Well. That’s put the top hat on it. Losing to the Trotters at the Reebok Stadium yesterday has all but driven the final nail into our last remaining hopes of a trophy. Only a miracle can prevent Manchester United being crowned champions once again.
Sad, sad, sad. Strangely enough I found the one positive aspect of yesterday came post-match when Arsčne Wenger admitted responsibility for our tactical and organisational failings. Long may that policy of self-criticism continue.
I don’t advocate the public rending of garments and gnashing of teeth. What we do need in the dressing room though are leaders who will drag the very best mentally, tactically and physically out of the players. We can all see that we’ve lacked that for several seasons now. We’ve been privileged to have some world-class captains over the years. Frank McLintock, Pat Rice and Tony Adams stand out for me.
If we’re going to kick on from the frustrating position we find ourselves in we’ve all got to challenge ourselves to do the very best for Arsenal from the administration to the coaching staff and team to the fans in the stands.
Now the focus must be on finishing at least third if not second and thus secure Champions League football for next season without a potentially difficult qualifying round to negotiate early in August. We also need to look forward to the summer transfer window NOW. Our strategy of leaving deals to the last minute has proven to be a failure. We need to revisit that.
We also need to take a long, hard look at the current playing staff and decide who can be let go. There may be a problem with this. Too many of the under-achievers in the squad are on such extravagant salaries that not many clubs will want to match their earnings at Arsenal. Some may have to be bribed to leave, lessening the net value to the playing budget. That bullet has to be bitten however. We can’t afford to have players who aren’t committed to the cause cluttering up the dressing room and training ground.
Without going into too much detail in public we need to know that the problems on and off the field have been recognised and are being addressed.
Finally, the board needs to knock any suggestion of a ticket price rise for Gold, Silver and Red members firmly on the head, at least over and above the rise in VAT already applied to matchday tickets for Silver and Red members since January. We already pay the world’s highest average ticket prices. To ask for more in the teeth of a horrible recession is just not on. As has been commented upon elsewhere on this site even box holders like boxing promoter Frank Warren are protesting at the price rises.
Warren also laid into the catering for box holders. I’ve mentioned before in this blog the experience of Platinum Club members I’ve spoken to who have been FAR from impressed at the level of service in the Club restaurants. If we’re going to charge three star Michelin prices we’ve got to offer world class food and service. We’re not.
On the field we need to have a thorough clear-out and a root and branch review of our physical, tactical and technical team preparation including our sports medicine services. It would appear that Andrey Arshavin has admitted that he’s carrying some surplus weight. Why? He’s paid more than enough to require him to maintain himself in peak physical condition. We’ve only seen the tiniest glimpses of his talent this season.
At all levels and in all departments of the club we need leadership. At the moment results and performances on the field aren’t justifying our huge and ever-increasing pay bill.
Keep the faith!
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
