Arsenal and Wenger live in hope

Much rides on this summer for Arsenal.

2 strong centre backs? We already have one! Vermaleen is on a different league to all our other centre backs and I honestly believe that had we not missed him for the entire season then our push for the English title would be a lot stronger! Injuries thought are not an excuse and we seriously need someone else in the middle of our defence!

I'd be mighty surprised if arsenal took anywhere near full points from the upcoming games against Liverpool, Tottenham and United. They are not the same team that was playing really well just 4 months ago.

Great game by the Gunners today! This blog is another epic fail Phil...

You never know they might win the title. But Man U did need to slip up a fair bit and I dont' see that happening really. Shame that Arsenal are so close to being the finished article.

I think Arsenal gave up trophies for lent.

Aaaargh. Well I'm very sorry if Arsenal showed defensive frailties with a 5th choice goaly, no alex song, and our two second choice centre backs. Vermaelen is solid, and djourou? when hes played arsenal havn't lost in the league in I think 3 years? I personally don't think that spending 10mil on a bench warmer is such a great idea. Like Arsene said himself, if we buy more players, 'wilshere doesn't play'.

I'm being very unfair. Yes, it's possible for Arsenal to catch United, but unlikely given the teams they have to face.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with everything Jan Molby says. This squad is desperately lacking leaders and some of the squad players simply are not good enough - Denilson, Diaby, Bentdner, Arshavin (?) as he's been useless this year. The time has come for Arsene Wenger to do a summer clear out (if rumoured then great) and take in some serious heavyweights.

The past few years have shown that the squad is terribly injury prone also - this is pure bad luck but it doesn't seem to be letting up.

I would love to be optimistic and say we will win the Premier League, but it's the same old case of de ja vu I'm having at the moment.

It was a great game to watch, both teams have shown a lot of effort and passion and some class. I am not sure Arsenal can steal the title from ManUtd (I wish they could though, for a change), and I really hope that Blackpool avoids relegation, because they certainly deserve to play in the prem.

Arsenal are close but the following would really spark them up:

Oxley-Chamberlain - should be available for about £10m
Romelu Lakuku - £25m, the new Drogba
Roger Johnson - £6m, would add steel to the defence

Time to get the chequebook out Arsene!

So the article is an epic fail Joan, yet you agree with the basic points raised. Strange...

The Gunners have too much to do to win the league, I don't think they have the consistency to catch Utd.

How quickly things have changed from the "Arsenal have finally come of age" talk after the first leg against Barca. (a little journalistic consistency would be nice!)

Everyone is so focused on winning the league this year that we forget that this is the worst (in terms of quality - and therefore most entertaining) we've seen in years (probably ever)! No one wants to win it. After last weeks draw I find it hard to believe we'll be able to get 3 pts against Man U.

Either way, realistically, this Arsenal team isn't going to go down in any history books if they (only) win the league this year. So the focus now must be on building a sustainable squad for the future. With a takeover looking more and more likely, the next couple of months league fixtures couldn't be less relevant.

More importantly:
Can Wenger keep Fabregas one more year? - if so, isn't it still just a matter of time?
Will he realize that for all his genius at finding attacking players he needs to admit his need for help in scouting center backs and goalies.

As time goes by Tott. and Man C. are only going to get better and with Liverpool back on the up I fear my Gunners current squad might just be at their peek THIS season unless we see new signings this summer AND long term commitments from key players.

My fingers are cross, but i'm not holding my breath.

3. At 22:46pm 10th Apr 2011, TheNeutral wrote:
I'd be mighty surprised if arsenal took anywhere near full points from the upcoming games against Liverpool, Tottenham and United. They are not the same team that was playing really well just 4 months ago.

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I totally disagree with you. Tottenham tends to be playing brilliant when against big four or above half of league. They have been find it difficult to plays with such smaller club this season. Are you sure you say MU were not good as they were four month ago? Rubbish! Rooney return to his fine form this month after scored more than four goals! Valencia and Nani are looks so good on winger! Simple brilliant even without Rooney.

I would say Man Utd were much more confident now as they hadn't few months ago!

bottom line is that United are getting better results at home than arsenal. This must be really frustrating for arsenal fans as they keep dropping points at the Emirates. Their game in hand is against Spurs which is by no means a formality.

Motihur Rahman 10/04/2011

We've had defensive frailties all season, which the loss of Vermaelen has exacerbated, and which Wenger has failed to address despite several opportunities. Hangeland and Cahill are exactly the kind of CDs needed, with Vermaelen covering for the injury- and suspension-prone Song at defensive mid-field.

The other problem is a lack of stomach. There's plenty of skill in the team, but minimal guts. Joey Barton anyone?

Phil... I think you NEED to start taking responsibility for the headlines on your articles... You're supposed to be Chief Football Writer for the BBC

SpeedStrike93, you totally misinterpreted that comment. TheNeutral was talking about Arsenal, not United.

Man United have Ferdinand and Vidic as their first choice centre backs. if both of these get injured then Smalling and Evans come in. if these two also are out, then O'Shea and Brown can come in. The strength in depth United have is just lacking at Arsenal. This has to be addressed soon.

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14. At 23:51pm 10th Apr 2011, SpeedStrike93 wrote:
3. At 22:46pm 10th Apr 2011, TheNeutral wrote:
I'd be mighty surprised if arsenal took anywhere near full points from the upcoming games against Liverpool, Tottenham and United. They are not the same team that was playing really well just 4 months ago.

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I totally disagree with you. Tottenham tends to be playing brilliant when against big four or above half of league. They have been find it difficult to plays with such smaller club this season. Are you sure you say MU were not good as they were four month ago? Rubbish! Rooney return to his fine form this month after scored more than four goals! Valencia and Nani are looks so good on winger! Simple brilliant even without Rooney.

I would say Man Utd were much more confident now as they hadn't few months ago!

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He is saying that Arsenal dont look the same team as 4 months ago, not the other 3 teams.

@ 13. , ChicagoGooner

"Can Wenger keep Fabregas one more year? ..."

I honestly think Fabregas, being a very good player, is still overestimated, no one is going to buy him for the price that was tagged on him. So, you must not really worry, Barca has enough depth in their squad not to splash crazy money for Fab... And I can't think of anywhere else where he would possibly want to move.

Manchester United conceded 2 at Blackpool and should have conceded a penalty before eventually winning the game. Yet you don't mention any of it Phil. Your anti-Arsenal bias is so blatant and un-necessary. Blackpool have done that to every team this season because they poor so many players forward. It's hard to deal with. Without our first choice CB's and RB and without our main DMF we still did enough to win the game by 2 goals. Yet all you can do is criticise Phil. In future just save your nonsense for the bathroom mirror.

So Mr Mcnulty, you don’t write or even check the headline to your own stories?! If I was a journalist I would at least want to have a say in it.

On the subject of headlines, maybe this one should read “What Jan Molby thinks of Arsenal”.

Blackpool were good to watch, full of energy and movement. Just a shame their defenders are all ball watchers.

