Corner flag (vol 3.1) - Is this Arsene Wenger's Gorbachev moment?

Over the weekend watched a BBC documentary on the 20th anniversary of the fall of Soviet Union. It had this long interview with Mikhail Gorbachev, where he spoke about his doomed roller coaster experience - from a revolutionary within to a beaten leader who oversaw the collapse of his country. Talked of Glasnost & Perestroika, reminding one of his charisma, powers of anticipation and courage to pursue change much against the wishes of the army and KGB. Eventually he was caught out by the surging nationalistic movement at the time and unceremoniously removed from power. As we hear from people close to him during his final days as the leader of the USSR, it emerges that he was blinded by his own stubborness. Blinded by his grand vision of how things should be.

One could see that even after 20 years, he still has not come to terms with the fact that he was not allowed to complete the job he began. I would have thought after all these years, hindsight would have made him realise that his biggest failing was his inability to adapt. As I was watching Gorbachev speak, I could only think of the similarity to the situation that Arsene Wenger finds himself in.

It has been a horrible start to the season. Enough has been written about how Arsenal is on its way to a mid table spot after having been stripped of its 2 best players. Empty seats, angry fans and the end of Arsene Wenger era hog most season preview articles. Amongst a whole host of issues that plague the team, the primary reason why the Wenger youth project has not been successful is down to lack of leadership. Wenger has been the defacto captain of the team for the past few years and has failed to drive the team mentally & tactically.


In April, our captain spoke out on his frustrations of being the leader of Arsenal:

I am the man who everyone looks to. I don't like to say it but it is true. If I play badly, I take responsibility and the pressure of the supporters. It is not something I am used to but I am captain, so it is reality. Only me and Van Persie remain of that [Invincibles] generation so we have a lot of responsibility. We are all so young that there is nobody you look at and say: 'Wow.'

At his first press conference at the Nou Camp, Cesc Fabregas spoke about many things - what caught my eye was the following bit, which convinvced me that he had first given up about Arsenal and then started thinking about going home.

At Arsenal, there were finals and semi-finals but we always lacked that little extra push to win something. That was hard to take. It was not that we didn't win titles it was that we kept going through the same routine, the same things happening to us and us messing up. I gave everything for Arsenal but it didn't show in the [trophy] cabinet because I only won one FA Cup.

But like a true monkey, I would like to believe that only way is up from here for the Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.

As a final note on our ex-captain, I am convinced that if Fabregas remains patient, it is just a matter of time before he becomes the captain of Barcelona and Spain one day.

Corner flag (vol 2.4)

Its been days since I've checked football websites, blogs, news. Its the feeling of guilt. Of shame. Of disgust.

Its the final stretch of the season and we, Arsenal fans, are left holding our nuts in full public view. Its that familiar territory of failure that I am staring at - after a horrendous come back defeat to Wigan right after our first loss to the neighbours in over 10 years.

Balls they could become bigger players - the self-destructive ability, which has happened before even with the famous players in the side, has demonstrated yet again the lack of consistency that continues to plague the team. All the Wenger baiters are out in full force - for not having a team that wins things. A valid point I admit. The heat, rightly, should be turned on and the manager made amply aware that not all supporters believe that he is the right person to manage the club.

On such situations in the past, I have had discussions with fellow Arsenal supporters on the reasons behind our frustration. We go through all the well compiled reasons: not spending enough and therefore not having enough experienced players, lots of guys who do not deserve to be part of this team, injuries etc.. yawn. But it does boil down to Arsene Wenger. Doesnt it? Yes. So I then ask the question: do you want a new manager?

Some say yes, while most are agnostic. I belong to the "Wenger should continue" camp (though I am not one to claim something as twitty as "In Arsene We Trust"). But, as I have admitted before, I am a part-time twit and as a general principle of twits, I believe that all focus should be on the "means" and that the "end" will eventually take care of itself. I do realise that it sounds highly wankish but what to do, that's the way it is.

The fact that we have a strong club in terms of ownership, finances and structure is a considerable achievement - especially at a time when the rest of the big 3 are being weighed down by humongous debt. But no one gives a fart about achievements of that sort - as winning is the only thing. Just as building more homes in the US was the only thing a few years ago. Of course, winning is important, but the gumption to chart a different path is way more appealing and with the hope that it will eventually come together. Mr. Wenger has embarked on a path (of some sort of neanderthal philosophical belief - which I completely connect with) that may only be successful in winning sweet fuckall before he leaves or is asked to leave. But then, such is life, such is football and such are the travails of having general principles.
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Third ball has left this planet and that should be the last we've heard from the little fucker. So its back to square one for me and more monkey business.
                                  

Corner flag (vol 2.2)

In a few hours, one of the most anticipated games of the season kicks off in North London. Arsenal vs Barcelona Champions league QF. Much has been written of the 2 stylish teams - but they couldn't have been more different - one a champion of all silverware last year and the other, a young, naive lot who have won nothing.

It is going to be tough for Arsenal no doubt. Wenger has, as always before big games, challenged his team to beat the odds and their more accomplished opponents. As I have been saying on Corner flag before, its all down to the mental ability of the team to deliver a balanced performance. Calmness in attacking, defending tightly when not in possession and keeping shape at all times. I continue to think that the ingredients, in terms of players, are there and have developed even further this season. It pretty much boils down to being alive for 90 minutes and not getting excited. Its about learning from the quite a few fuckups that have occurred this year.

Will they do it? We have faced this question a few times before. I remember Feb 2007 Carling Cup finals against Chelsea - there were similar expectations; "could this be the win thats going to kick-start a secular championship winning run?" I remember thinking then:  "Could this be the silverware that is going to infuse that mental ability, that confidence, to be feared, to be champions". Balls happened (and a few red cards), as we now know. Following year it was the league that was promising - captain & an ankle exploded and all confidence quickly vanished. Last year, the expectations never really took off - but this year, its all holding together. Strangely.

