Still Gunning For Glory?

I remember the days, not so long ago, that not even a whisper of Arsene Wenger’s sacking would be mentioned. Arsenal fans had the upmost believe that Wenger was, and always will be, the right man for the job. Oh how things have changed.

Will the Glory Days come back?

It was towards the end of last season that Arsenal and their manager came under scrutiny. Following being knocked out of the FA Cup, the Champions League (in the ugliest of fashions) and losing the Carling Cup final to a horrific penalty area mix up in the space of just two weeks, pundits, journalists and even fans started to question Wenger’s place at the Club. And just to tip it all of, Arsenal somehow managed to throw away any chance of winning the Premier League, from an unbelievably promising position. Some fans, however, still showed their support for the manager. They still trusted Arsene. But even the most optimistic of Gooners are now looking in despair towards the Frenchman.

Many Arsenal supporters have been calling for change. A change of philosophy, a change to 4-4-2 and most importantly a change in personnel. Us Gooners no longer want to see the likes of Almunia losing us games against mid table teams, we no longer want to see Eboue giving away penalties in the final minutes of massive games. To be fair, Arsene looks to be trying to get rid of our lacklustre players, with reports that Almunia, Bendtner and Eboue are being shown the exit door. We also need a change in players coming in. Gervinho, to his credit, has been excellent so far this pre-season, but I just don’t see him making a massive difference. We need proven, world class players. Players like Benzema, like Mata. We also need that little bit of Premier League experience in the centre back position. I’d love to see either Samba or Cahill at The Emirates, or maybe even both. But none such a move has materialised yet. Of course there is still the major obstacle of keeping our best players. Cesc Fabregas, no matter what some people say, is the single player that carries Arsenal along. He can make an opportunity out of nothing and can turn defence in to attack in a split second. However, you have to face the reality. He is ‘torn between two loves’, Wenger says. Let me tell you now, his love for Barcelona is much deeper than his love for ours. It’s almost inevitable that our captain will play his trade for the Catalans this season. This means we need to look to the future... Who can fill his boots?

Do we really have to look that far
for Cesc's replacement?

My first instinct tells me Aaron Ramsey. I solely believe that if he had not have broken his leg, he would be in Jack Wilshere’s position. Therefore, how amazing would it be to have another Jack playing along side him..? There we go then. Some fans think that Samir Nasri should take Cesc’s place. My respect for the ‘Little Prince’ has gone from sky high to absolutely none. I don’t even think this guy deserves to wear our kit. Send him to Manchester City, hopefully he’ll become as successful as the other ex Arsenal players there. Let’s imagine that Samir does move to City. Who will take over on that left wing? Gervinho is definitely adapted to playing in that position, and of course, we have the option of playing Andrei Arshavin there. But what I would love to see is Valencia’s prize asset Juan Mata coming in. It would allow a little squad rotation in the front three. We’d have the options of Mata, Chamakh, Van Persie, Gervinho, Walcott, Arshavin and maybe even Vela or Chamberlain. In my opinion that’d be great. Players get better with competition for places.

Despite what many believe, I think Arsenal can still be title winners. Arsene Wenger just needs to insure he makes the right steps to bring success back to the Club.

By Craig Player (Owner of CDP Gooner Blog).

Follow him on Twitter - @c_player42