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Frustrated Wenger has no case for the defence

By 2011/04/26 10 Comments

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Arsene Wenger has finally conceded that his team lack a “commanding” presence at the back, a flaw which will force him into the transfer market this summer, reports the Mail this morning.

Wenger’s critics have long since blamed Arsenal’s problems on an absence of powerful centre-halves but the manager has always resisted the pressure to change.

Last year, the paper says he refused to pay over the odds for Everton’s Phil Jagielka or Gary Cahill of Bolton but spent £13million on French defensive duo Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci. Neither have looked entirely at ease in English football. To be fair we have been without TV5 for most of the season.

“We don’t attack the ball enough, nobody’s commanding,” said Wenger. “We made one mistake too many. It’s difficult to understand. We didn’t look alert. We concede two goals from two corners and, when you play for such a big stake, it’s too much.

“It is frustrating because you produce the effort. The team has had an outstanding attitude and they will not be rewarded because the small things cost you a lot.”

On transfers, the paper adds that Wenger said: “We have to strengthen the squad where it needs and make the right decision on that front. It is always on my mind, every day. Don’t think it’s not on my mind.”

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Eldo71

Arsenal fan for 40 years. Schoolboys, North Bank, Clock End then East Upper. Then Emirates. AFC dream team: Wilson, Dixon, Sansom, Adams, Pates, Brady, Williams, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, Wright. Subs: Seaman, Eldridge, Wilshere, RVP, Ball. Manager: Arsene Chapman.

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  • fred07

    The issue is, he has talked about our defensive problems in the last few years as well, and improved nothing.

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  • Vicky

    Be prepared to hear the usual nonsense :

    1. We are only 2-3 players away from top class team
    2. We will not break the bank
    3. World class players were not available
    4. This one would have stopped the development of my young players
    5. Talks are on and my team has matured
    6. And closer to the last day be prepared for some unknown French players.

    Now AW’s words dont have any value. He has become too repititive and also a captive of his own image and theory. In last 6 years you could not win any of the 24 competitions including 18 domestic ones then something must be wrong with you considering you consider yourselves to be among top 4.

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  • John in Norfolk

    Is this Wenger’s “Road to Damascus” moment? Has the famously myopic manager finally seen the light? Are we to be treated to a “commanding” figure at centre back? Oh! I do hope so!

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  • Spectrum

    Only now he sees we have problems in defence – the ones everyone else has seen for the last few seasons- and yet he acts as though it’s some kind of mystical revelation ! Shows how out of touch he has been.
    No, John in Norfolk – new players will help, but the problems are deeper than that.Wenger hasn’t got a clue about tactics. You can have a team full of stars, but to make a star team, one that wins things, you have to know and apply tactics. That, and being able to motivate and instil a winning mentality.Wenger simply can’t do that.Which is why until he goes, we’ll have more of the same.
    “In Arsene we rust.”

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  • Nik

    The old Arsene Wenger has long gone I am afraid….his alter ego Basil Fawlty has been in charge for last few years!

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  • Spectrum

    @Nik – Yep, and the Arsenal board live at Fawlty Towers. After all they did sign him up to a new four year deal, before even waiting to see if he could deliver this season.
    Yet the A.K.B. guests still seem happy with the service they get. Better tell them their room charge has just gone up by 6.5 %.
    “In Arsene we rust.”

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  • SuperRob7

    “It is frustrating because you produce the effort. The team has had an outstanding attitude and they will not be rewarded because the small things cost you a lot.”

    Not being able to defend is quite a big thing Arsene

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  • Tatenda Crosby

    Wenger, may you please buy Garry Cahill and Vertonghen in the defense. Harzad in Midfield. Benzeema and Adebayor in the strike force. Adebayor has apologised and he wants to come back. we all know his capabilities, get him back

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  • ozed

    A bit of perspective please. He did spend money last year, brought in 3 players, all experienced in top leagues. You may not agree with his choice of players, but we must understand there is no guarantee when you buy players e.g. Edin Dzeko has only just scored his first goal, whereas Chamakh (whom we tend to discount) has hit 7 league golals and virtually carried us in the first half of the season. Also recall that it has now become clear that he made concerted efforts to land Jagielka and Pepe Reina. In other words there is no guaratee also that you will land every target you aim for.
    Finally it is important to disregard what Wenger says or does not say publicly because as we all know he keeps ( and rightly too)his cards close to his chest. We should just realise that he probabely knows the flaws better than we do.

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  • ronnie

    can i ask are there any plans to protest against wenger at man u game ?

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