08 Apr 2017 04:54:21
We really need a top notch striker and I can already feel the disappointment coming. Not all down to us but Chelsea, City and Utd all need at least 1 additional striker.
Where does that leave us - scrapping for a risky deal. If we don't get top 4, sort Ozil Sanchez plus manager contracts out immediately after the final whistle of the last game then we will be chasing the pack again as too much uncertainty added to lack of success added to poor budget.
Sort out the instability please BOARD - it's going to hurt us.? Extend his contract, set tough target and give him the budget to achieve it. Then tell him to bring in a Keown type player to train the defence. Then start working on our old fashioned way of turning defence into attack in seconds rather than our current slow ass attack. I don't care about shouting from the side but I want some leaders who boss the players around on the pitch, in warm ups and at halftime.
Come on - enoughs enough -> let's get it done and start acting like a club that wants to WIN the league not come top 4. Come on BOARD!! Sort your responsibilities out.
If you are only happy investing top 4 budget and top 4 is the goal -> then tell your customers so we know what to expect
08 Apr 2017 09:45:48
Agree on the top striker requirement SY. The trouble is, the board did give Wenger nearly 100m to spend in the transfer market last year, more than enough to get a top striker, but he decided to blow the majority of it on two players we didn't need and then spent what was left on a cheap striker that he doesn't bother to play. If you were the board why would you give him any more money? Also we already have a keown type player coaching in Steve Bould, who obviously is told by Wenger to keep quiet as if you remember him playing there is no way he would stay quiet.
08 Apr 2017 09:52:34
What if the board try to implemented all the things you ask SY but Arsene won't accept thier changes?
What if Arsene says i will not work under such conditions?
Arsene is in the totally unique position where 50% of the fans value him above results while 20% of fans are desperate for both Arsene and competitiveness while the other 30% have had a enough and want a new manager next season.
I personally think the board should be brave and do what's right for Arsenal regardless of what Arsene wants but i do accept they are in a uniquely​ difficult position where they will get the blame for all that goes wrong if Arsene stays but will face massive hostility if they try and make changes that result in Arsene not being manager next season either by not renewing his contact or by making changes he won't accept and he walks.
08 Apr 2017 12:43:46
There's a lot of truth in what you say there mate. One thing I have noticed whilst been at games is the warm ups before and at half time, especially noticeable against the top teams that have come to the emirates this year namely psg, Munich and city.
Their warm ups seemed structured and regimented whilst our players appear to just pass the ball around with no real organisation. It looks all very relaxed whilst opposing teams are doing sprints the cones are out the passing is in tight circles. I'm no football coach so don't know if it makes a difference or not but it's something I always notice.
08 Apr 2017 12:45:32
I'm genuinely sick of reading headlines where a quality player is rumoured to be leaving his club and Wenger declares an interest in failing to sign him.
There is no way we are going to buy a quality striker, we are going to have to produce one.
The owner has already declared no interest in winning the title, he is perfectly happy with what the club achieves and how it's being run.
What owner in their right mind would sit back and watch their two best players leave if they had a modicum of ambition?
I don't see us achieving a great deal under Kroenke's leadership. Everything is in place to move up a level and he clearly has no want to do that.
08 Apr 2017 13:30:50
Martin keowen a very strong Arsene supporter has just said on football focus Arsene runs Arsenal top middle and bottom and he doesn't see Arsene relinquishing that power as it's something he has always resisted in the past.
If a football ambitious owner came in as at city Utd or Chelsea then they would not put up with Arsene's​ resistance to change for even a season.
For Arsene to continue he needs a weak money focused owner and board to be in place, Usmanov has often stated that Arsene is Arsenals greatest asset why? Because he knows if he wants to gain control of Arsenal it will be easier to achieve with the fans on his side and to the fans on his side he needs to be pro Arsene but much like politicians seeking power what he says to get elected isn't necessarily what he has in mind once he has it.
Only an owner who isn't afraid to upset the fans can make Arsenal great again.
08 Apr 2017 13:47:59
62 - on your question to me above. If Wenger doesn't accept it and the board are commuted to investment and progression then unfortunately it's no Wenger as I support Arsenal FC. I really want the board to do their job for the club or step aside and let another board do so.
Progression and ambition is what I want as well as doing the right thing so the club is around for my great grandkids.
08 Apr 2017 13:55:41
Not sure what the deal is with Bould. He must go mental at the zonal marking mess, especially as even TH14 pulled our zonal philosophy to bits and he doesn't always seem the sharpest as a all round football expert like a Neville. He was p@ssed at our zonal marking and rightly so. So what the hell does Bould think? Keown is very pro-Arsenal not sure pro-Wenger but knows where his bread is buttered so won't be too outspoken but he still has a little dig when needed but professionally. Would love to see Keown in the training staff -, he stands for everything our club needs and he's a great guy plus loves OUR club.
08 Apr 2017 13:44:31
Your bang on stoner it's by far more the owners that hinder this great club. We will only sign and have signed top players that have been unfancied elsewhere. Current on form players can pick and we are unfashionable in Europe .
08 Apr 2017 14:10:23
I agree SY mate but I'm not sure the board have the nerve to stand up to the fans by upsetting Arsene.
The board are not popular but by allowing Arsene a free hand are tolerated if the board go Arsene goes too but if Arsene goes the board have to suddenly man up and show real football ambition.
Arsene need the board and the board need Arsene to maintain the current situation for the foreseeable future.
08 Apr 2017 14:32:39
62 - probably right but I think a non top 4 finish and our two stars not signing contracts has made them sit up and take note. The next step is an important one that will define the short term future of the club because everyone else is investing and improving. The top 6 are pretty strong while 3 of those have an unlimited budget.
08 Apr 2017 14:54:12
As far the board backing Arsene is concerned I just don't see what more they could have or can do than back him with everything he has asked for 100% SY mate, the more Arsene spends the worse our points total becomes season in season out.
The only blame that can be liad at boards door is their handling of Arsene surely.
Arsene himself admits they have never refused him anything he has asked for.