This was originally written around a month ago when it was 'two months and a few days to go' to the end of the season. Club's fortunes have improved since, but I still think its all quite relevant.
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Two months and a few days to go before the season ends, and we find ourselves in familiar territory: a league where we are nowhere close to winning and clinging desperately onto hopes of some silverware in either Europe or England. Last season we were much further up in the league at this stage, but its around this time in the season that our confidence started to evaporate.
Like I said, there is nothing new about this feeling, but the fatigue of 5 disappointing seasons in a row has been getting a lot of fans on the back of the manager, a once holy grail. Yes the familiar hopeless feeling running through me frustrates, but as described somewhere here earlier, its difficult for me to look ahead without hope - looking at aspects that are not that bad and contemplating the adjustments that need to be made to make us strong contenders on every front.
Since the end of last season, many decisions made by the manager have been said to be rather dubious. So its not surprising that fans are beginning to turn on him as his stubbornness to strengthen the side upfront appears to be weighing on the side. I have had my reservations as well, specifically at 2 major aspects.
1. Exit of Flamini & the lack of replacement
The contribution of Flamini to the midfield last season was immense and was a big part of the reason that we had a robust start to the league last year. Letting him go was to me the biggest mistake made by the manager in the last 4-5 years. Not replacing him was probably a bigger one, considering the huge hole left behind - both physically as well as mentally. But then the call has been made, and we have gone through 8 months with Denilson in the same role - and must admit that the Brazilian has been showing increasing intent of making it his own - albeit, differently.People talk about letting Hleb & Gilberto go as a mistake as well - I don't agree. Hleb was not indispensable and I considered him a fellow with his mind slightly twisted. In any case, a replacement in Nasri was bought who settled down quickly and has shown far more dynamism in front of the goal.
Gilberto has clearly seen better days. Watched him for Panathaninkos this week, and I doubt he would have added much to the Arsenal squad except for an experienced head. Importantly, he would not have gotten playing time, upsetting him all over again. Whilst I do like him, I don't think he is the experienced personality we needed. But letting Flamini go was a fucking disaster - first for the club and secondly, for himself.
2. Lack of champion mental make-up
One area the team has been found out, repeatedly, over the last few seasons in its endeavours to be genuine challengers for the league: is its lack of 100% concentration, discipline & motivation on the road and at home against all kinds of opposition - regardless it being a top 4 or bottom 10 team. In other words, not having the optimal amount of 'bottle' to manage a successful season long campaign.I believe touting lack of experience is not an excuse any more for not being consistent. This bunch of players have been playing together for a while and there is no doubting the quality of talent in the team. I see each one of them - especially the derided midfield combination of Denilson, Diaby, Song - playing strong roles in any other set up if they were to.
We've seen this season the team putting together some outstanding performances against the bigger teams in the league but have lost/drew games to/with teams that we should not have. Eerily reminiscent of our 2006-07 season. One would have thought the lesson would have been learnt - but then there has been constant flux in the squad: departure of 'inspirational' Thierry Henry, a captain sulking all alone in the middle of the pitch, a captain losing his captaincy for his publicly scathing attack on his team mates: thereby resulting in no stability at the top of the squad. Therefore, all onus on leadership has continuously been on the manager and his coaching team.
Lot of people have felt that we have been frail defensively as well. According to me, that is a criticism that can be levelled against the best of Arsene Wenger teams - including The Invincibles of 2004. So its not a new issue, but needs to be addressed nevertheless.
I believe that the solution to this problem lies less in infusing fresh blood into the playing squad, but rather into the coaching set up.
Arsene Wenger has known to be a strict disciplinarian, but is the kind who employs the hairdryer treatment rarely. In line with his footballing ethos of playing fluid attacking football, he often talks about letting the players express themselves - therefore criticise less and focus on positive energy. I believe that it is not entirely adequate when managing a young team and there is enough evidence that the zen strategy has not worked consistently.
All the problems mentioned above - concentration, discipline & motivation - can and will be addressed with the presence of a strong personality being around the young squad letting them know that there is no room for complacency.
I suppose it is common management wisdom that there needs to be fresh infusion of thinking in any set-up from time to time and I believe its time that it took place at AFC. However, it is critical that the present day Arsenal footballing philosophy of Wenger & Pat Rice is not disturbed, but needs to be suitably strengthened to bridge the gaps in the mental make-up of the squad.
And this is where I see the addition of Tony Adams proving to be immense for immediate impact & the long-term strength in the squad. He is an all-time champion of Arsenal Football Club and will have enough to contribute with regards to leadership, focus, defensive strategies and the motivation to grind results. His mere presence on the training ground will be enough for all the squad members to reinforce the importance of the Arsenal t-shirt they wear.Personally, he has had a very ordinary attempt at managing thus far. He needs to reconcile to the fact that he is far away from being one and understand what such a role would offer. Working with Arsene Wenger & Pat Rice will help him move up the skill curve when it comes to his overall managerial ability and at the same time, contributing in a major way in infusing much needed belief & dynamism to the mental make up of the squad. And have a hand in winning trophies that the club deserves.
In terms of the longer-term future, it is tough to rule him out managing the club on a full-time basis in 5 years or so. But that's besides the point for now.
For those interested, here is something interesting regarding the changes at the shareholder level of the club. Another reason to look at the future with hope.
