Time zone: US/Eastern | Register | Login
Search:
England Premier League

Facts, Quotes & Final verdict: Must Arsenal sack Wenger or defend him?

Angela Asante, August 29 2011,
Just after Arsenal’s horrific 8-2 trouncing in the hands of Manchester United and 2 days before the close of the 2011 summer transfer window, we ask a host of questions:

Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal: total disaster for Arsene Wenger and the Gunners!

Related Content:
Premier League
Related Articles: Arsene Wenger, Arsenal, Manchester United
Where lies Arsenal future? What should be made of Arsene Wenger’s presence at the club? Who is to blame—if anyone should be—for Arsenal’s critical condition?

Arsenal couldn’t get off to a worst start than that! The 2011/12 English Premier League season has so far proven to be more like hell to the Gunners whose pre-season form had somehow revealed all that is happening right now.

A big portion of die-hard supporters apparently didn’t want to face what Arsenal’s unconvincing results against Boca or New York Red Bulls mirrored earlier in summer. Well, the situation right now is clear for all to see. Statistics don’t lie, and numbers in the grids below explain it all.

 

The English Premier League table—what statistics tell

Fact 1: 16 places separate Arsenal from current league leaders and 8-2 murderers Manchester United as things stand.

Fact 2: Arsenal have conceded 10 goals in 3 games—in order words, twice as many goals as Norwich City.

Fact 3: Despite commencing the Premiership campaign with a clean sheet, Arsenal top the Goals Allowed list ahead of Match-day 4.

Fact 4: Arsenal are among the 8 teams in the English Premier League that are yet to clinch at least 1 win this season.

Like London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal are facing an early relegation battle whereas things look greener for Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. Rivals Chelsea are seemingly coping quite well under the leadership of new boss Andre Villas-Boas.

So what kind of turning point do Arsenal need? A new coach, new players or both?

POS.   TEAM MP W D L GF GA D P
PREMIER LEAGUE 2011/2012
1 Manchester United 3 3 0 0 13 3 +10 9
2   Manchester City 3 3 0 0 12 3 +9 9
3 Liverpool 3 2 1 0 6 2 +4 7
4 Chelsea 3 2 1 0 5 2 +3 7
5 Wolverhampton Wanderers 3 2 1 0 4 1 +3 7
6 Newcastle United 3 2 1 0 3 1 +2 7

17 Arsenal 3 0 1 2 2 10 -8 1

The summer transfer window  is closing pretty soon and it looks increasingly improbable that one or more top stars are going to land at the Emirates within the next hours. So the cash is there in abundance, certainly, following the selling of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Likewise, Arsene Wenger remains the coach of the Gunners only to contradict the taunting of some Manchester United supporters who chanted on Sunday: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”

The Debate: Arsene Wenger to be sacked or kept?

But in truth, what does Arsene Wenger deserve? Let’s look at a few different opinions from illustrious people through quotes.

Pep Guardiola in defense of Arsene Wenger at a press conference:

“We should not forget what Wenger has done for football in general and for Arsenal in particular. They are still a great team, regardless of what happened against Manchester.

“These things can happen in football. Manchester United have so many good players, while Arsenal were without a lot of players due to injury.”

The Sun’s Rob Beasley against Arsene Wenger in his column:Arsene Wenger's future with the Gunners is in jeopardy

“Arsene Wenger could not be more degraded if he sat naked during this massacre. [...] It was there for the whole world to see and any number of excuses and explanations cannot cover up the naked truth.

“Yes Wenger has achieved much at Arsenal [...] But it's not difficult days anymore. It's six long years without silverware — and counting. […] Enough. The time has come to act. […]

“Wenger won't blow the lot of course, nowhere near, and come Christmas he and Arsenal could be counting the cost.”

Alex Ferguson to Sky Sports in defense of Arsene Wenger following the 8-2 match:

“It’s unfair the criticism of the man, the job he’s done for Arsenal for such a long period. […]

“He’s always sold well which has always helped the Arsenal coffers and maybe people forget these things because we’re in a terrible cynical world now and when you lose a few games the judges are out. […]

“You see managers going early season many times in the past years unfairly and it keeps going.”

Ex-Arsenal director Lady Bracewell-Smith on Twitter:

“Not good for #Arsenal and only 3 days left before the transfer window close.”

Arsenal legend and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson:

“It is definitely the worst day for Arsene Wenger in charge and it is even the worst day for a long time in Arsenal’s history. […]

“You have got to start looking at the manager now and asking questions. [...] What is he thinking? I’m not joking, but a League Two team could come here next Saturday and make it much more difficult for United than that. […]

“I still wouldn’t sack Arsene Wenger, but now just to be competitive he has got to sign one, probably two centre-backs, a central midfielder and then another forward, which is so worrying as that’s the whole spine of the team and his recent tactics have to be questioned.”

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger’s critical condition—Your views:

A lot has been said lately and more words will continue to back or taunt both Arsenal and their coach Arsene Wenger. What is your personal opinion on all that is happening at the club? Leave your comments below.
 

Related Articles

Member Sign In »

Username Password
Forgot Password | Remember
Not a Member Yet? Register Now