This has been a season of surprises, meaning Man U will probably drop more points and Arsenal can win the league from here, comfortably. It looks like the least worst team is going to win the league, as sometimes happens.

Phil you ask.........'So why do so many dismiss Arsenal's title credentials despite the possibility, admittedly an outside one, that they could yet chase down Manchester United and deprive them of a record 19th championship?'.
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For Arsenal to have any chance they need to really believe they can win the Premier League and this belief should be shared with the fans (a good win against Liverpool next week would change things dramatically).......................but all the Arsenal fans appear to have thrown the towel in and their players must pick up on this............. its a great bonus for Man Utd.

Mr McNulty, please forgive me if you've never written that Arsenal looks to have come of age, or anything like it, in the wake of the first leg against Barca (although I know others wrote this).

I would go as far as to argue, however, that even if Arsenal win the league this year, they would still have not "come of age". It's looking less and less likely (as is the general consensus here), so I'm sure it's a mute point.

@ 21. , RedddRussian
I think you underestimate Barca's desire to bring their boy home. Either way if we look at Arsenal's track record we are a club that cannot keep players. Mark my words, Fab first, then VanP and Nasri, and, with nothing to keep him there, Wilshire will go to a top PL team for a british record free, and Wenger will end up helpless to stop it.

Not to worry though, he'll have us all believing his "new generation" will be winning trophies by the fist full in no time - and how could we doubt him when they'll be playing such beautiful football.

Believe in the Pied Piper much?

Slightly nervy performance today but Arsenal came through it. On the face of it I can't see past Man Utd clinching the title, they have a depressing nack of winning games that isn't replicated by any other team. I think Arsenal actually have the harder run in and are likely to drop points when they play liverpool, and at spurs. When they play Man Utd - if Arsenal score first they'll have the confidence to win, if not it'll be another long, frustrating day for them where Man Utd triumph 2/3-0.

On a separate note - This article needs proof-reading, there's loads of mistakes..would have expected a more thought through article from the chief football writer. It reads as though its been bashed out in 20 mins.

I don't know how much courage Arsenal fans got from their win at Blackpool today: first half, after 15 minutes they were cruising more or less. After they conceded the goal, with another referee, they'd be in trouble. There are more serious developments with Arsenal though, in spite of winning away.

It must feel disappointing to listen their manager still supporting his views with regard to transfers. I can't see how he believes their team is adequately equipped to move forward. It is one thing, come the business end of the season telling us that second best is not bad. A man says what he believes is success at the start of the season and during it - not just at the edge.

Brazil before the '90s were a dream moving forward, having a weak defense and a mediocre goalkeeper. Wanting to not lose the future, they moved on and, today, some of the best goalkeepers and defenders do come from that country. How can you base your defensive line on one established centre back, one good full back and a 20 odd year old goalkeeper? Is it an excuse saying Vermaelen has had a long lay out due to injury? Where are the back ups?

Today we've seen business news for Arsenal, relating to a possible take-over by Kroenke. Rumours say that the value of the club, including the debt, is £900m. How do Arsenal supporters feel, paying the most expensive tickets in the Premiership allegedly and seeing their team buying only hopefuls who might become part of the first team, one day?

Chelsea already started their strengthening of a team that won the title last season. Rumours say that United might follow suite. City can afford to improve any time they want, while Spurs made close to £30m this season out of Champions League and it is likely that they'll improve too. Where do Arsenal fans expect their team to finish next season, if the same policy is continued?

22. At 00:44am 11th Apr 2011, Jon wrote:
Manchester United conceded 2 at Blackpool and should have conceded a penalty before eventually winning the game. Yet you don't mention any of it Phil. Your anti-Arsenal bias is so blatant and un-necessary. Blackpool have done that to every team this season because they poor so many players forward. It's hard to deal with. Without our first choice CB's and RB and without our main DMF we still did enough to win the game by 2 goals. Yet all you can do is criticise Phil. In future just save your nonsense for the bathroom mirror.
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If you read the article he does mention it, especially that at that point Blackpool were 2-0 up.
And every team has injuries, i believe Man Utd had a much worse injury list last season with defenders which forced them to play Fletcher and Carrick in defence and cost them the league by 1 point and they still do have long term injury worries in players like Hargreaves and Ferdinand seems to be a game away from long term injury

Of course Arsenal have a chance of the title..but a very small one.
Utd have won 15 out of 16 games at home,so you would assume the possibility of winning the remaining 3 games,which would enhance their point toal by a further 9pts..giving them 78pts..and with away games at Blackburn and Newcastle,they could reach 84pts.If we assume Arsenal win their last 7 games (inc Utd) they will only attain 83pts.
Lots of if's and but's in the equation,but Utd's walking wounded,Valencia,out for 6mths,Ferdinand,Owen,O'Shea,Raphael are all back for the last few games.
Sorry,but the Reds are about to celebrate title No19...and the treble(sshhh)is still a possibility.

Is this the Jan Molby blog?

Nervy 10-15 minutes for Arsenal start of the second but we are playing with 3rd and 4th choice Centrebacks and our fourth choice keeper to put things in perspective. Add to that the absence of Song.

Key player today (aside from the obvious Fabregas) was Diaby. The much maligned Frenchman had a good game albeit there was a moment with the yellow which brought back shades of the newcastle game.

I thought Diaby added physicality and strength to our game in the middle and something extra going forward.

the last 3 draws have seen us I feel a little on the cautious side going forward. We did not quite commit in sufficient numbers and our 4-3-3 with RVP isolated up top handicapped us.

With Diaby (and some of the other players) willing to pounce forward in this game, we had much more threat going forward.

Some key intercepts by Diaby and a nice punt out of defense to set up the third goal wraps and overall satisfying performance by Diaby in the absence of Song.

I think all said, whilst we still have plenty to do to catch United, we are still the only team in the position capable to do so.

Jan Molby probably doesn't realise that Djourou and Sczezny will soon be available and that the Djourou/Koscielny partnership have let in relatively few goals. In terms of shots allowed on goal, we are up there with United in the stingy league so all this talk about buying Cahill is rather cliched.

Depth-wise, we have Vermaelen, Djourou, Koscielny, Squillaci, Song at CBack so that's plenty of cover. The only issue this season was Wenger gambled incorrectly on Vermaelen's recovery which has left us slightly exposed.

I don't expect Wenger to reinforce this area in the summer if Vermaelen recovers and with Ignasi Miguel developing.

I think the problem we had at the start of the first half was that we were too intent on going forward not realising that Blackpool were coming at us with the kitchen sink. We should have expected a rally after the break but were too slow to react.

Therefore there was a sizeable gap between the midfield and the defenders which led to acres of space for the Black pool players. Had we stayed more compact, we could have avoided the jitters slightly.

All things told, we are still in it. Cut the deficit down to 4 with the game in hand, one slip up by United at Chelsea(a draw) and it's back in our hands again.

...tell you what, I don't half mind Jens marshalling a little at the back. He's not adverse to the odd remonstrati

I've been an Arsenal fan since 1988 and I have to say that we just don't deserve to win the Premiership this season. In fact , if we do win the league it will be mainly because the other teams have gone backwards.

