Arsenal Coaching Conundrum: Is Wenger Making a Mistake by Keeping Pat Rice?

Pat Rice. Wenger's assistant coach and right-hand man since the Frenchman began his phenomenal tenure at Arsenal in 1996.

The Northern Irishman has always been directly beside Wenger through the torment and success of Arsenal's recent history. The 62-year-old is one of Arsenal's greatest legends.

Rice began his professional playing career with the Gunners in 1964, amassing over 400 appearances for the North London giants before departing to Watford in 1980. However, Arsenal were only without the reassuring presence of Rice for four years as the Belfast-born defender returned in 1984 to take up the Youth Team role for the Gunners.

Rice has stayed in North London since. Furthermore, the Northern Ireland international holds a rare distinction of taken part, as player or coach, in all three of Arsenal's Doubles.

Arsenal's current season endured a horrific demise which has ensured the Gunners will conclude 2010-11 without the satisfaction of any silverware for the sixth successive season. This is a huge burden for the fans who have watched their side play brilliant football but failed to achieve any proper success.

However, it appeared that it would worsen for the Arsenal community as Pat Rice was set to retire at seasons end.

Several key players have their future at the Emirates under grave concern including captain Cesc Fabregas and star playmaker Samir Nasri but the thought of a departure of the true invisible man of Arsenal seemed far worth for some die-hard fans.

However, Wenger made it his priority to maintain Rice's presence and it has now been announced that despite a chronic knee injury, Pat Rice will continue as the Arsenal assistant manager for a further season.

But is this such a good idea?

There is no denying the caliber and effort of Pat Rice, the assistant manager has played pivotal roles in Arsenal amazing noughties success, particularly the Arsenal Invincibles in 2003-04. However, it has been six seasons now since the Gunners lifted the defying weight of a trophy whilst the reasons have been long standing.

Arsenal struggle defensively, they lack dominance from set pieces and are simply not defensive-minded enough either. Psychologically, they also have a tendency to be weak.

After the Carling Cup Final disaster, Wenger's men simply have not recovered; and the result?

Look at the matches since the final on the 27th on February. Twelve matches in all competitions and a mere three wins boasted. That is not to point the finger at Pat Rice and say the blame is all his.

No, far from it, but it raises the question: Is a new managerial figure needed at Arsenal?

A presence that can instill a stronger, defensive Arsenal who can handle pressure and defeat. How can they maintain leads and handle physicality.

Obviously, it is near impossible to replace a figure like Pat Rice, but with the need for success at Arsenal intensifying, should Wenger be looking elsewhere for an assistant manager?