Four straight Arsenal victories have temporarily quietened frustrated North London supporters. After a spell of injuries at White Hart Lane, the Gunners are challenging for fourth in the table while the Lilywhites try to suppress memories of late-season collapses.
Looking back a mere month ago, the idea of a top-four finish was certainly wishful thinking. After a 2-1 defeat in the North London Derby, the Gunners were five points away from Champions League qualification. To make matters worse, Jack Wilshere re-aggravated an ankle injury and would be sidelined indefinitely. Well on their way to an eighth straight trophyless season, the club was in disarray and supporters called for some sort of action.
But who was to blame for the mess? Walcott continued to disappear in high pressure situations, but had already recorded career-highs in goals and assists. Giroud had begun to show glimpses of greatness, but still hadn’t fully transitioned to the Premier League style of play. Although these players were not living up to their potential, fans were right to suspect the club’s issues were beyond the pitch.
An uneventful transfer period shifted the blame heavily toward Arsene Wenger and club owner “Silent” Stan Kroenke. It appeared Wenger had finally overstayed his 17-year welcome at the Emirates Stadium.
Since taking over in 2008, Kroenke has helped Arsenal earn record profits. However, fans want victories and trophies, not impressive financial reports. In their eyes, the owner loses the club’s star players year after year, and does not seem committed to spend the necessary money to bring in proven talent. Perhaps Kroenke’s worst offence has been his refusal to explain his mystifying ownership decisions.
Approximately this time last month, a Middle East consortium offered to buy the club for a record £1.5 billion. With their money, the bidders claim they could “transform the club,” and supporters couldn’t help but dream of the summer acquisitions their club could make with a nearly limitless Middle Eastern bank account.
Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov passed on the offer, and Wenger appears to have survived the most recent calls for his departure.
In this case, the pressure of complete transformation has been an effective wake-up call for Arsenal. After Wenger allegedly reminded players they must earn their spot in next season’s squad, the club has rattled off four wins without Walcott or Wilshere. Unlikely players have stepped up and proven their worth under this extreme pressure.
Although Gervinho’s play has not been perfect, it is a strong improvement from his form a few months ago. He has led the attack during the past few matches, producing assists and goals like an efficient striker. Also, Tomas Rosicky has capably filled in for Wilshere. Last weekend, in his second start of the season he netted two goals.
However, Arsenal must still make changes. Eight seasons with no trophies is simply unacceptable for a club with the prestige and tradition of Arsenal. This summer will be an important one for the club and it is clear they must acquire some proven talent. However, those who support managerial and major roster changes should look just a few points up the table. Amidst the millions of pounds spent and managerial transformations at Chelsea, Roman Abramovich has robbed the Blues of any sort of consistency and arguably their identity as a club.
The Gunners’ recent stretch of wins has proven the current squad has a solid core of players. They appear to be just a few moves away from competing for silverware next season. Furthermore, the streak has proved extreme pressure can be just as effective as extreme actions.
Written by guest author Greg Newcombe.