What's Happened to The Arsenal?

Frustration and Desperation. These two feelings live within an Arsenal supporter. I find it hard to ignore that Arsenal, who are still considered as a prominent part of the Premier League's much renowned "Big Four," currently lie in fifth place and are truly struggling to hold onto a Champions League spot.

Yes, the Gunners can deny that they are sliding away from their title rivals, but they can't deny that the last couple of seasons have triggered a massive downslide for Arsene Wenger's men.

Arsenal won the Premier League in the 03/04 season, but ever since then it's been all Chelsea and now Manchester United, but who is to blame for this disastrous downfall?

Has Arsene Wenger overstayed his welcome? I'd expect a resounding 'NO' to that but come to think of it, Wenger's policy of promoting youth over experience in North London has coincided with Arsenal's gigantic slide.

Unfortunately for the dreamers, Emmanuel Adebayor has failed to replicate the form and finishing once shown by Thierry Henry.

Let alone Henry's match-winning ability, Patrick Viera's departure created a hole in Arsenal's midfield and the hole could've been temporarily filled by Denilson or Diaby, but hey, aren't we talking 'long-term' here?

A decade of Mr. Wenger and sure he's been successful, but it goes without saying that quite a number of Arsenal supporters, whether loyal or not, have started doubting the Frenchman's ability to bring the trophy home.

However, it's not all Arsene's fault is it?

The squad has been plagued by injuries. I can't quite remember the last time I saw Tomas Rosicky on a football pitch!

How about the numerous departures which have crippled The Arsenal: Henry, Viera, Ljungberg, Hleb, Flamini, and so on!

Last season, Arsenal looked on course to claim the title but after January, the Gunners ran out of gas and William Gallas defied all to say "Tears Do Fall."

Short on gas, Arsene Wenger turned to Fabregas, and the Spaniard smiled as he took on the burden of captaincy. However, as fate would have it, he is currently on Arsenal's ever-lasting injury list.

Moving from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium created stadium debt which has to paid off, and unfortunately in this case, even Arsene doesn't know best.

From Mr. Wenger to the lack of experience to several injuries to big-money sales to stadium debt to the move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium...these are a host of reasons which have contributed to Arsenal's downfall, but as a number of optimistic Arsenal fans choose to say "Maybe it's just a phase!"

To conclude, I have no intention to ridicule Arsene Wenger and strongly suggest that no Arsenal fan should take offense at any comment in the above article, because it is purely based on opinion; its purpose is to identify the root of Arsenal's fall.