I may be overly pessimistic but Arsene and his boys have fed me gutting disappointments time and again over the years and I see this season as not much different to previous seasons save the higher position on the ladder.

If Chelsea were as good this season as they were last season or as good as they were under Mourinho, Arsenal would not even be in the hunt right now.

And the same applies, that if Man Utd were playing at the level they were when they had Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsenal would not even be in the race.

In my opinion, it is only down to the fact that those two teams have gone backwards that Arsenal are in second place. Arsenal are not much better than they were last season or the season before and so on.

They have a soft underbelly and have had a relatively soft one for 10 seasons or more, ever since Tony Adams retired. There was some steel while Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva were around but since then they have had no steel at all.

For many seasons, as soon as another team rattles Arsenal, they fall in a heap. And I for one am tired of it.

I can only sympathise with those that actually pay money to watch them continually be the nearly men, and I find it incredible that the club has the gall to put up the ticket prices to watch keep-ball.

Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger in particular need to admit and address the problem of the club having a soft underbelly and do something about it or at least try to. The players have changed, the opponents players have changed, but the softness remains. Arsene Wenger is the common denominator. He needs to find some steel in himself.

From what I can remember, the softness began with the FA Cup Final of 2001
After leading 1-0 with 9 minutes to play, one Michael Owen just waltzed through us and scored two goals to leave the Gunners empty handed when they had completely outplayed Liverpool. = Soft Underbelly

After winning the league in the 01/02 season, Arsenal fell apart with draws against Blackburn and Leeds I think to hand the title to Man Utd. They should have coasted to back to back titles. = Soft Underbelly

In 03/04 when Arsenal won the league undefeated, thanks in no small part to Ruud van Nistelrooy hitting the crossbar with an injury time penalty at Old Trafford, they then we

I've been an Arsenal fan since 1988 and I have to say that we just don't deserve to win the Premiership this season. In fact , if we do win the league it will be mainly because the other teams have gone backwards.

I may be overly pessimistic but Arsene and his boys have fed me gutting disappointments time and again over the years and I see this season as not much different to previous seasons save the higher position on the ladder.

If Chelsea were as good this season as they were last season or as good as they were under Mourinho, Arsenal would not even be in the hunt right now.

And the same applies, that if Man Utd were playing at the level they were when they had Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsenal would not even be in the race.

In my opinion, it is only down to the fact that those two teams have gone backwards that Arsenal are in second place. Arsenal are not much better than they were last season or the season before and so on.

They have a soft underbelly and have had a relatively soft one for 10 seasons or more, ever since Tony Adams retired. There was some steel while Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva were around but since then they have had no steel at all.

For many seasons, as soon as another team rattles Arsenal, they fall in a heap. And I for one am tired of it.

I can only sympathise with those that actually pay money to watch them continually be the nearly men, and I find it incredible that the club has the gall to put up the ticket prices to watch keep-ball.

Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger in particular need to admit and address the problem of the club having a soft underbelly and do something about it or at least try to. The players have changed, the opponents players have changed, but the softness remains. Arsene Wenger is the common denominator. He needs to find some steel in himself.

From what I can remember, the softness began with the FA Cup Final of 2001
After leading 1-0 with 9 minutes to play, one Michael Owen just waltzed through us and scored two goals to leave the Gunners empty handed when they had completely outplayed Liverpool. = Soft Underbelly

After winning the league in the 01/02 season, Arsenal fell apart with draws against Blackburn and Leeds I think to hand the title to Man Utd. They should have coasted to back to back titles. = Soft Underbelly

In 03/04 when Arsenal won the league undefeated, thanks in no small part to Ruud van Nistelrooy hitting the crossbar with an injury time penalty at Old Trafford, they the

went on to roll over in the FA Cup semi final against Man U and then fall apart in the second leg of the champions league quarter final against Chelsea. Wayne Bridge finished us off that time. = Soft Underbelly (saved by an unbeaten season which was a massive achievement).

Then 49 games unbeaten going into 50 games against Man Utd and guess what, we fall flat with no attack and easily lose 2-0. (Rooney’s dive for a penalty did not help though) = Soft Underbelly

Then there was the Champions League Final against Barcelona. Arsenal led 1-0 with 15 mins to play and then conceded two goals to throw that one away too. = Soft Underbelly

Then of course there was the 07/08 season where Arsenal were coasting along looking like champions elect and then Birmingham, Clichy's brain explosion and Gallas' sit down (for which I can sympathise with his disbelief and anger and frustration if not the action itself) happened, and Arsenal unravelled spectacularly to finish 3rd. = Soft Underbelly

And then there was the 4-4 draw with Spurs leading 4-2 with about 3 minutes to play and somehow drawing the game. = Soft Underbelly

Then of course we had the Champions League semi final two legs against Man Utd, which was just plain embarrassing. Being beaten 1-3 at home under the circumstances just showed how bad Arsenal could be.
That was a joke and that was one of the lowest of low points in my time supporting Arsenal. “Men vs Babies” was unfortunately all too accurate. = Soft Underbelly

Then last season was the 3-2 loss to Wigan after leading 0-2 with 10 minutes to go and finding a way to lose 3-2. It was so sickening and heartbreaking. = Soft Underbelly

This season I watched them throw the game away against Spurs after coasting at 2-0 to lose 2-3.
I felt sick watching that game. = Soft Underbelly

And if that wasn't enough, after collapses of similar proportions in seasons past, there was the debacle that was the Newcastle game with Arsenal leading 0-4 then throwing it away for a 4-4 draw, an absolute disgrace. = Soft Underbelly

Then of course was the hilarious Obafemi Martins goal if you are neutral that is, that sealed the Carling Cup Final. = Soft Underbelly

A glimmer of hope arose with the beating of Barcelona at the Emirates, only to fail another acid test playing negative football at the Nou Camp and van Persie stupidly or harshly sent off. I think stupidly in fairness.

I have listed numerous cases of soft underbelly above over many seasons, and the only cons

constant person in all of them is Arsene Wenger.

Now I love the man, I think he is great, but my patience has just about run out. He should be able to admit that his teams have been weak in the face of adversity.

I can’t really think of any great Arsenal comebacks since Anfield 89’. Maybe the Thierry Henry hat-trick in a 4-2 against Liverpool in the unbeaten season but I am seriously clutching at straws there. Feel free to highlight any I might have forgotten.

Arsene needs to strengthen (as all and sundry have said) the soft midfield and soft backline and weak goal keeping that he has created or they will continue to bitterly disappoint us extremely loyal and frustrated fans.

Otherwise it would seem that “Arsene Knows” only how to be stubborn, selfish and how to let his teams implode on a regular basis.

Spot on Phil - moments of brilliance - moments of abject failure. Not sure about overtaking United - I think Chelsea will finish second.

"I've been an Arsenal fan since 1988 and I have to say that we just don't deserve to win the Premiership this season. In fact , if we do win the league it will be mainly because the other teams have gone backwards."

Ridiculous comment! Couldn't this be true for every other team as well? The team that wins the PL is the team that deserved it. GO tell Manchester United fans that they don't deserve the title cause Chelsea have clearly gone backwards.

