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.
Arsenal: Hey, People, Leave Them Kids Alone!
Today's Must Reads
Track this Article on My B/R
Share This Article
About the Author Barney (senior writer)
- 374 articles written
- 2271 comments posted
- 139 fans
Want to write for Bleacher Report
We are a community of fans who write about sports. And we're growing.
6 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Andrew McNair 10 months ago
That's all fair enough Barney but the man hasn't won a trophy in 3 years and Arsenal have just had their worst three seasons in a decade....fact.
Edit Comment Cancel
James Stone 10 months ago
Haha - Andrew, no offence but you dont seem to grasp the bigger picture.
"worst three seasons in a decade" - Arsenal, in the last three years would of been in our top ten season of the last FIFTY years if you remove the 7 other Wenger years. Wenger, being the genius he is, has made us believe we're invincible (thus the name of one of his teams) No one wins the title EVERY year. United went three years without the title, and then came back to win it, then win it again, then add a champions league title. Chelsea havent won it for 2 years, are they dying? ridiculous.
People like you, Andrew, are ridiculous. And if you think, even a tiny small section of your subconsious, that we should replace Wenger then your an idiot, a full on proper idiot. If you dont think we should, then your not and i apologeize.
Does anyone, a single person in the whole entire world, seriously thinks replacing Wenger is even an option? I doubt anyone seriously does.
Edit Comment Cancel
Salaar Arshad Shamsi 10 months ago
Wenger may not be the problem but Arsenal need a solution and quick.
Edit Comment Cancel
chris 10 months ago
Replacing Wenger has never come into my mind... they guy has brought us up to the top of the pile and alongside the best of European football. Arsenal are recognised now all over the world due to the marvelous work by Wenger.. how on earth can we find any1 near his capablities..!!!???
We have a great team and i completely disagree with this article which his actually biassed to a media front where u believe wot u see in papers like the sun etc... There is no crisis, and we are the best run club in the Premiership, great board of directors, great manager, and a great young team which has unlimited potential to achieve anything...?? so what is the problem i ask you.....
Edit Comment Cancel
Barney 10 months ago
Did you actually read this article? I clearly say everything you just said I didn't say. I'm supporting Wenger, I'm saying the young squad is good, and say that there is no problem or crisis!
Edit Comment Cancel
Callum D'Souza 8 months ago
good article. Arsene is certainly a talented midfielder and he is moulding Abou diaby into a viera which is what we need. You put Gallas a a talented player ha ha
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.