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Arsenal and the Future
It may come as a surprise to many people, but the mini-league consisting of matches between the top four Premiership clubs is led by Arsenal a fact which on the face of it suggests that the quest to account for the failure of Arsene Wengers side to pick up trophies should be directed elsewhere.
The managers comments on the 1-1 draw against Chelsea provide one vital clue. We should have won the game, he said, and hes right. Whats more, it is an observation he has made many times before and the reason is clear Arsenal play fabulous football and create a host of chances but their conversion rate is, to say the least, very disappointing indeed. We have noted many times that if the Gunners had scored from just 50% of the opportunities they made, and still conceded as many goals, they would have won the Carling Cup and the Premiership by now, and they would be looking forward with optimism to appearing in both the Champions League and F.A. Cup finals, with every prospect of attaining the historic quadruple which has eluded Chelsea and Manchester United.
Whats more, all this would have happened to Arsenes predominantly young team in spite of the need to acclimatise to their splendid new home and long-term injuries to key players like Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie. So the key question is this. When this season ends and the planning for the next one begins, will the manager consider that he has enough fire power, not only up front but in midfield, to ensure that more goals are scored? And if he does not, will he be able to buy what he needs to rectify the situation at a price he can afford?
Two things are certain. First, anyone who thinks this is a simple matter has no idea whatsoever of football management at the highest level. And second, Arsene Wenger knows what he is doing.
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