Re Joan comment 18. Clearly no idea how news and opinion journalism operates. Blaming Phil for the headline is like blaming a goalkeeper for not scoring, ie not his job - try the copy editor.

@Joan comment 11--Lukaku looked less great today--decent but not a game changer--Wenger will be better off looking to Belgium for defenders (e.g. Vermelaen) and a keeper maybe. Arguably, Arsenal's problem is not scoring, but keeping their defense together--which is strange bc--though I stand to be corrected--those seem like the areas where Ligue un and the Jupiler league games (Wenger's favorite hunting grounds of late?) seem most like the Premier league.

Great win for Arsenal today. I am hoping we can sustain this challenge and see what happens!

The problem we have IMO is not defense. Everyone harps on our defense.
I believe our problem are twofold: (1) Since Henry left, we have not had any real strikers. Please don't say Van Persie as he misses so many chances before he scores. Same with Bendtner, Chamakh. We have no real strikers such as Chicharito, Bent, Berbatov, Eto, Suarez, David Villa, Messi, etc etc. People who need 2 chances to score 1 goal. We have always needed 6 chances to score 1 goal. If we had real strikers (goal poachers) we will kill teams off before our defense even gets to work hard. (2) we need to learn to shoot at goal. Take shots. The evidence abound that if you shoot at goal, you can score..Stankovich proved that. Eboue did today. We need to shoot at goal. We tend to pass, pass, pass, sideways, sideways sideways. Take a direct shot at goal and see what happens!!!

In the summer, I would like us to clear out Diaby, Denilson, Vela, Almunia, Rosicky, Bendtner, Squillacci, Frimpong. With that money, we should buy either Chris Samba or Brede Hangeland, Gary Cahill, Jan Vertonghen, one real left winger and two real strikers/goal poachers such as Eto and the striker in the USA squad called Juan Agudelo...he is a true goal poacher.

I would like to see the following squad:
GK: Szceszny, Fabianski, Manone
RB: Sagna, Eboue
LB: Clichy, Gibbs (and Vermaleen can cover)
CB: Samba, Cahill, Djourou, Verma, Kos, Jan Vertonghen
DM: Song, (Vermaleen or Vertonghen can also cover)
AM: Fabregas, Wilshere, Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin, Ramsey, and one new left winger.
StrikersL Van Persie, Chamakh, and two goal poachers like Eto and Agudelo.

I guess most teams in England would be happy to finish second in the premier league. I bet Liverpool would just love to be in that position. The fact that a team with a very weak defence and lack of toughness under pressure still has the chance to go very close to winning the league must be a sad reflection to Man City and Chelsea. Man Utd will win the league easily. I would imagine they will even beat Arsenal at the Emirates and stroll to the title. I have to say that the quality of this United team is not that great, but the desire and belief is.

totally agree w Cameron:
I remember all of the games you mentioned mate, each were soft underbelly, yes. and to be blunt I don't know how many times was it when luck helped out even the Invincibles.

Arsenal has far too many weak links like:
1. I wonder why noone has mentioned Clichy who is simply unable to defend. he is the biggest cause for concern which was shown many times (Nani's fist good game in MU was vs Clichy. Barcelona scored 2 goals out of 4 because of him...) sell him.
2. since Henry there is no real goalscorer. van Persie is - I am afraid - not good enough as he misses half the games in each and every season.
3. soft underbellies like DM/CD/goalie.
4. Wenger is unable or rather unwilling to provide decent cover for players since years. no cover for van Persie, for Fabregas, for Vermaelen - even when he should think about the worst case scenario he thinks of the best (Vermaelen - this January). he is simply mean...
5. I wonder whether he can avoid selling top players during summer, however, I think Barca will not come for Fabregas at that Ł45m price tag...
6. I wanted to become a member at the Emirates but now I don't as the team is weak and the prices are the highest there. why should I watch a team unable to win the EPL when the opponents are far the worst in the last couple of season? why shall I spend my money on a team that is unable to use it properly and buy cover or decent players? for a supporter it is not fun to know that my team is financially health as that doesn't satisfy me week-in week-out...

as Arsenal have to many frailties:

Arsenal could (should?) have bagged at least two titles in the last six years, but haven't because of Wenger's stubborn refusal to add genuine quality and depth to his squad when he's had the chance. The comment he made about Wilshere not playing is a prime example of where he's going wrong. If you sign someone better than Wilshere then it's not him that drops out of the side. It's Denilson. Or Diaby. Or Rosicky. Or one of the many mediocre talents still clogging up the Arsenal first team squad that he seems so loathe to get rid of.

Arsenal need two strong central defenders to complement Vermaelen and Djourou. They need a new Vieira/Silva. They need a genuine World Class centre forward who won't spend half of the season crocked. Wenger could probably have obtained all of the above for less than £30m before he became obsessed with youth. The Wenger of today simply can't/won't, and his position needs to be placed under far higher scrutiny should Kroenke succeed in his takeover than it will under Hill-Wood.

People won't continue to pay the best part of a grand a year to watch a team happy with second place. That was an absolutely shocking comment to make.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher pulled one goal back for Blackpool in a madcap moment that saw Mason distinguish himself by twice playing the advantage in the build-up, crucially when Lehmann hauled down DJ Campbell in the area. Had he awarded a penalty life would have been very interesting, raising the possibility of a red card for Lehmann and no replacment with Almunia off the scene.

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What has giving the penalty or not got to do witht he red card?

It is entirely possible for a ref to play advantage and still go back to send off a player for a professional foul. In fact it is his duty to do so.

Once again Phil can't get through an Arsenal blog without criticising them. Don't worry, us fans know what's wrong, but give us some credit. We did actually win the game! United went 2-0 down to Blackpool, who then should have had a penalty, but when they won the game I imagine it was all about their mental resolve. 3-1 is still better than 3-2!

We're still above two teams who have spent hundreds of millions on playing talent. As someone else said, this was our emergency 5th choice keeper and 3rd + 4th choice centre backs playing, so a little shakiness is expected (much in the same way United showed when anyone but Vidic and Ferdinand play together).

Final point - like last year, Phil said Arsenal would struggle to finish top 4 in his pre-season preview. If 2nd is to be Arsenal's final position, will he congratulate them on exceeding his expectations? Doubt it.

In the summer, I would like us to clear out Diaby, Denilson, Vela, Almunia, Rosicky, Bendtner, Squillacci, Frimpong. With that money, we should buy either Chris Samba or Brede Hangeland, Gary Cahill, Jan Vertonghen, one real left winger and two real strikers/goal poachers such as Eto and the striker in the USA squad called Juan Agudelo...he is a true goal poacher.
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Right, so your plan is to sell a maligned keeper (Almunia), 2 functional but inconsistent midfield plodders (Denilson, Diaby), a decent centre back (Squillachi), an aging past his best winger who has been plagued by injury (Rosicky) and three reserves (Bendtner, Frimpong, Vela) for enough cash to buy in three six top class players (Well, five plus Cahill who is decent only).

