The start of the Premier League season has already brought to light two very similar and intriguing, yet also, very contrasting managerial situations at two of the top flights longest running clubs; Arsenal and Everton. Both Arsene Wenger and David Moyes have found themselves immediately under pressure this season, and if truth be told, the pressure was mounting even before a ball was kicked.
Both have come under the heavy scrutiny of their supporters, whilst also being caught in the spotlight of the media’s glare, for similar reasons, yet under very different circumstances. It’s the tale of two managers.
Both Everton and Arsenal have had less than ideal starts to their campaigns – and that was even before their first games were played. The failure to add to their squads sufficiently during the summer months saw fans from both clubs questioning the management. But the results that followed only served to intensify the pressure. Arsenal began under the cloud of both the Fabregas and Nasri transfer situations which led to both influential players being left out of the squad for the opening game of the season, away at Newcastle.
Yet the game was still deemed very much winnable for Arsenal, as Newcastle themselves, under the cloud of Barton-Twittergate, were said to be enduring their own mini crises with key players leaving their squad during the summer and adequate replacements yet to be found. Arsenal failed to shine, playing out a 0-0 draw whilst seeing their debutant forward sent-off. Next, a far from convincing first-leg home win in the Champions League Qualifiers against Udinese, then came Liverpool at home. Whilst Fabregas had now left, Nasri was restored to the starting-11.
However, injuries and another sending off saw Arsenal crash to a 0-2 defeat – this time, against a top four rival. With suspensions, an ever-growing injury list and the loss of one (possibly still two) key players, Wenger’s decision not to spend on adequate quality reinforcements was now highlighted even more – and the results so far, gave no solace. Many tipped Wenger to walk, under the most difficult period at the club, under his reign.
Everton’s season didn’t even kick-off at all. Well, not with the rest of the league anyway. The riots in the Tottenham area saw the Toffees’ game at Spurs called off. Not that Everton fans were too disappointed with the decision. An air of pessimism had been growing all summer at Goodison, with once again, the club having very little transfer activity. In fact, this time, they were the only club in the entire division not to make a single purchase – and the fans wanted answers.
I can’t believe that Moyes is under pressure as he has no money available to spend.
Wenger on the other hand has no excuse. He needs to step up in spite of last night’s inspired performance.
It’s a fickle game though, if Arsenal go to Old Trafford and win everyone will be saying they can win the league now. I think Arsenal need to continue their momentum by buying some class players. Things could be about to turn around for Wenger. Click my name to read my blog!