After another defeat, this time at the hands of Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion, Arsene Wenger cut a forlorn figure at his press conference. He’s like a down-trodden husband, staying in a loveless marriage for the sake of the children. Surely the time has come for him to call in the lawyers and start the divorce process. But like all tragedy’s there’s the constant twist and turn. Saturday he’s surely gone, Sunday comes and we read “BREAKING: Sky sources: Arsene Wenger is set to sign a 2 year deal to stay as head coach of Arsenal.”
Over the years his pursuit of the beautiful team, playing the beautiful game, has degenerated into an acceptance of second best. Fourth place in the Premier League has become his barometer of success. Champions League football is the aim, overwhelming the bigger picture, that of being a winner.
Like all marriage breakdowns, it’s not all his fault. The financial juggernaut that is modern football must take some (a lot?) of the blame. By widening the qualification criteria for Europe’s most prestigious club competition, UEFA has diluted the appeal of their flagship competition. It’s not the “Champions” League anymore. It’s the “Champions plus those who couldn’t quite get over the line but we need them in the competition because they bring in a load of money” League.
Arsene Wenger has also been let down by the money men at his club. Arsenal’s owners have allowed second best to become the goal. As long as the money keeps flowing in, who cares? Success in modern football is judged by financial clout, not silverware.
The occasional FA Cup win just papers over the cracks. The board of directors have severely misjudged the mood of the fans and this has led to a divorce being almost inevitable. Like any marriage, it started so well. The first decade of Wenger’s reign produced great teams playing fantastic football. That led to a succession of League titles, including the season of “The Invincibles” when an entire league season was negotiated without a defeat.
The rot started to set in after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in 2006. Arsenal couldn’t quite get over the line in Europe’s premier competition but as the money was still rolling in and a grand new stadium was being built, everyone thought the future was still rosy.
The character of his teams has gradually lost that steely determination of men like Patrick Viera. These days, the marriage still has its moments of excitement but the bedrock of stability and endeavour has been lost. That has to be laid at the door of Arsene Wenger. He has brought in a succession of players who, on their day, can win any game. The problem lies with his inability to find and motivate the grafters, the players who will win games when things are stacked against you.
Against West Brom, Arsenal were bullied out of the game by players who would struggle to get into Arsenal’s squad under the present manager. They gave up the fight and let the game pass them by. That was inexcusable. Time to go Arsene, for the sake of your family.
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