REalistic you think?

is this a blog or a bloody match report?!

16. At 23:56pm 10th Apr 2011, philmcnultybbcsport wrote:
To ChicagoGooner...I have asked before, did I ever write the words that Arsenal have come of age? It may have been in a headline but not written by me. I want Arsenal to actually win a trophy befiore I would even suggest that.

And they could still win one this season...

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if your bosses have given you the headline and you dont agree with it you should come out and say 'i dont agree with the title because.......'

22. At 00:44am 11th Apr 2011, Jon wrote:
Manchester United conceded 2 at Blackpool and should have conceded a penalty before eventually winning the game. Yet you don't mention any of it Phil. Your anti-Arsenal bias is so blatant and un-necessary

'' reviving bad Blackpool memories of when they were also denied a penalty when leading 2-0 against Manchester United earlier this season, a game they went on to lose.''

43. At 08:19am 11th Apr 2011, hackerjack wrote:
Gary Taylor-Fletcher pulled one goal back for Blackpool in a madcap moment that saw Mason distinguish himself by twice playing the advantage in the build-up, crucially when Lehmann hauled down DJ Campbell in the area. Had he awarded a penalty life would have been very interesting, raising the possibility of a red card for Lehmann and no replacment with Almunia off the scene.

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What has giving the penalty or not got to do witht he red card?

It is entirely possible for a ref to play advantage and still go back to send off a player for a professional foul. In fact it is his duty to do so.

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if he played on and they scored which they did the ref cant send him off because he didnt deny a goal scoring oppourtunity

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Let's judge a team on one performance shall we? A 3-1 win against Blackpool is actually a better result than the 3-2 Man Utd achieved there (with an equal share of appalling referee decisions in favour of the visitors) but as usual we see rather than give credit for an incredible attacking performance and a thoroughly entertaining game, we have to criticise Arsenal's naiveity.

I still don't think Arsenal are that far away and this season has seen them move forward in many ways. For years they were always considered "soft" away from home, but this year they have the best away record in the entire Premier League. It's their home form that has let them down and looks far inferior to Man Utd's who have only dropped 2 points at home.

Whereas I would agree that Man Utd have done enough to win the league this season it is worth noting that even last year they threw away a 7 point lead and choked against Chelsea in a title decider. Yes Drogba's offside goal decided it but Chelsea were already 1 goal up and Machedas goal was handball, and I think even you Phil admitted Chelsea were by far the better side on the day. Although I think it's almost certain Man Utd will drop points in their remaining games, I can't see Arsenal winning every one of their games though they are capable of beating any team on their day and are unbeaten in the League for 4 months!

arsenal must struggle to finish in top four.the loosed the chance of championship.

#22 - actually he does mention teh ManU penalty

"reviving bad Blackpool memories of when they were also denied a penalty when leading 2-0 against Manchester United earlier this season, a game they went on to lose."

Try reading before spouting

£25m for Lukaku?
Are people going out of their minds?

#41 - 5. I wonder whether he can avoid selling top players during summer, however, I think Barca will not come for Fabregas at that Ł45m price tag

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probably not but Real Madrid may or Chelsea after Abramovic sells Torres to Barca

or he may go to Old Trafford - unlikely but it would be a good move

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Something happened to Wenger a few years ago and he's never got it out of his system. He stopped believing in strong players like Viera and opted for a whole raft of skilful players lacking leadership and backbone. Players like Hleb and Flamini came and went and then he went for smaller players and bought players who are so similar in build it is difficult to see a difference when they come on as subs. Players like Nasri, rosicky, Ramsey, Fabregas are so similar its not true.
Wenger needs to admit he's got it wrong and start buying some beasts-cos without the beasts the beauty cant flourish.
Arsenal last won anything in 2005. Capt that day? A certain patrick Viera.

The title race is over. Why continue the debate?

'Glass jaw' is most apt when describing Arsenal. We have next to no chance of maximising points from the last few games. Winninmg at Blackpool means little. Theyre as good as doomed to the drop and have a defence that makes Arsenal's look watertight. Lehmann will explode and self destruct too.The signs are all there.

The best news for us this season is the latest from the Boardroom. Its that infight in there that has left us somewhat rudderless for 3 years or so, whilst Wenger has manfully taken the flak for the lack of direction that has resulted from it.

Considering the fact that Arsenal has been playing second string Center Backs who are are just cutting their teeth in the Premier League most of the season, they have done very well to be where they are.
Secondly, people keep going on about how bad their defence is but the facts state otherwise.
Arsenal has the third best defence in the Premier league and have let in two less than the overhyped Man Utd defence with Van de Sar in goal.
Yes the Arsenal defence needs to improve but they are not as bad as it's being made out to be.

Can someone clarify something for me. I believe in the build up to Blackpool's goal Wilshere fouled someone on the halfway line so after the ball went in Mason went back and booked him for it. However I believe also in the build up to the goal Lehman brought down Campbell when he was in a goal scoring opportunity and last man. With this one although Mason played advantage he didn't retrospectively go back and punish Lehman for his foul.

What makes one situation so different to the other? Surely according to the laws Lehman should also have seen red, just because Mason allowed Blackpool to play advantage and score doesn't make what Lehman did any less of a crime.

Even I feel strange in saying this, but I have sympathy for Arsenal fans like "Cameron".
It must be so disheartening seeing Wenger defending the undefendable.

Saying that if transfers are made Wilshere will not be playing is hilarious. To buy a midfielder better than Wilshere you need to spend a fortune and Wenger doesn't spend more than pocket money.

As a Manchester United fan, whenever they lose a Premiership title, I see the club taking corrective action. Even in the face of not having the luxury of adding glittering new players at the end of last season, tactics changed - something changed.

Chelsea showed weakness this season and they got 2 expensive acquisitions on the first transfer window available. And if Torres doesn't come good by the end of the season, I wouldn't be surprised at all if I see him transferred and someone in Pato's mould going at Chelsea, so that they have a Brazilian in defense, a Brazilian in midfield and a Brazilian in attack.

Liverpool derailed, yes. But they acquired Suarez and Carroll and they are working overtime in getting their team right. More acquisitions will be made in the summer. Spurs are expected to strengthen in weak lines. United are expected to spend this summer. Arsenal have an average age of 23 and, by the end of next season, their average age will be 24.

United have Van der Sar, Giggs and Scholes who add 4 years to the starting XI but they're so good and bring such experience and calm into the team that it wouldn't bother me as a United fan even if they brought 10 years to the average age.

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Arsenal win the league = Bestest EVER win, against the strongest league ever.

Manchester / United win the league = Poor season all the top teams weakened

"I don't see Arsenal winning the league, even though they won here. They have got too many tough games coming up, Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester United to name but three, and I don't think they've finished shooting themselves in the foot yet either.

"And when you see games like the Carling Cup Final against Birmingham, I'm still not sure they fully understand what they have to do to win, how deep you have to dig when things get tough. I think they lack real leadership.


Says it all really!

Once again, I dont think PMcN got any of his pre season predictions correct.

