Who Has It Right In The English Premier League

It is common knowledge that in the last few years Arsenal has not won a trophy; they have been inconsistent but have managed to stay in the top four. This state of affairs has led to the media, fans and former footballers questioning the ambition of the club. Arsenals are a big club not only in Englandbut in world football so it stands to reason that they are expected to be competing for major honours every year. There is a price however to matching the success of the other big boys. The question is can Arsenal afford to match this price? The common argument now is Wenger needs to buy. There is a lot of talk about how Arsenal does not have the physicality to compete in the EPL or how much they need experience. All these points are probably valid but there is a price to getting these quality players. A half decent player these days costs 20 million pounds and 100,000 p/w in wages. I do not think Arsenal has this kind of money and I do not think they are willing to take a 3rd mortgage on the club to get that money. Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool have spent fortunes to achieve the success they have in the last few years. I question the wisdom in putting your club at risk for a few titles. All clubs are in this business to win titles and trophies but one eye also has to be on the long term existence of the club. Portsmouth are on their knees now, they got a sugar daddy and for a while they were gunning for the top. Leeds over-committed themselves and are currently big dogs a few divisions down. It might be the Arsenal in me writing but to me it makes sense to appreciate and applaud the efforts of Wenger and Arsenal in the responsible way they are leading this great club. Arsenal are currently six points off the pace and have been competitive for a long time while pursuing a sustainable business model. Wenger has been ridiculed in the press and on a lot of forums but for me he is doing a great job. The man is not only about today but also for the next 20years. The EPL is not above the rules if you keep spending more than what you earn eventually something has got to give.