Well it was a brutal Sunday. Far too raw to describe my emotions yesterday. I’m not as pessimistic as many Arsenal fans from the views expressed on social media. But we are really suffering. It’s been a horrid few months.
On a positive note, let’s have none of this nonsense about a power shift in North London. Them finishing above us is clearly a blow. Our superiority of them in regards to league positioning has been taken for granted and it’s not a nice feeling. But they have gone another season without winning silverware. Without a major trophy since ’91 is hardly a record which suggests they have become the top team in North London. Yet it’s undeniable that they have the momentum and the ‘feel good’ factor behind them. A manager who is full of confidence, a young, hungry team who demonstrate a great, unified spirit and a fanbase who are right behind their club. But thankfully, I sense their momentum will be stalled somewhat. Moving to Wembley will surely mean their impressive home form will take a knock. Levy’s unwillingness to really spend big in the transfer market may mean taking the next step will be problematic for them. I’m hoping reports of Walker’s unhappiness at not being selected recently will spread throughout the squad (yes, sadly it’s come to this). And surely, the move to the new stadium will impact on the funds available to their manager. I think I need to contact Harry Kane and tell him how much he could earn at the likes of Utd or City.
But in comparison, we’re clearly struggling. Our manager is showing little leadership. I think it’s widely recognised that he’s going to sign the extension to his contract. He needs to just go ahead and announce he’s staying and we can get on with preparing for next season. Many fans on social media will rage at the extension but he needs to just face down the detractors and show some defiance. He’s had an awful period where his integrity, tactical nous and team selection are being questioned on a daily basis. But I’m still backing him even though I’m having my doubts. Too loyal to underperforming players, showing signs of hesitancy with team selection and demonstrating a lack of tactical flexibility. But the problem for me lies above Wenger. I still maintain we have not fully recovered from David Dein leaving the club. I don’t think Dein would have been so passive in the face of a tough period for the club. Our board and chief executive have badly let down Wenger. He’s had to face the regular press conferences as the media have poured the pressure on him. It’s been uncomfortable viewing.
Starting on Sunday, the players really need to stand up and show some responsibility. Stop talking about how we need to bounce back and how they have faith in the manager. We need to get some form and momentum leading up the Cup Final. Beating Jose’s United would be a big boost, even though a top four place seems beyond us. Losing a CL place is clearly a blow but we need to ensure it’s a temporary setback. We have huge reserves of money and we can still attract top talent to the club. The foundations of future success are still in place but the recruitment this summer will be crucial. I am sick and tired of the media banging on about the lack of leaders we have on the pitch, just for the reason that they are right. We are too nice, too passive. Players are not openly demanding more from each other. Talking a good game is useless until we can go out there in adversity and change the course of a game by sheer will of character and determination.
I’m going to avoid all talk of Arsenal from now until Sunday. I feel as punch drunk as Wladimir Klitschko must have felt on Sunday morning. It’s a tough gig being an Arsenal fan these days. The days of the invincibles are a distant memory. But I’m still confident the future will be red in North London. I’ll just not forget the mocking and ridicule I’ve had to endure from my Tottenham mates.