In Arsene We (Still) Trust?

(Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)

Prologue: Nov. 15, 2008

Dear Monsieur Wenger:

You have spent 12 years at Arsenal and during that time you have achieved much. Much more than we could ever have imagined. You started your managerial career at Arsenal with a bang, winning the premiership and the FA cup in your second season at the club.

This would be the second Double in the club's 110-year history at that point in time. It was a season during which we made up a 12-point deficit on Man United and won the league with two matches remaining. Those were the days of Martin Keown, Lee Dixon, & Tony Adams.

In total, Arsenal have won three premier league and four FA cup titles with you, deservedly making you our most successful manager, at least in trophy terms. I also recognize that under your tutelage, Arsenal have set several records in English football.

We have the longest run of unbeaten league matches (49) including the 38 matches of our title-winning 2003-2004 'invincible' season. We also set the record for the longest match stretch without conceding a goal in the 2005-'06 champions league season.

The 10-match record ended with your first and only appearance in a Champions League final: Against FC Barcelona, where we conceded in the 76th minute and eventually lost the game.

You are a genius Mr. Wenger, and your love for the beautiful game is not in doubt. Your record with current and previous football clubs proves it. Your uncanny ability to recognize and develop young talent is also known by all.

While at Monaco, you tapped George Weah from an unknown Cameroonian side and he later became FIFA World Player of the Year with AC Milan. You signed Victor Ikpeba from FC Liege and 'the prince of Monaco' would later become African Footballer of the Year and one of Nigeria's best international players ever.

Arsenal have also benefited tremendously from your unmatched talent of transforming relatively unknown players into world-class talent. Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Francesc Fàbregas, Robin Van Persie, and Kolo Touré are living proof.

However, the English game has changed tremendously over the last couple of years, and my fear is that you don't just get it. It's always a pleasure to watch a bunch of young talents string together a number of beautiful passes, but the bottom lies with winning the game.

It looks good on paper to be tagged "the best footballing team," but what does it profit the club playing the best football and winning no trophies?

It's pleasing to the ear to hear football commentators shout "this is vintage Arsenal," but wherein lies the beef?

Arsenal have not won a single local trophy in four years and the champion's league trophy remains very elusive to us. Other top teams keep fortifying their squads in their attempts to build teams with physical strength and mental character but you would rather pally with talented but inexperienced and often spineless youngsters.

You have the resources at your disposal to build whatever kind of team you want. You also enjoy tremendous support from the club management and our passionate fans. You know what to do, but you will not.

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