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Gulf in class set to test Arsene Wenger to the core
James Olley11.05.09
Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea
There isn't much in football that could dissuade Arsene Wenger from his passionate belief in youth but conceding 11 goals in four games against the three Premier League principals will surely test his resolve to the core.
For the events of the last three weeks could have provided no clearer indication that the potential of his hugely-talented team will never be unlocked unless experience is brought in.
Wenger agreed to this last summer by signing Mikael Silvestre but the mere fact Manchester United were happy to let him leave should serve as a telling indication that he is not good enough and that Sir Alex Ferguson saw little threat from the Gunners this season - his refusal to sell Gabriel Heinze to Liverpool provided a stark contrast.
Silvestre was at the centre of the catastrophic defending that contributed to yesterday's 4-1 mauling by Chelsea and it is no surprise that he believes the playing staff should not be revolutionised because the Frenchman should be the first out of the door if changes are made.
Again, the mitigation is that William Gallas, Gael Clichy and Manuel Almunia were all unavailable but in the space of six days, United and Chelsea have demonstrated the superior strength in depth that can prove pivotal.
A third top-class centre-half is a major difference between Arsenal and the top three - United have Jonny Evans, for Chelsea read Alex and Liverpool can call on Daniel Agger where the Gunners have the faltering Silvestre and the unproven Johan Djourou. "You wouldn't like to come out and say we'll buy four defenders," Silvestre said. "I feel we have quality defenders. It's more a question of balance in the team rather than individuals. We could have done much better in midfield on the second goal, so it's not about defenders always.
"That was never a 4-1 game but our chances to finish third are over. We conceded four against Liverpool, three against United and four yesterday, so we have to improve in defence."
The match took a very similar shape to Tuesday's European defeat. Arsenal started well with Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby guilty of missing superb chances and yet found themselves 2-0 down by half-time. Silvestre was beaten in the air by Alex before he stood off Nicolas Anelka as he smashed a swerving second. Kolo Toure scored an own-goal before substitute Nicklas Bendtner threatened to breathe life into the home side with a header but as Silvestre allowed Florent Malouda through to score at the second attempt after Anelka hit the post, the scoreline depicted the gulf between the squads, rather than the first-choice line-ups.
"I think the three-goal margin was a good reflection of the difference between the clubs," said Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink. "It shows that Chelsea are one of the two or three biggest clubs in Europe. But it will give Arsenal, also, a lot to think about."
Intrinsically linked to the vulnerability at the back is the ineffectiveness of Arsenal's defensive midfielders. Wenger did not help himself by persevering with Diaby on the left of midfield and Samir Nasri in the holding role - a tactical deployment that failed so undeniably at Old Trafford.
But Wenger played down those concerns when saying: "I was more worried when we played four successive 0-0's without creating a chance. It's easier to correct defensively. Things are not doom and gloom."
Wenger has often lauded his side's character but Chelsea won this battle hands down, even in light of the furore surrounding Didier Drogba's actions against Barcelona.
"The big issue was whether his conduct was against the team's interest and it wasn't," said Hiddink. "But he saw what he did wrong and apologised for it."
By contrast Wenger has a huge job on his hands to rally the troops ahead of Saturday's trip to Old Trafford.
The Gunners boss has clung to the 21 unbeaten Premier League game record like a security blanket but Arsenal have conceded 36 goals in 36 League games and that has undermined their season.Ten points ahead of Aston Villa but nine points behind Chelsea, Arsenal are in a league of their own. But not in a the way Wenger would want.
Reader views (11)
Colin from London, a typical sad and bitter Tottenham fan who's happy to be 20 points behind Arsenal, just as long as Arsenal haven't won anything.
It the 9 points between Arsenal and Chelsea are a gulf, what does that make the 20 points between Tottenham and Arsenal? (Cue more manic and rabid Tourette-style outpourings from his keyboard.)
Still, cheer up Colin, you'll be 'top four' next year...
- John, London
Said it before and I'll say it again the balance sheet is not the paying fans problem all we want to see is entertaining football and the hope that our team wins the game and silverware at the end of the season. The LARGE football teams around the world that are household names are like The Royal Bank of Scotland to large to go down there's always a buyer lurking as long as you keep the standard of your game high no one wants to buy a losing team (sorry Newcastle). Bring on the Bank of Usmanov or Kroenke and let's give our West London neighbours a run for their money, bring back the days of the Red & White dynamite!
