Wind of Changes

This is the first season where Wenger's stubborness is really tested. Never had we had such a formidable title challenger in the shape of Chelsea. I will always despise their policy and the money Roman made. But on the pitch they are bunch of commited and consumate professionals who discpline themselves so much that they hardly make any mistake and when they do, they have the confidence and spirit to turn things around. I don't know what the halfime team talks were like when Chelsea were 1-0 down against Bolton but apparently whatever it is, it worked wonder. They demolished Bolton 5-1. Mourinho must have been inspirational. Without Mourinho they won't be that formidable. Without Abramovich they will be rubbish.

But Wenger, of all people, should have what it takes to at least keep Chelsea sweating over their lead. Instead, it is the old dog Ferguson who proves to be the only also-run so far. While we don't look that bad on the table compares to Man Utd, we are significantly lacking on the pitch. We have been owing our goals to our defenders of late. We are too dependant on Henry, our superstar who often run out of idea in big matches. Chelsea's key to their form has been their ability not to depend on one player. One may argue that they depend on Makelele a lot. But take Makelele out and I dare to say they will still be winning matches.

Chelsea do have unrealistic budget that result in their impressive depth of quality. Have Wenger not been given funds, I will have nothing to say. But he does have 60 over millions to spend and while it's not all wrong to be selective, he has to realize that he needs to at least throw in some experienced players, may not be world class, to sustain the team when injuries hit.

He thought that would be a bad sign to our talented youngsters. He thought this is a season to give those youngsters chance to shine. So why do I see Bergkamp, and especially Pires, playing week in week out?? A certain Dane and Italian strike partner are scoring goals for fun in the reserve league lately and why are they not featuring despite our injury crisis?? A certain Dutch forward who can operate well in the wing with his pace was doing great in the last European youth cup and why didn't he replace the useless Pires?? Wenger was just making silly excuses. The fact is that he doesn't have the gut to use them.

I don't think it's easy to manage a team controlled by some stingy board members. I don't think it's easy to compete with the world richest football club and the bank of Abramovich (sorry they are not football club) for the league title. I don't think we can call for the head of the man who constantly lead us to the top two position for 9 years. But I do there are things which he could've done to minimize the damage. I do think he is hampered by his stubborn and rigid way of thinking. I do think he needs to be brave and when it comes to give the players some sticks, he has to do it.

We are at our best when people really dismiss us. And that's the reason why I believe, for one reason or another, we will see an impressive Arsenal side very soon. I just hope that it does not come too soon. Let us be in this mess until Wenger learns.

And one last thing. Don't tell me we are pure unlucky for failing to perform in CL for years and for being in the position we are now. Champions don't blame things on luck. You can blame your luck when you are competing for a midtable position. But at the top you have to control your luck; you have to prepare your team for the season by considering the worst-case scenario.