I dont see us Arsenal winning the league coz we are dependent on Man U to drop atleast 6 points in the run-in. The race was over last weekend itself when both Chelsea and Arsenal dropped points with their draws whereas United scored a come back win against West Ham. Now only thing Arsenal can ensure is finish in 2nd place and as close as possible to Man U. Chelsea on other hand will try to finish ahead of Man City. I dont think Spurs will be able to catch City as well. So all in all its only the bottom of the league that is going to be interesting as we come closer to the end of season games.

So arsenal win their game in hand and beat United and everyone else, they are still a point behind....... I can't see them doing it, Given that United are over the dodgy spell, and have everyone back from injury, and seem to be finally playing really well... I can't see Arsenal even beating them...

No they can't quite frankly, even though it's a 'dangerous occupation' i'll happily write them off right now...they aren't going to win it i'm afraid. And i'm a Liverpool fan and lover of good football who would dearly like to see Arsenal win instead of United.

A lot of people seem to forget about the main defensive culprit on many occasions this season....Gael Clichy.

The lad is a nightmare at the back, panics under pressure and very reluctant to throw in a tackle.

The Blackpool goal yesterday could have been prevented had Clichy kept his line with the rest of the defence instead of hanging about a yard back. Could have conceded a 2nd goal late on as Clichy, facing his own goal, panicked and almost got into trouble again.

The goal conceded against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light where he kicked the ball directly to the goalscorer as he panicked to clear.

Away to Shakhtar the same, could have cleared the ball out of play, didn't, got into trouble, goal.

Admittedly the centre-halves have not covered themselves in glory, but I think Koscielny will be good when alongside Vermaelen and Sagna/Eboue are OK at right back in a league where there are no good right backs around (Neville was the last good one. No one counter with Johnson, he's shocking at the back)

Clichy has 1 year left on his deal come summer, sell him for whatever you can get and buy a replacement or recall Traore from Juve and concentrate on Gibbs.

Stop moaning!

There are fans from 88 other teams in the football league that would love to be where Arsenal are right now.

For just one decent Central Defender Arsenal could probably win something.

Some fans support teams that could do with 11 new players let alone 1.

@60 - if it's a red the ref has to stop play and send the player immediately. He can't retroactively give a red card. It's the rules... He should have booked Lehman though after having played the advantage.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Lee Fett..................
What makes one situation so different to the other? Surely according to the laws Lehman should also have seen red, just because Mason allowed Blackpool to play advantage and score doesn't make what Lehman did any less of a crime..........................

Well Lehman actually made a save and the player went over. Even if he fouled the player, he did not prevent a goal scoring chance and therefore does not need to be sent off. It's up to the referee then to decide whether it was a deliberate foul or dangerous play which warrants a yellow or red. The referee did not think it was so therefore he deemed it as an ordinary foul which will just be a penalty. A foul in the box does not always warrant a card.The referee got it right.

"I believe also in the build up to the goal Lehman brought down Campbell when he was in a goal scoring opportunity and last man. With this one although Mason played advantage he didn't retrospectively go back and punish Lehman for his foul.?

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It wasn't a foul, Lehman got his hands to the ball before Cambell fell over his arms. Nor was he the last man (in a direct line across the pitch), so a red card was never an option.

Touché A_FORCE_ONE, you type faster than me. :)

I watched the match yesterday and saw we are simply not equipped to win anything despite the win. That is the truth. The problem is leadership, not just on the field but elsewhere. When someone keeps on talking of "togetherness" even after draws against L. Orient (with all due respect to them), you cant help feeling either he or else us who are watching are wrong. We are simply not being managed well and perhaps the guy at the top has come at his wits end. I really wanted us to be beaten properly if only this can open the eyes of the so called "people with decisions". You wonder how you can cope season in season out with all the talk about the "mental strength" that only one person appears to notice.

Given all the talk of the the takeover, Wenger might not actually be there next season to be brandishing a cheque book

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68. At 10:13am 11th Apr 2011, garyp2910 wrote:
A lot of people seem to forget about the main defensive culprit on many occasions this season....Gael Clichy.

The lad is a nightmare at the back, panics under pressure and very reluctant to throw in a tackle.

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I agree totally, Clichy is a weak link. Great goign forward but very unreliable at the back.

We just need to buy a GK, CB and maybe some cover for the same positions and we will be just fine.

Although VP needs some help upfront as Chamakh snd Bendtner aren't good enough for our club.

I wish they had decided to write a blog on the takeover, much more important than a win over a team we should and did beat easily although with a period of wobbles, customary for teams who can't defend.

@ 77 Mr Chelsea,

Mr Kroenke is a smiling American with a mustache - billionaire, businessman and the last person Arsenal would prefer to place their hopes upon. For over a year now, when the issue was raised, I was writing about the danger Arsenal are in to become the second, great cash cow of the Premiership.

English Football's experience from American owners has been shambolic. You don't get a house mortgage on a 100% mortgage easily and Glaziers got Man Utd without spending a penny. The other American duo bought Liverpool, bringing them to their knees, besides all the promises and now another American there, started investing after the realisation that, if Liverpool are not in the Champions League, he can't milk cash - he is talking himself about either refurbishing Anfield or building a new stadium but I'm expecting years to go before deciding what he will do.

Arsenal are in danger that Kroenke will get hold of the majority of the shares and he will be able to make a Glaziers take-2.

I am sick and tired of the negaitive dribble that comes from the pen of PMcnulty and the miseries that come on to gloat if all goes wrong for the Arsenal. Never any praise unless it is surrounded by caustic and negative ocmments-don't pretend to be something your not PM and that is a fair and unbiased (so called) reporter!

At least Kroenke owns sports teams already.

That is usually a good sign as it means he's probably had a few run ins with fans over various policies and understands they are not a regular business.

I don't think they would have sold him the shares if he planned on putting us in financial jeopardy or plans to drastically change the structure of the club, he doesn't need to. We're unlike Liverpool who need a new stadium and a new squad, we just need a few extra players and we will compete again next season at the highest level.

A club like Arsenal can/should be able to spend 20-30 million every season on players and remain in profit, this summer we need to buy 2-3 players.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

@ 80, DavidME,

I think McNulty was quite polite to Arsenal actually. Had he wanted to make the article caustic, he could use opportunities given by all three: manager, team, board.

Let me entertain you in a caustic comment?

What is success? Arsenal are the second team to have been in Champions League for 15 years now. They are the second best team in the Premiership table. They have the second best attack. They have the third best defense and it could easily be second best too. They have the second best manager in the Premiership where success and longevity count. They are second best. Second best is success.
Of course, Arsenal can't be second best everywhere. They are first best where it refers to ticket prices and first best with regard to ticket price increase for next season. Because you may be second best in the majority of issues but you will always be third best somewhere and first best, bestest somewhere else.

Caustic enough?
Now you can have a measure of caustic articles.
McNulty was rather sympathetic.

81. At 10:51am 11th Apr 2011, nicknack1 wrote:

At least Kroenke owns sports teams already.

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Glaziers do to. Is that a reason for optimism, though?

