Arsenal: Why Gunners Fans Shouldn't Put All the Blame on Arsene Wenger

In the wake of Arsenal's devastating home setback against Manchester United, many have begun to call for the head of legendary manager Arsene Wenger. But the Gunners boss shouldn't be left to shoulder the blame by himself. The players are equally culpable and must do more.

Yes, some of Wenger's decisions are questionable, but that critique can be applied to any manager if one cares to minutely examine the record. A manager can only do so much, and Wenger has been let down by several members of the playing squad at times this season.

For example, how can misfiring winger Theo Walcott justify continually throwing his arms up and lamenting teammates after he has misplaced yet another pass or produced another heavy touch? What kind of example does club captain Robin van Persie set by greeting a substitution with negativity?

The Dutchman's reaction, understandable or not, sends a terrible message to the player entering the fray, regardless of who it is. His shocking miss at the beginning of the second half against United, was symptomatic of a performance that failed to match the occasion.

They may have been the club's only goalscorers in the last two games, but Walcott and van Persie have done very little else and haven't exhibited the kind of hard-running determination needed to drag Arsenal out of the mire.

The duo are senior members of this Arsenal team and it is not unreasonable for Wenger and Gunners fans to expect them to deliver more when it matters most. The same can be said of Andrey Arshavin.

Wenger is quite right to support the club's record signing. The Russian forward possesses the kind of tantalising talent that justifies a reclamation project by the Gunners boss. But Arshavin, like many others in this Arsenal squad, has not repaid his manager's efforts and faith.

Wenger is certainly not above criticism and should answer for his poor handling of the Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri transfer sagas, as well as his failure to bring in quality replacements. But Arsenal's illustrious manager is still doing the best he can to construct a new team on the fly and get the best out of what he has.

The departures of Fabregas and Nasri present the chance for the likes of Walcott and Arshavin to become the stars of the team. However, they still don't produce despite both being given every opportunity to succeed.

The Gunners need their high-profile players to deliver the caliber of performances that can salvage the season. Wenger has to shoulder a good deal of the responsibility for Arsenal's slide into mid-table oblivion, but until they start producing more, his players shouldn't be exempt either.