The fallout from Arsenal’s defeat against Monaco last Wednesday evening continues to rear its ugly head. The Gunners’ performance was so dire that it seems that it will have implications for the rest of Arsenal’s season. What’s more, the game is likely to be foremost in Arsene Wenger’s mind when it comes to the summer transfer window.
It strikes me that we saw the true character of a number of Arsenal players that day. Olivier Giroud is not a big game striker. He’s not a man that you can rely upon. Per Mertesacker is a competent defender, but he doesn’t fit into this Arsenal system. If Dimitar Berbatov can lead counter attacks against you, then something’s seriously wrong. Mesut Ozil is not a £42.4m player.
I’ve listed the core of Arsenal’s team there. With players like Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla getting on in age and Theo Walcott doing his best impression of football’s invisible man, there’s plenty of work to be done.
I suppose I should acknowledge that on their day, this Arsenal team can turn out the occasional electric performance. But there’s a reason why The Gunners’ can’t produce the goods against the big boys (Manchester City, this season, seem to be the exception that proves the rule). They don’t have players with the right mentality.
Following the game against Monaco, The Metro published an interesting article claiming that the Arsenal board want to see a big improvement from Arsene Wenger and his team next season. To help The Professor to achieve this goal, they’re willing to hand him a £50m transfer kitty.
That’s a huge amount of cash, but relative to the war-chests of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, it’s not enough. Heck, Liverpool have been out-spending Arsenal for fun in recent times. The Gunners can barely keep up with their North London rivals, Tottenham.
If Arsenal are serious about competing in the Champions League (and for the Premier League title), maybe it’s time to consider handing Arsene Wenger a proper budget?
Something’s got to give either way.
What’s your take? Has Arsene Wenger lost his way? Can £50m get The Gunners back on track?
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