But, can they beat Barcelona - over 2 legs and do the impossible? I think they will. But I am a monkey, so the fact that I do think Arsenal will beat the greatest club in the world shouldn't surprise you.

The manager has toned down his "public" expectations of his team and has on a few occasions admitted his frustration with the team and shortcomings in crucial games. I am beginning to wonder just as the team has started to mature, he too has evolved i.e. being more open about the weaknesses that persist and "facing it". In a subconscious sort of a way, I think its basically handing over control to his players.

Though, we all know that one day things will click - but the interim period has been terribly painful. Will nothing change this 2 leg clash? Fuck knows.

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Must direct all to this wonderful interview with the greatest legend. For some one who had said when he retired that he will never return to a football pitch, he seems to be revelling in his role at the Ajax youth academy. Its wonderful to come across his thoughts, as he seldom is heard in public. And more importantly for me, it was interesting to read his objective look at Wenger's philosophy and the absolute defence of his old coach's beliefs. For monkeys like me, reassurance is required from time to time. And this has been long overdue.

Corner flag (vol 1.5)

As promised, the third ball has been in contact - right after the Villa game. And he had the following to say:

1. Continues to believe that we would win our first piece of silverware in years this season. He did mention that the confidence in the squad would continue to yo-yo until the end of the season, but the steady development of belief within the setup will culminate in a trophy. So "not to give up" was the key message

2. Very difficult to predict which particular trophy amongst the 3 it will be. {May comment next by Feb end to provide a status update. I think its too late as we would have done our 3 major games by end Jan, making it easier to make predictions at that point}

3. Is very confident that Arsene Wenger will add to the squad in this window. Believes it could be a total of 3 players: couple of them who are 'Full HD' and one 'HD Ready' type. It will be a striker, defensive cover and someone else

4. The third ball also had a strange comment to make: Its been a historic season (in a strange and arbid manner) for Arsene Wenger, because he finally won against a Ronald Koeman team, which he has never managed to do. TB now believes that Inter Milan will take out Chelsea in the first knock out round and then will be drawn against the Gunners - who the Gunners will beat convincingly over 2 legs. Could be the QF or SF - not sure yet.

This third ball is a strange, but brave fellow. Lets see, how it all pans out.

Corner flag (vol 1.2)

1. Disastrous London derby
It was the third humiliation that we have had to suffer in the last 7 odd months. And oddly enough, all 3 took place at the Emirates - 2 against Chelsea and the CL semi-final against Manchester United. Absolutely horrendous experience to see ourselves, yet again, shoved aside so easily.

The statistics were familiar:
- at the outset, we begin with injuries to key personnel which somehow has a major psychological impact on the playing 11;
- majority of pretty possession;
- manage only a couple of attempts at goal;
- lack of alternate attacking strategy against a packed defence;
- and the enemy scores with the handful of chances that comes their way.

The last point underscores what I believe is our key weakness: the inability to organise defensively as a team and its not just about the back 4. Must highlight once again, strength in defence has never been a characteristic of Arsene Wenger's teams since the famous back 4 hung up their boots. To me, this chronic problem is called "inability", and not "inexperience" and the responsibility rests squarely with the manager.

I don't believe that the lack of physical players being the reason for our inability to compete for the league / silverware or against teams like Chelsea and other big clubs. Yes, its always good to have few more world class players in a squad - but there is a deeper issue that needs to be fixed first: the need for a stronger team ethic / attitude when it comes to protecting the ball. In other words, a better balance between attack and defence - which was demonstrated brilliantly by Barcelona last season. Development of this understanding can be built and drilled into the entire team on the training ground. Just going out and buying 6'3" X, Y, Z will not solve the problem.

I totally believe that this team with its existing squad can compete and win silverware this season (the third ball, as promised, will separately communicate late December after the Villa game). Which, however, can only happen if the squad is honest enough to admit that a lot more work needs to be done collectively to protect the ball. And that I believe begins with the Manager, rather than the odd 'back-to-reality' utterances from Arshavin / Fabregas after a weekend like last.

Wenger has for years been very careful of shielding his players during his interaction with the media. That strategy, especially over the last few years, in my opinion has been destructive and regressive with regards to the development of the squad. This is regardless of the fact that he maybe a lot more forthright with the squad behind closed doors. Persistent public deflection of the team's inadequacies infuses a false sense of security that results in the players not taking enough responsibility. He has to say what he sees - which means being publicly critical of his players when the situation demands.

And as a last point, Eduardo can certainly play against the likes of Terry and Carvalho. Am 100% certain we will see him play an important role during rest of the season.


2. Hand of God episode II
The whole Thierry Henry fiasco that erupted a couple of weeks ago appears to be fading away, rather slowly. My initial reaction was that it clearly was a case of cheating and hypocritical of a man who has positioned himself as a philosopher on many an occasion. While this opinion still holds, the rabid response to the incident by the British press (savagely dismissed over here) was way over the top and is yet another exhibition of the heightened levels of hypocrisy by the British media (an issue previously raised over here).

3. Hiddink's failure
Another related development that caught my attention was the failure of Russia to qualify for the World Cup. I don't give a shit about Russia qualifying or not, but it was the English media's lack of criticism of Guus Hiddink that caught my eye - a few months ago he was being heralded by the English media as the greatest footballing mind of modern times by turning around Chelsea's season and replaying his conquests with the Australian/Korean national teams ad nauseum. Now he has spectacularly failed to take the 2008 Euro finalists to the WC finals and there isn't a word of ridicule from the likes of Richard Williams or Kevin McCarra. Well...