260 comments
Where now for Wenger's Arsenal?Arsenal by David Ornstein - BBC Sport (U10220821) 14 April 2008   It would be wholly uncharacteristic of Arsene Wenger to come out in anything over than defiant support for his players following their defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Wenger is a staunch believer in the notion that a football team embodies its manager and - be it through discipline, togetherness or on-field results - Arsenal have come up short this season Remember, the last trophy - the 2005 FA Cup - came about by fortuitous means after the Gunners held on to United's coat-tails for dear life before prevailing on penalties. Since that last trophy the player-turnover has been huge and it could be again this summer. Wenger insists he is interest only in signing one experienced player - he has unwavering belief in this current squad. But is his belief misplaced? Arsenal's five-point Premier League lead following the Blackburn win has turned into a nine-point deficit. There are many valid excuses but, after injuries and poor decisions, it is surely about how teams react. Are Arsenal mentally fragile and are they led by the correct captain in William Gallas? The futures of several players - Lehmann, Senderos, Eboue, Gilberto - have legitimate question-marks hanging over them. Others - Fabregas, Hleb, Flamini - are not free from speculation. Who, in your opinion, will be leaving Emirates this summer and who will be arriving? Moreover, do you agree with the criticism being laid at Wenger's feet? His track record and the manner in which has revolutionised Arsenal in unquestionable. But supporters have been unhappy at several of his decisions this season. Wenger is a staunch believer in the notion that a football team embodies its manager and - be it through discipline, togetherness or on-field results - Arsenal have come up short this season. I'd really like to hear your thoughts on the subject. Latest 10 commentsRead members' comments or add your own
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FallenOutGunned (U11522832) posted Apr 16, 2008 Ah, I'm sorry. This helps clear things up a bit more. Perhaps he could stay for a one or two more seasons, but I still think we deserve a better CB..
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ClaptonOrient (U3935070) posted Apr 17, 2008 What were people expecting at the beginning of the season? For us to win the Champions League, FA Cup, and the League? Everyone is saying that United are the best team in England - they beat us by a pen and an (admittedly excellent) free kick. The rest of the match we were all over 'em. I'm proud of the way they've played this season, leading the league for so much of 2008. All this talk of grit and character is rubbish, sometimes you lose and it isn't fair. If we carry on as we are there will be trophies. As Arsene says, the most important thing now is to hold on to the fantastic young talent we have (cue Senderos jibes).
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10milesniper (U8799450) posted Apr 17, 2008 yes, I still have a lot of faith in what Wenger is doing. Most things went against this last quarter of the season. We were'nt hammered by teams, we got draws and dropped points. When we ponder on the decisions that went against us, I can see that we were hard done by. Penalties for and against was crucial to the outcome of most of the games. Who scored goals against us in open play? Referees calls lost us those games. I see a lot of bad luck, injuries playing a part in our trophy less season. Having said that, Arsenal beat Arsenal. We needed to put away our chances, not change our style. I would hate to see the long ball, spit and run football come back. My observations that I can put out there: Eboue should have reverted to right back, Toure gone back central defense, RVP come on as sub, Bentner start. Hind sight? I think we need the one player at th back of ADAMS, McKeown or SOL stature. To be a hard man with skills to shore up the defense. Where is that player, do you see one? To all goonaz we won no silver, but we won the hearts of lovers of great football. I am a bit cheesed off, but my love and support will not allow me to come on here a rip apart a team that gave me such joy for the most part of the year. We will be back and better of this I am certain. My head is held high, all true supporters will do the same. Later. RA ok.
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1980tommo (U10434575) posted Apr 17, 2008 They're not the finished article yet.Another season and the signing of a experienced defender and they will be.
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paulnlondon (U9796831) posted Apr 17, 2008 David
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Travis502 (U7894428) posted Apr 17, 2008 Arsenal have not come up short this season, they've exceeded expectation. I'm not even an Arsenal fan, but the speculation surrounding Wenger's future is media driven and leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Everyone was writing Arsenal off at the beginning of the season simply because there squad was young and inexperienced and now suddenly not only don't they don't have the mental strength, but its all down to Wenger's coaching skills. I repeat they've exceeded expectation this season and all whilst maintaining a brilliant standard of football. Surely that's worthy of praise.
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greatgunner4life (U11671271) posted Apr 18, 2008 i reckon the gunners are going to come out like killers next season. i mean look at the players they got!! Fabregas,adebayor,flamini,hleb,eduardo,vanpersie,walcott,toure,almunia(tipped to be englands future goalkeeper if he dosent get capped by spain.),rosiscky!! that makes up eleven. we are even gonna get more brazilian players! Be aware people!!
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dodgy_bloke (U11277409) posted Apr 18, 2008 comment by greatgunner4life (U11671271)
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greatgunner4life (U11671271) posted Apr 18, 2008 i read the football news mate??!! god, advise:next time go to the bbc sport website and click on transfer rumours!!!!
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grez_smith (U8512050) posted Apr 19, 2008 Arsenal clearly need a top class keeper and centre back along with maybe a goal greedy stricker who can play off the shoulder of the back line and covert everything that comes his way. Comment on this article |
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