One of the frustrating criticisms thrown up from the aftermath of our defeat by Barcelona was the observation that Arsenal’s tactics were the equivalent of “Parking the Bus” in front of goal which amounts to hypocrisy after our own protests about teams in the Premier league who use the same tactics. This criticism is difficult to defend upon the face of it, and calls into question why we chose to change our style of play to one that was totally unrecognisable. It also raises a question that why were these tactics used? Should it be seen as a vote of no confidence in the ability of players whose natural tendency and previous training methods have been based upon free flowing attacking football? It has also been argued by some pundits that Arsene Wenger’s tactics were cowardly and ill thought out. Graeme Souness angered me by suggesting that compared to Arsenal, Barcelona were on a different planet.
The answer is simple as it is straightforward. It was nothing of the sort. The evidence of the first leg showed that we would have played our fast attacking game once the possession of the football had been secured and retained. It is funny that these complaints and criticisms never surfaced following our victory over Barcelona at the Emirates. Remember that? VICTORY… Yes the mighty Barcelona were beaten. I think that people forget that through their unfair buying power and off the field tapping up tactics, Barcelona are able to obtain the best players in the world ready made. So I regard these slurs as merely mischief making at best and at worst it is yet another stick used by those who hate Arsene Wenger to beat him with. The main criticisms that I have levelled at Arsene Wenger is not one of hypocrisy, but one of gambling with the fitness of Cesc Fabregas. In terms of quality ball distribution, we have very few that match the play makers like Xavi and Iniesta . But our decision to play him puts at risk our attempt to win further silverware.
I do believe that with our squad minus Fabregas, we can still beat the majority of the Premiership. With the remaining fixtures, we can lift that trophy, but it will require hard work and support from the fans. The return of Aaron Ramsey gives us some cover, and if Song can return quickly the midfield will be strengthened. I have sometimes wondered what would happen if we used Arshavin as an additional play maker centrally, but then his current fitness and work rate make this option untenable. The central play making role has to be given to Samir Nasri in my opinion. Let me be clear, the defeat by Barcelona is not argument for getting rid of Arsene Wenger, rather I would argue it is evidence of why we need him to transform our playing style to that used by Guardiola. The Barcelona style of play is relentless and sublime. If it were a form of assassination, then the execution is carried out with passion and class. It requires constant pressure on the opponents ball. A work rate that requires supreme aerobic fitness.
I would love to see Arsenal take a few lessons from the Guardiola training manual and develop this style of play. It calls for ever more talented young players of the like that we have within our ranks. There are very few coaches who are able to play this style of football, and we are privileged here at Arsenal Football to have one those capable of implementing this change to the way that we play, so why get rid of him? I have often argued that Barcelona play the Arsenal way, in that it is the purest form of Wenger ball. However, now I must correct that, and realise that the genius that was on display on Tuesday night at the Camp Nou was based upon the principles expounded by Johann Cruyff. This was an expression of total football. All We need to do is up our work rate and then we too will be able to sweep all aside.
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