As for the team selection Mr Wenger you’ve made some mistakes the youth policy just isn’t working at the moment and it’s damaging not only for the club but the fans as well. Your human just like the rest of us a simple sorry would suffice, please don’t stick your head in the sand and expect to dig your way out otherwise you’ll have 60,000 shovels coming your way in lieu of season ticket renewals!
- Bazza Boom, Hanwell
The supporters have fully supported the club since the new ground has opened, look at the attendances, but they have been taken for granted by the club.
I bet the demands for season ticket renewals are already in the envelopes ready to be posted and the normal threats about losing out if supporters do not cough up early etc. What the club should do is send a written guarantee that there is enough money in the transfer kitty for AW to purchase the type of players everyone knows he needs, including him.
His stubborn loyalty to players not good enough to play for the club has resulted in another potless season. We all know AW is the best manager we have ever had and is still the best we could hope to have but he has got to start to listen to the supporters. There are enough monied people at the club. They should start getting their cheque books out and not rely on AW to unearth the gems that he has so famously acheived over the years. All other top clubs have cottoned onto his secret and are now just as good, if not better at it.
- Ray Mummery, LONDON ENGLAND
We are 3 players short if we sell Adeybaor. Hangeland, Alonso, Pogrebynak. Squad players should be: Gibbs, Eboue, Djourou, Song, Diaby, Ramsey, Wilshere, Vela, Simpson. Subs bench should be: Lukasz, Gallas, Denilson, Rosicky, Walcott, Bendtner, Eduardo. 1st team should be: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Hangeland, Clichy, Alonso, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Van-persie, Pogrebynak. Im sure Wenger knows what he is doing, just a bit scared he won't go for Alonso if Barry goes to Liverpool and keep with his youth!
- Newmy, Milton Keynes
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AND SO ON. UP THE SPURS!
- Colin, London
"We have to be more clinical in front of Goal". So said Cesc after the Man U trouncing. What happened? Theo and company simply carried on where they left off.
He needs to buy a goalkeeper; central defender and a replacement for the two men who contribute very little up front. No names needed as all supporters know who they are, as they should too.
Arsene- listen for once to your supporters otherwise the majority will simply not continue to turn up.
- Spanish Gooner, Pego,Spain
If Wenger fails to strengthen in key areas he should be sacked. This "project" he has going is disastrous and his idiotic stubborness has seen a whole season thrown down the toilet.
In fairness, he doesn't need a lot of money to put it right. Players like Vidic, Alex and Laursen at Villa all came cheap. It's about identifying quality and experience and not continually farting about with kids who are struggling very badly.
If Wenger needs more money, sell to buy. That's what most other clubs do. Primed for the exit door are Diaby, Denilson and Adebayor. Silvestre should also go, his wages are a waste.
- James, London
Fabianski is worth -1 goal every game, not good enough and probably never will be.
The hole in central defence has been there for years and obvious to all who care to see.
Where is Cesc's midfield minder? Should have kept Flamini.
I wonder if the real story is a lack of cash caused by the poor sales at Highbury Square? It was very foolish of the club to turn property developer.
- Undercover Elephant, London Dust Bath
I do not agree with the title because there is no gulf in class as suggested- this could be seen as wengerspeak. I thought TW was up for it and if he had put his first attempt at the back of the net, we would not be saying the same thing. I do not think that Arsenal need to change our philosophy of the perfect goal. All that is required is change the tactics with the the team we play against- try shooting at goal from outside the box instead of walking it into the net. I am a Gooner and felt hurt by the result but, we are not doomed and will definitely need to strenghten at the back and in mid-field. Mr Wenger knows and I am sure he has identified the players that are required. Let's cheer up and drink to our success for 2009/10 season.
- Julius Nuga, Abbots Langley UK
All Arsenal need is a goalkeeper,central defender and a stricker! Oh! and a new manager!!!
- Alan, Chigwell.UK
Who wants to take a bet on how long it'll be before Fabregas, Wenger & Co start telling us that Arsenal are going to win the Premiership and the Champion's League next season!? What with the 'fantastic spirit' in the dressing room and the 'best squad we've ever had' I reckon it'll be about the end of May!
- Chris, Brighton, England.