The biggest question is, what does Kroenke want with Arsenal? Have I missed something or has this question not been answered yet?

For Arsenal to be more successful they need money spent on quality. It's all very well Wenger having his policies but that have not brought success and there is little sign that they will. They COULD win the league this season, but I doubt they will. (And that's not me just being on a downer with Arsenal, it's my opinion on the league table and the run in.)

So, in my opinion, there needs to be a change in policy but will Kroenke do this, and will Wenger agree?

77. At 10:34am 11th apr. 2011, Mr Chelsea wrote:
So who is this stan kronkly chap?


An american dude who has been a major shareholder in the club for quite a while and has just become the primary shareholder and will therefore make a bid to completely take over the club (I guess). He also owns a basketball team, an icehockey team, an american football team and MLS team the Colorado Rapids who have an affiliation with Arsenal. Not too sure what all of this is going to mean though. Arsenal have always been a self-sufficient club which ran on the profits it generated. Here's hoping he isn't anything like the Americans who initially took over Liverpool.

On team affairs: the lack of knowledge/interest in the defensive positions by mr. Wenger is becoming more and more evident. It's actually quite baffling. I really don't like critising him too much but I can't help doing so when it comes to the defence. He's bought so many useless defenders during his tenure, it beggars belief (Cygan, Stepanovs, Garde, Senderos and the list is endless). He's able to spot a bargain for a midfield, attacking midfield or forward player but he just cannot seem to find a decent defender. Everton took a chance on Jagielka, Bolton took a chance on Cahill, Manchester took a chance on Smalling and also found Vidic (a real diamond), Chelsea have had good defenders for the past 7 or 8 years. However, since Adams, Keown et al left we haven't had a decent defence (bar Campbell).

I hope we can get at least 2 defenders in the summer. I live in Holland now and have seen first hand that Vertonghen is a really decent player who'd fit in well. Maybe we can get Mexes or Cahill or Samba in as well.

We need another player in the holding role as well. Not too sure about who, though! I'd love to have somebody like Nigel de Jong or Gatusso (in his prime) but I'm not really sure about who's going to be in the market come summer.

Then, finally, we need an out and out striker. RVP is fantastic imo but he's not an out and out striker (again, imo). Wenger realised the need for a 'fox in the box' and therefore purchased Franny Jeffers a while ago. He turned out to be a load of crap but we do need somebody who can finish teams off instead of the entire team trying to walk the ball into the net.

So, two new defenders, a holding midfield player with a bit of muscle and a fox in the box should settle the personell issue.

The mental issue also needs some attention me thinks. Yesterday was the perfect exampl

@ 84 MrBlueBurns,

"They COULD win the league this season, but I doubt they will. (And that's not me just being on a downer with Arsenal, it's my opinion on the league table and the run in.)"

Even Chelsea fans make sympathetic comments for Arsenal.
Tell me now: isn't this some state of affairs to come down to this? :)

Arsenal's rest of fiixtures are:
Liverpool (home)
Spurs (away)
Bolton (away)
Manchester United (home)
Stoke City(away)
Aston Villa (home)
Fulham (away)

I'd be surprised if Arsenal don't finish 10 points off the pace, because the last four Arsenal results, in the Premiership include:
- a 0-0 home draw against Blackburn
- a 0-0 home draw against Sunderland
- a 2-2 away draw at West Bromwich.

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Phil,
you may not have actually written the words 'Arsenal come of age' but it was the headline of a blog you wrote. Take some responsibility - if you strongly disagreed with the headline then surely you could've had it changed? (I'm presuming you have some say in what your name is attached to?)

83. At 10:57am 11th Apr 2011, Football_UK wrote:
81. At 10:51am 11th Apr 2011, nicknack1 wrote:

At least Kroenke owns sports teams already.

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Glaziers do to. Is that a reason for optimism, though?

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Although the Glaziers have heaped debt on the club, they are still profitable and winning siverlware under them, so not like Liverpools duo of doom who really ruined that club.

How many cups and leagues have Utd won with them at the helm? I think its a few isn't it? (not sarcastically meant, i don't actually know but think its a few)

Woops, my post was to long! Here's the rest...

The mental issue also needs some attention me thinks. Yesterday was the perfect example. Arsenal were cruising for the first 45 minutes. 2-0 up and chances galore, yet they let Blackpool back in with a goal and everything falls apart (thankfully only for 15 to 20 minutes and, with all due respect, against a beatable team). The players have to learn to man up and not get fazed by a slight setback. This is Manchester Utd's strength; they're not only a good footballing side but they have fantastic mental strength which has led to numerous comebacks and saved them many points whilst Arsenal have lost many points due to a lack of mental strength. Here's hoping our Profressor has some knowledge of psychology too!!

Good day to you all from a frustrated yet not all too despondent Arsenal fan

Oh, one more thing.

I REALLY WANT BLACKPOOL TO STAY IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE THIS SEASON! I love watching them!!!

76. At 10:33am 11th Apr 2011, collie21 wrote:
Given all the talk of the the takeover, Wenger might not actually be there next season to be brandishing a cheque book

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That's a great way to start, sack one of the most "Succesful" managers of the PL and turn the fans against you in one fell swoop, if he did that i would not expect good things from him.

#A_FORCE_ONE
"Well Lehman actually made a save and the player went over. Even if he fouled the player, he did not prevent a goal scoring chance and therefore does not need to be sent off."
This makes no sense at all. Firstly Lehman didnt make a save as he fouled him, secondly how can you say it wasnt a goal scoring chance, if he goes round the keeper who is the last line of defence than he scores. Maybe a red card and a penalty would have been harsh but i have seen loads of keepers receive red for similar challenges on players, need i remind you of lehmann getting sent of in the champions league final, an almost identical situation.

@ 89, nicknack1,

United are making close to £100m profit, season in, season out.
They also have SAF in the manager's position for the best part of a quarter of a century. It would be some task for someone to prove that, had the owner been someone else, they'd win less silverware.

What I would like you to understand, regarding the Kroenke looming take over bid, is that I am with you on this one. I may support United, but I want Arsenal to be doing well, because as a football fan I want competition in the Premiership.

Kroenke is an American businessman. Nobody could predict his intentions. Still, we know the English Experience from American football club owners - they're in it for the money.

There are similarities with United here:
- Arsenal are the second club in England who own a stadium holding well over 60,000 seats
- Arsenal are the second biggest cash earner in the Premiership
- Arsenal can fall in the same trap where a businessman can put the club as security to bank loans, as they are as certain as you can define certainty that they will keep the same trend of profit generation - the team has won nothing for some years now and the fans numbers seeking season tickets are on the increase, while it seems to not affect the club a huge raise in ticket costs next season: what a better motivation for a bank to 'help out' Kroenke, potentially?

It is not wrong club owners to rip the profits generated, assuming they look after the longevity of success. The experience of English Football, though, of this assumption when it comes to American club owners is bleak to say the least.

I do not disagree with the "15 minute wobble"...that was self evident yesterday and at 2-0 up we were not comfortable.

What I wish for is some more insight than we need leaders, or some beefy fullbacks...

