The recent upward turn in fortunes for the red half of North London has been met with a great deal of positivity from the Gunners faithful. However, it’s difficult to escape the feeling that Arsenal have actually underachieved this term, turning in some woeful performances and failing to mount a similar title surge to that of the first half of last season.
Arsenal are far from a poor side, and their place in the much coveted top-four of the Premier League illustrates that fact, but on occasions this term they have looked far from the fluid attacking force witnessed over the course of the past decade. Certain players have failed to pull their weight and Arsene Wenger edged closer than ever before to the exit door, creating a negative feeling throughout the club and it’s loyal following.
If the Gunners had been able to turn in the displays of the past month on a consistent basis, then fourth place would be a formality and a challenge for the title, alongside the Manchester sides, would be the focus of the final 10 matches, rather than nervously looking over their shoulder at the trio of Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool. Although that day at Old Trafford is all but a distant memory, it should, and cannot, be forgotten by Wenger, who saw his next generation pummeled by one of his fiercest rivals, a side who they will have to compete with if Arsenal are going to be successful in years to come. Okay it was just one day, but the way in which those young players were led out like lambs to the slaughter, with little regard for tactical competence, may serve to damage their confidence for years to come.
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There is also the shadow of the Robin van Persie saga hanging over the Emirates, with the Dutchman’s future far from certain. We don’t need to talk at length about his importance to the club, with his tally of 26 league goals, more than the entire Wigan team, being displaying his talents, and keeping the side within touching distance of Champions League football next term. If his future was guaranteed then his ‘golden touch’ would be far from an issue, yet as it stands a summer departure looks to be a genuine possibility.
Although measures are being taken to persuade the skipper to stay, in the shape of Lukas Podolski, Wenger’s dealings of last summer hardly display the kind of quality to inspire confidence. Per Mertesacker has looked shaky at best, while Park Chu-Young has more splinters in backside than first-team appearances, due to a sustained period on the bench. Mikel Arteta has been a relative success, but it’s hard to get past the feeling that he is just a poor man’s Cesc Fabregas, and the only thing more confusing than Gervinho’s inability to convert the simplest of chances is the Ivorian’s peculiar hair-line.
I don’t want to sound too negative in regards to the Arsenal cause, but the recent surge cannot be used to paper over the cracks at the club. Champions League football may be secured and van Persie may stay, and if so that will be great for the team and its supporters, yet if the opposite occurs then the future would suddenly look far more bleak. Arsenal’s prudent financial approach deserves credit, but a healthy bank balance will not keep the fans happy in the long term, giving RvP a rise however would, and with the money in place surely keeping him should be the priority.
Although after 38 games, Arsenal’s season could look to be a success if they make the top four, but the failings of the side this term and the over-reliance on their captain create a real cause for concern in North London.
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