Arsenal and the Prophets of Doom

Speaking on ‘Jimmy Hill’s Sunday Supplement’, Harry Harris, who from some angles bears a striking resemblance to comedian Roy Hudd, expounded his theory that Arsenal dropped a right clanger in selling Patrick Vieira in the summer.

The Harris theory seems to hinge on the fact that Vieira hasn’t been replaced. This in turn has upset Thierry Henry, so the club may be further destabilised by his departure if Arsenal are unable to convince him that they are sufficiently ambitious to warrant him staying – or so the story goes. After which, we are told, it’s only a matter of time before Ashley Cole defects to Real Madrid as Roberto Carlos’ replacement, and Robert Pires shuffles off to Juventus to be reunited with Patrick Vieira.

After a dose of that you might wonder what on earth Arsenal have to offer in the way of ambition. Let’s see.

They are ambitious enough to build a fabulous new stadium which for the first time will allow the club to compete financially at the highest level.

They are ambitious enough to enthuse and retain the best manager in world football, who in 9 years at Highbury has delivered three premiership titles and four FA Cup victories (including two doubles), four Charity Shields, a UEFA Cup final spot and never finished lower than 2nd in the toughest league in the world – despite a budget which is dwarfed by several premiership clubs and many more in Europe. And if this seems an exaggerated assessment of Arsene Wenger, consider what would happen if rumours circulated that he might contemplate leaving Highbury for a fresh challenge. Can you think of a club, or an international side, that would not be interested?

One of Arsene Wenger’s strengths has always been the ability to recruit and develop players, many of whom arrive for extremely modest fees and are quickly transformed into world class performers. Sometimes, as in the case of Anelka, Overmars and Petit, the stars leave – but significantly they seldom advance their careers when they do so. And they are rarely missed for long – as the arrivals of Henry, Pires and Gilberto have demonstrated.

Of course, people are anxious to bang on about the fact that Patrick Vieira hasn’t been replaced. That is true. In a sense, Vieira is irreplaceable – as Henry will be if he decided to leave and Bergkamp will be when he retires. What counts is that efforts have been made, and will continue to be made, to sign a midfield player of real stature, and to strengthen the team in other ways.

There is no question that this is a pivotal point in Arsenal’s history. That’s why it is more important than ever that the players who owe so much to the manager are prepared to match the loyalty he continues to show both to them and to the club, so that the sublime football which Arsene Wenger has brought to Arsenal – and which those who love the game and the club prize above any trophy - will continue to flourish in the splendid surroundings of their new home, whatever the prophets of doom may say.

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