Arsenal finds itself in a place where in my opinion it has not been for many decades. In the 60's, 70's and 80's apart from a few trophies it knew it was about. Strength, class and confidence. On occasions it over achieved and delivered silverwear. The one point that made the club different was that it had history and class, with the latter being unique and something that the New Kids On The Block cannot buy. Even if the likes of 'sugar-daddy' clubs go on to buy everything they will be tainted by the fact that their billionaire owners have thrown money around like confetti at a wedding. That, in my view highlights the lack of class. Sure, all is fair in love and war, but it is about reputation.
Since Wenger arrived in 1996 we have been treated to football that before we didn't even dream about. We were happy with our back four/five and with the likes of Raymondo going awol and kicking-off in Hong Kong - remember that?
Wenger changed that. He changed the personal philosophy of the players and of many managers in the Premiership. Remember Ferguson telling Arsene to go back to Japan. How great was it for him to eat his words.
The question I asked is, what would have Arsene achieved if he had not inherited our defensive players? Seriously, that mentality from THOSE players is what won us silverwear in '98, '02 and '04. Wenger at the time was astute enough to combine their experience with a good selection of bright young things to create football that had a solid foundation with pace that intimidated opposing players. The formula worked in the Premier League, but failed in Europe, which is something that in my opinion has haunted Wenger.
To achieve European success Arsene has in all sense and purposes sacrificed experience for playstation FIFA football. Quick passing that looks in theory but in practice has not delivered since 2005.
We of course do not know if Wenger actually believes in his philosophy of creating world-class players at Arsenal rather than buying them. To a certain extent since 2005 he has developed such tunnel vision that he has forgotten to stay one step ahead of the competition. The likes of Ferguson has re-invented his side on numerous occasions. Ferguson has spent on young players, but they have delivered. That said though, Arsene has given Arsenal a new training ground and a great new stadium, something that few managers have ever done.
The club has, to a certain extent, been running a business and football model from what back when.
Up until yesterday's transfer deadline Arsenal's first 25 were thin. They were thing in the first XI and thin in reserve. We suffer more injuries than the majority of teams that we compete against - is this because of the training philosophy? If so, this needs tweeking. We concede more goals as a squad for a top 4 club, this challenege's the squad's Arsene's view on 'mental strength', it is lacking, in my opinion, lacking because young players have not had the experience in the squad or the backroom. Would we have more more 'mental strangth' if we had Keown, Bergkamp and Vieira at the club? I think we would. These are players that are winners and icons for their respectable position in the field.
The club has followed Wenger's philosophy of snapping up many young players and putting them on wages that appear to be ridiculous. To a certain extent overpaying and holding hostage because of the salaries they have with the club. I was told that this is how the world is, offer big fees and contracts for unproven players. Perhaps it is for some, but you have to go through a lot of coal to get a diamond and this is a problem that we have given that we have a high wage bill, with players that are unproven. Wouldn't it make more sense to incentivise young hopefuls with bonus structured contracts? Make them work for their money? Perhaps this change in philosophy is being acted upon given the number of players that have either been sold or put out on loan.
Yesterday Wenger, or the club - we do not know if his hand was forced, brought in players with experience. The players that were brought in are not yet 'wow' players, but they are, I hope, athletes that can coach and share their experience with the likes of Theo, Frimpong and others. We need a siege mentality to permeate, but the younger players need leaders with experience that can shore things up.
To a certain extent, yesterday's signings are a reaction to what we knew were weaknesses in the squad. Changes are needed elsewhere, the kind of revamp that the club experienced in the late '90s and positioned it as an icon of European football.
The business side of things will only work if the squad performs. It is 2014 when part of the Emirates contract run's out and we need to have that wow factor so that we can also maximise our potential off the pitch.
Wenger, look around you. Everybody else isn't wrong. A long term plan needs tweaks in the short and medium term to achieve success.