Is Arsene Wenger the Man to Revive Arsenal?

The overpowering emotion that the world of red and white is currently in the grip of is one of utter despair. Devastated wouldn’t be too strong a word to use either. I am reasonably certain that the boss, van Persie, Vermaelen, Wilshere, Szczesny and Cesc are hurting equally; I just hope and pray that the rest of the squad feel it as much as us, although you get the feeling that there might be a few there who really aren’t.

I really should clarify that I am not one clamoring for Wenger’s head. Neither am I a part of the ‘AKB’ brigade. I think there was a point in time I proudly was. Unfortunately recent events I think have comprehensively proved that Arsene does not indeed know best; at least he hasn’t for the past 6 years. And that brings me to the question, has the situation gone too far out of hand for Wenger to salvage it for us?

Arsene Wenger is an idealist. And as is typical with any idealist, there is such a single minded focus and conviction in their beliefs, that they are often loath to accept failure. Their principles take precedence over everything else. All of this is absolutely necessary admittedly. Standing up for your values will necessitate swimming against the tide and when you manage to pull it off you are hailed as a visionary and praised for your dogged pursuit of what you believed in. However, if you invest a sizeable amount of time and yet fail to see the cause to fruition, the ‘I told you so’ brigade comes out in force. And then, even if you are willing to revisit your flawed principles, there aren’t too many who would be willing to give you the chance; rightly so or wrongly.

I think that is exactly where Wenger finds himself today. He was at the cross roads. He picked the proverbial thorns and stone filled road and now has ended up with a massively painful foot. He has certainly made his share of mistakes failing to address concerns every single armchair pundit (and I’m certain he too) saw. His fundamental policy itself was flawless in my opinion. Investing in youth, living within your means and not succumbing to the gross over inflation that is plaguing the game today should most definitely be the way to go.

One relevant question I feel is, in the current climate (and the climate prevalent in the past few seasons I might add) was his policy viable? With the Chelseas and Real Madrids of the world ever ready to throw obscene amounts of money for and at the feet of footballers why would anyone pick Wenger’s way? The problem is undoubtedly exacerbated by the rise of Manchester City. Players and agents now have everything to choose from; money, pedigree and ambition (roughly translated as Champions League football). Michel Platini’s Financial Fair Play policy baby is ever so easily circumvented. If anyone thinks Barcelona or Manchester City are going to miss a single European fixture because their books don’t balance, they’ve got to be having a laugh.

I’m sure he recognized the need for a quality center half this season. Fact is, he would have had to shell out 20+ million for a Gary Cahill which is just plain ridiculous. The Arsenal model will translate into success on the pitch only if everyone else played by the same rules and there was a level playing field. Quite obviously that situation does not exist. So does that mean the policy was doomed from the start?

People have pointed out and I kind of agree that the situation is no longer salvageable by exchanging three existing player for three new ones. What is needed is an entirely new mentality. A number of people even say that Wenger is incapable of ushering in that change. Perhaps. That change needs to start with him and it must be hard to believe in one thing with such unwavering faith and have it blow up in your face. I think he over estimated the qualities of his wards. Some of them were simply not good enough and to put it simply, betrayed his trust.

I have enormous respect for the man. He may not have built the Arsenal, but he gave us some of our best moments. My love affair with Arsenal began after he took over and I’ve never supported the team under anyone else. It pains me no end when people bring out the Basil Fawlty comparisons. The boss I think deserves better. Practically, if he leaves now, we will most certainly undergo a period of transitional turmoil that will make this season look like a walk in the park. Having said that, while I recognize the fact that success is not a right, none at all for this long is just plain wrong. I hope he makes the necessary changes; mentality wise and player wise and wins the big ones soon, for his sake and mine assuming that is still possible.

Tell me what you think.