Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tore through his players following their FA Cup humiliation against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday as the Gunners made an exit from the cup competition, all that ending hopes of silverware for an eighth consecutive season.
The defeat on Saturday meant that Arsenal blew away their best chance to clinch their first trophy since 2005. The unhappiness and frustration of the fans to see their team lose on home soil to a team from the Championship was evident, as the entire Emirates Stadium erupted into a chorus of boos directed towards the team, and especially Wenger, with many calls for the Frenchman to either leave the post, or be sacked.
The boss, in turn, stopped his team from leaving the dressing room and held an immediate 45 minute inquest directed at his squad’s failings this season. He held crunch talks with his team ahead of the all-important visit of Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. It was reported that Wenger also directed some of his frustration at particular players who were to blame for the defeat against Blackburn. Insiders suggest that the manager vented out his frustration majorly at goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was at fault for Blackburn’s goal. Wenger conducted a full training session with the entire squad the next day, and looked visibly annoyed and frustrated with his troops as the latest setback against Blackburn was probably still on his mind.
Some of the first-team regulars have simply not been consistent and up to the mark this season. Szczesny’s form has been inconsistent, defender Thomas Vermaelen also is not having his best season in Arsenal’s jersey. Gervinho too started the season brightly, but his form has since plummeted dangerously, which was evident in his dismal performance on Saturday. There have been strong suggestions that some of these players might face the axe soon.
Wenger is apparently looking for a new man in goal to replace the Polish stopper as the club’s No. 1, and has been scouting the likes of Asmir Begovic, Pepe Reina and Michel Vorm. It is no secret that the Gunners have a hefty sum of money at their disposal for transfers, if they need it. A sum in excess of £70 million is being thought of to be available, if Wenger feels the need to bring in fresh faces.
Arsenal’s public chase of Barcelona striker David Villa in the recently concluded Transfer window was unsuccessful as the Catalans simply refuse to let the Spain international leave in January. There were also reports of Wenger’s interest in Napoli’s Edinson Cavani, however none of these rumors materialized last month.
Since we cannot expect to see new faces at least until the summer, Wenger will have to make do with the current squad at his disposal. His latest tirade against his troops could have shaken them up from their slumber. However, the question is will the squad respond to their manager’s call and give Arsenal fans something to cheer about? They have a golden opportunity to do just that, as knocking on their door are the mighty German giants Bayern Munich. Arsenal, with their backs to the wall at the moment, need to pull out a heroic and inspiring victory on Tuesday night. Will Wenger’s words do the trick, or will Bayern add to the misery of the Frenchman?