ‘he has grown lord and lost his touch’!

Honestly, I must say, Arsene Wenger is one of the best managers that the premier league has ever witnessed. His ability to scout out young kids out of nowhere and build them into world class players is exceptional. His loyalty and faith towards the club and in the young players has harnessed so many great talents like Henry, Fabregas, etc, etc, etc.

So where did the paddle slip in the race for the Gunners?

Time for change Mr. Wenger

Arsene Wenger has been with Arsenal since 1996. Since then a lot of changes have happened in the English football. Chelsea have emerged as one of Europe’s elite, thanks to their cash rich owner. And now Manchester City are spending like they have their own ‘currency printing machine‘! Another strong contender for the title this season. Wenger must know (and he does) that these are not the good old days when Arsenal and Manchester United were used to be the only superpowers in the league. The competition has increased manifold and so are the strategies. But Wenger has stuck to his tactics since the beginning of time. He needs to change the way he looks into the game: formations, set pieces, substitutes, etc, whatever damn tactics you have got. I mean you can’t go with the same strategies that you played with ‘the Invincibles’ a decade ago and deploy the same with the present team! And sure tactics include the transfer business which Arsene has so strongly resisted until recently he landed up with some new but experienced bunch of players.

Sure this new look Arsenal looks promising and talented, no doubt, but what they need is to play as a team. This will take time but they have to figure it out swiftly and together until its too late. Arsenal needs to build up the lost confidence in them and also believe that they are one of the best sides in Europe.

Its still early in the season, but looking at the level of competition and the number of teams up for the title, Arsenal are already way behind the line.