1. Arsenal play differently to anyone else in the league and as such their defence needs to be different. It is required to be mobile and to be good on the ball eg Djourou. Hangeland for instance would be crucified by Arsenals high line.

2. Arsenal have let in less goals than Manchester United...so that they are not that far off but they are not as good defending as a team as the best...Manchester United keep their shape better...whether thsi is down to how they play or the maturity of their key players I don't know but some insight here would be helpful rather than the usual platitudes.

3. The reason Man United will win the league is not because of their first team alone but because of their second team. They have the most stable, largest deepest quality squad in the league (most stable in Europe). To build this squad requires loads of cash, lots of time and winning attracts the best players. This explains why Man United are stronger in the second half of the season. Their players are fresher. Look at Berbatov...if he was playing for Arsenal he would not be a fresh super sub.
It is much harder to have a quality second team if you are not already winning.

4. The average age of Man United's team is 27 or thereabouts...the average age of Arsenal's team is 23...Age brings composure, leadership, controlled aggression, mental strength necessary to win the big games. I say this only because in the modern age all teams that win things seem to be of that age....Birmingham beat Arsenal in the Carling cup because they were more composed than Arsenal but are a lot older.

5. Money....given the above - it is not about 1-2 players it is about a squad and that takes lots of money and time. Also given the Torres, Shevchenko situation you have to overbuy because not all buys will be a success. So adding it all up means that the numbers are much bigger than first apppear.

6. David and Goliath. Given Man United's resources and winning history and squad, winning the Premier league for Arsenal is much more of a mountain to climb than it first appears. Football is deceptive. Teams like Man United look tantalizingly vulnerable during the season but come the end they are on top which Man United has been for the most of the Premier League. The league is very one sided and Man United are a virtual monopoly. To put it into perspective it has cost Chelsea an average of £50M per year more in transfer fees to compete with Man United. They look like they will have to continue to spend to compete.

7. No other competitors. Outside Chelsea - who are billionaire funded Arsenal is the only team to consistently compete at the top level. Liverpool did for a while and have dropped away. Man city will compete in future but are billionaire funded. Why is this?

8. Not many successful models. The only recent successful models are Man United and Chelsea. Arsenal cannot emulate either of these. So it must try something different. This is slow and painful...but it would be good if there was some intelligent debate around all of these issues rather than kneejerk reactions which imply that Wenger is a stubborn idiot which he definitely is not.

87. At 11:12am 11th apr. 2011, Mr Chelsea wrote:
Wilshires nappy. Think how many centre back partnerships you have had over the years compared to how many Chelsea and Utd have had? There lies your answer as to why you havent won the league yet. Chelsea have had one cb partnership. So have utd. Arsenal have had probably 5-6 different centre backs all who have come and gone since 2005.


Mr Chelsea, exactly my point! Wenger has never been capable of finding defenders good enough to form a good, longterm partnership! When they weren't performing he'd replace them with cheap replicas. It's like he never really cares to properly invest in the defence

Arsenal are a fascinating team. When the old guard left they struggled, as most teams would when losing the spine of the team. But for the past couple of seasons they have been short of five or six players, yet there is rarely any major transfer activity. A couple of people in here or there but no big names and no big changes. I understand the youth philosophy but as clubs like United show it needs to be mixed in with experienced players. As much as I respect Wenger as a manager and enjoy watching Arsenal on the occasions when they play well, his stubborn refusal to buy big or alter his game plan is hurting the club. Finances may come into play but when we here from FIFA that Arsenal's financial structure is one all clubs should aspire to I have to think there must be some money there to spend.

If the money is there to spend, then there are plenty of quality players out there at the moment. If it was down to me the players I would be looking to bring in would be, Lloris as GK from Lyon, Subotic from Dortmund as CB, Stiensson from Bolton as WB, Rodwell as DMF from Everton, Hazard from Lille/Afellay from Barcelona as AMF (if Fabregas goes) and Cavani from Napoli as CF. I know that all these players will cost around the 20 million mark but selling the likes of Squillaci, Denilson, Bendtnar, Almunia, Fabianski would help raise some of the funds. Also, if Wenger had been buying over the past few years then these transfers could have been spread out over a few seasons. If, and it is a big if, Arsenal do spend big, and with a takeover seemingly inevitable they may do, then they can win everything. This season again showed that without the experience and strength in depth they cannot cope with the physical and mental strain of challenging for four trophies over a season.

I completely disagree with you Phil. I don't think you can sit and question Arsenal as a team yet. Yes, there have been games and periods of the season when things haven't gone our way, injuries, poor decisions etc, but were we even predicted to have stayed in the top 4 this season let alone challenge United for the title.

People go on about us choking but you look at the teams we played, and yes I would include Birmingham in that as its a cup final and they were completely up for it, but Barcelona and United aren't exactly the teams everyone wants to face.

This is a young team still maturing and no one has hit their peak yet, but you look at the injuries we have suffered at key moments this season. Vermaelen's season-ending injury is like taking Vidic out of United for the whole season or Terry out of Chelsea and can you see Chelsea or United being where they are if you took out Terry or Vidic. We have also had Djourou out who is seriously underrated as a centre back and we have had 2 back up centre backs playing most of the season. We have also had goalkeeping injuries to both Fabianski and Scsezcny. The constant switching of keepers due to injury is not good for the defence unlike Chelsea or United who have Cech and Van der Sar playing 38 games a season. Almunia has simply made too many costly mistakes this season which have ultimately dropped us off United's tail.

Although I am an Arsenal fan, I would take Arsenal's front 6 players over any one else's in the league and with no injurys to Scsezcny, Vermaelen and Djourou, I think we would walk the title.

94. At 11:25am 11th Apr 2011, Football_UK wrote:

I think both the Glaziers and Kroenke have bought goldmines, the difference is how they buy and if they do refinance them.

The Glaziers bought Man Utd with debt, effectively telling fans they could not afford to purchase the club and need the clubs profits to pay the loan repayments.

Although this has not been confirmed i'm assuming Kroenke has gradually purchased the shares with his own money, therefore no repayments and the business should remain unaffected.

The best way to make money out of a football club or any business is to reduce outgoings (repayments) make profit (stay in the CL, compete for PL) and then make money from dividends and an end sale, remember that clubs go up in value over time and if he owes say 50% of the club to banks/financial institutions then they get their fair share.

What i'm getting at is if a rich bloke can afford the club and is happy with the way it works and makes money (like it does now) then i see no reason why a sensible business man would put debt onto the club or stop investing in the squad to make it competitive and his wealth sustained or grown.

There is nothing wrong with rich people buying clubs if they can afford it, the problem is when people who can't afford a club (e.g Those clowns at Liverpool and maybe Glaziers although unsure) buy it and rely on it for money.

If you are sensible, buy without debt and invest in it to keep it sustained or improved the money is sure to come with the relative success.

Mohammed Al Fayed bought Fulham with his own money, turned them into a stable PL team and has done very nicely out of it while also making the fans very happy. This is possible the key is making sure you can afford the club in the first place.

All this user's posts have been removed.Why?