Arsenal: Hey, People, Leave Them Kids Alone!

Much has been made this summer about Arsenal's lack of transfer activity. Some people have even criticised Arsene Wenger for his transfer policies. Well, I'll start by saying that questioning Wenger is foolish. He has proved himself repeatedly to be probably the shrewdest manager in Premier League history in the transfer market. Very few can come close to him.

In terms of guiding youngsters and creating superstars from average players, again, very few can come close. Think of Thierry Henry. He arrived at Arsenal a good left-winger. He left one of the best centre forwards in Premier League and Arsenal history. Wenger knows what he is doing.

They haven't made a great start to this season, but it was the same story last year. The media were predicting a finish as low as seventh. What did they do? They pushed for the title for the vast majority of the season.

Emmanuel Adebayor stepped up to plate after Henry's departure, and fantastic performances from the unlikely sources of the likes of Flamini made him a household name. Who says the same isn't going to happen this year. Now, I don't think the squad Arsenal have will put up a serious title challenge this season, but in the next years, it may just do.

I believe Arsenal is currently in a transition period between the greats of the invincible season, and their next great team. Manchester United get praise for building a team for long-term success, while Arsenal get criticised for doing the same, but with a much smaller budget.

Now people will say this is because United have a team that is successful now, and will be in the future, while Arsenal are just focusing on the future, and that is, to some extent, true.

However, the quality in the Arsenal squad, if they have a great year, is capable of anything. Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri, William Gallas are all highly talented players, capable of winning things.

I feel that Wenger just can't win. People complain when the top four throw their money about to sign big names, instead of letting youngsters through the ranks and giving them a chance. Then, when Wenger gives the youngsters a chance, people say he needs to spend big and make signings. "You don't win anything with kids.”

Man Utd have triumphed with young players before. The Busby Babes, and Ferguson's Fledglings of the early 90s. What Arsene Wenger has managed to do at Arsenal is verging on miraculous, and I find people questioning his managerial credentials ridiculous. He is a close second to Sir Alex Ferguson as the best manager the EPL has ever seen.