Manchester United vs. Arsenal: 4 Reasons Arsene Wenger Can Turn Club Around

Arsene Wenger must now sift through the wreckage of his team's humiliating 8-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

Wenger faces a daunting reclamation project.  After his embarrassment and disappointment have cooled, the Gunners' boss must begin tackling some of the trickiest dilemmas he has experienced during his distinguished reign.

Sunday's thrashing has provided all the inclination and focus Wenger requires to get Arsenal back on track.  

With yesterday's diabolical capitulation at Old Trafford still fresh in the mind, there is a temptation to let the gorge of vitriol and bile overflow and drown out any kind of reasoned analysis.  But a composed view reveals some small signs of hope that Wenger can and will restore Arsenal's standing amongst the Premier League's elite.

This is no rallying call for renewed faith, nor an ill-judged plea for trust.  It is simply an examination of certain factors which show that Arsene Wenger can still turn Arsenal's season into a success.

Here are four reasons why Wenger can turn the Gunners around.

4. Maximising the Characteristics of the Current Squad

Arsene Wenger's fluid, free-flowing football philosophy suits the players at his disposal.  Barring an unlikely change of tact, coupled with a major recruitment in the transfer market, Arsenal will have to continue to rely on attacking, technical players.

After being overrun and outmatched in midfield, there have been many calls for Arsenal to adopt a more compact playing structure based on negating the opposition. But like it or not, the current squad simply does not contain players with the attributes to fulfil this remit.  This squad has been assembled with quickness and technique at its forefront.

Players like diminutive schemers Tomas Rosicky and Andrey Arshavin make up Arsenal's list of midfield players.

Even with the inclusion of recognised first-teamers Alex Song and Jack Wilshere, the Gunners lack the capability to suddenly morph overnight into a more cautious outfit.

This is the squad Arsenal have.  These are players the coaching staff have to utilise to try and attain victory.

Wenger will orchestrate a system and style of play best suited to what these players can do.  Only by allowing the players to function in roles matching their talents can Arsenal begin to climb the table.

3. Attacking Philosophy

Wenger's firm belief in bold and stylish football is critical to turning Arsenal's season around.  His adventurous philosophy is exactly what is needed at a time when many might succumb to the pressure and retreat into their shells.

When faced with an imposing challenge, Wenger encourages his players to express themselves and score the goals that put the opposition on the back foot.

Yesterday's depressing mauling perfectly encapsulated the conflicting dichotomy of this team.  Tame and hesitant defensive play crippled their efforts.  Yet they still also managed to produce some incisive attacking flair, resulting in two quality goals.  Arsenal's attacking style can be the saviour of their season.

The team's ability to create multiple chances and score anywhere provides the real foundation to improve their fortunes.  Attempts to become more defensively solid should not be made at the expense of the creative, expansive intent of the team.

Wenger will ensure that any improvements to the solidity of the side will serve to supplement the existing philosophy of open, attacking football.

2. Uwavering Vision

Arsene Wenger's stubborn streak is legendary.  One of the most common criticisms of the Arsenal manager could act as one of his biggest positives right now.

Arsenal need a resolute and determined presence to drag the club through this very difficult period.  Wenger's professional pride and unrelenting belief in his view of football provide the basis for a turnaround.

Wenger will not allow himself or the players to be satisfied merely with better results.  The Gunners' boss will force through a change in the commitment of the team and the sustained improvement to the quality of their play.

Wenger's intransigence has helped create the club's current mire.  But ironically, it could turn out to be the best way for him to prove that he still has some of the old magic left.

1. He's Done It Before

In February 2001, Arsenal were defeated 6-1 at Old Trafford.  The Gunners were victimised by a rampant Manchester United forward line.

Sunday's game shared many similarities with that decade-old trouncing.  Arsenal travelled to the home of the champions with a makeshift side and their threadbare defense was ruthlessly exposed.

The defeat came near the end of a barren three-year spell for Arsene Wenger.  The heavy loss was said to epitomise the failings of the Arsenal team at that time.

Those failings are very similar to the same deficiencies that plague the 2011/12 version of Arsenal.  Wenger rebounded and engineered a remarkable turnaround.  This turnaround yielded a double at the end of the following season, two further FA Cups and the historic unbeaten league triumph in 2003/04.

Wenger strengthened his defense by adding Sol Campbell and also ensured that Patrick Vieira was regularly supported by a solid presence in central midfield.  By finding similar solutions to familiar problems now, Wenger can restore Arsenal's standing in the game and lead them to new success.

It would be churlish to argue that past glories earn the right to correct mistakes.  But Arsene Wenger has not simply misplaced his pedigree as a fine and determined coach.  He is still capable of turning the Gunners around.

But while the spending power of the two Manchester clubs as well as Chelsea ensures their positions at or near the summit of the English game, the question becomes: Turn Arsenal around to what?

As things stand, a top-four finish would be a creditable achievement in terms of salvaging this campaign.  But a true and complete revival of Arsenal can only be evidenced by Arsene Wenger once again placing his hands on silverware.