Last Chance Saloon for Wenger?

After a second humbling by one of the so called ‘big four’ in the space of 5 days, the frailties of this current Arsenal side have been laid bare for all to see once again.

Following a questionable start to the season, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger came under heavy fire from both the press and fans after losing five fixtures relatively early in the season – final whistle barrackings from the usually loyal Emirates crowd suggested that patience with the Frenchman’s youthful policy was wearing irreconcilably thin, and abysmally lacklustre 3-1 away defeat at Manchester City proved to be a new low point for all concerned with the club.

However, it also staked a claim to a be a turning point for Wenger’s young outfit, who, to their credit, began to quietly construct a long unbeaten Premier League run that would last up until today, when Chelsea swept their fierce north London rivals aside with devestating aplomb.

Anyone in football knows that a winning run is nothing without an end product – just like much of Arsenal’s play this season. Aesthetically pleasing passing and movement is a joy to watch but provides equally agonising levels of emotion when a team can’t put the finishing touches to a perfect, free flowing move, and unfortunately, this is the type of game that Gunners fans have become accustomed to, not just this season but for the last three.

Emmanuel Adebayor appears to have had his head turned yet again by the prospect of a move abroad to clubs such as AC Milan despite an astranomic payrise following his 30-goal break through season. The Togolese striker has failed to deliver this term, and has also had to cope with the wrath of some Arsenal supporters who view him the same light as previous wantaway squad members such as Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole.

The shortcomings of Adebayor have highlighted the apparent gap left by the departure of Thierry Henry, albeit three years ago, in that they have no lethal talismanic goalscorer who they can depend on in times of need. Eduardo has struggled since his return from the horrific injury he suffered in early 2008, whilst Robin van Persie tends to fill a more creative forward role left by fellow compatriot Dennis Bergkamp. Nicklas Bendtner & Carlos Vela have both shown promise but lack the cutting edge of an experienced forward in front of goal.

The midfield must become a stronger unit. Filled with lightweight creative types such as Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott and Denilson, the Gunners lack the brute strength and resilience which Patrick Vieira used to provide. The power and driving forward runs of the France and former Arsenal skipper guaranteed assurance and a centre piece for the attacks to pivot on, splitting defences with a single pass or spraying the ball out wide. It was thought that a long term solution for this had finally been found in Mathieu Flamini, but Wenger’s stubborness to tie the efficient Frenchman down to a contract extension at speed is thought to have only propelled Flamini further into the open arms of AC Milan.

Names such as Yaya Toure, the younger brother of Kolo, have long been banded around as potential problem solvers, but Wengers reluctance to delve into the transfer market saw him turn to several young players including Abou Diaby and Alex Song to the plug the gap with little or no impact.

In goal Wenger has a reliable and loyal servant to the club with Manuel Almunia marshalling the 18-yard box, but the it’s the men in front of him which cause the most concern. The full back positions are well catered for with Bacary Sagna and the excellent Gael Clichy providing marauding runs down the flanks, along with young Kieran Gibbs who is crafted in the same mould as Ashley Cole coming through the ranks.

But at centre half, Wenger has a huge decision to make. Kolo Toure has undeniably been fantastic for the club, but today against Chelsea he appeared rusty and lethargic leaving many asking themselves where the Toure of old had disappeared to. It was his sloppy attempt to clear the ball behind the goal line which firmly pushed the game out of his sides reach and ended hopes of automatic qualification for the Champions League. William Gallas has also proved to be more than a handful in terms of man management for the Arsenal manager, along with his patchy form.

At the back Liverpool have Skrtel, United have Vidic and Chelsea have John Terry. All no nonsense centre halves who are prepared to lay their bodies on the line for their sides quest for glory with unrivalled passion. Arsenal appear to have no such motivation within their side and must find a player who replicates the commanding presence of Sol Campbell, Tony Adams or Martin Keown. Fulham’s Brede Hangelaand is a sure target for the Gunners this summer.

Wenger must stop kidding himself though, and look to draft in experience to shore up this promising but vastly inexperienced side of talented young footballers. A fifth trophyless season is unprecendented and the Gunners are now on their longest honourless streak in twenty years – the fans deserve reward for their patience and loyalty, and the Professor must deliver or risk an unhappy ending to a long love affair with the north London club.