We have had 2 months of Barclays Premier League action and as it stands now, Chelsea seems to be participating in a one horse race. Never has been the title challenge so dismal than what Arsenal and more importantly, Man U have posed.
Arsenal have been the perennial under achievers. Except for the early to mid 2000s, where they even had a season of no defeat, they havent really been a threat. And that brings to the fore, the long drawn discussion of whether Arsene Wenger has anything more to offer to the club.
Arsene is a legend. He has been instrumental in keeping alive musical football. the brand of football Arsenal plays is top draw and Wenger has had ample appreciation for it. With the limited money that he has been provided with by the club owners, he has done a phenomenal job, which probably would have been impossible for any other manager. But this drought of silverware cannot keep the fans happy, who would be more than willing to give up the fancy foot tricks for a few trophies in the cabinet which has had its door untouched for 5 years now.
He has brought young talent and polished them to become stars later. But Arsenal thus have become a breeding and training ground for other top clubs. To retain the best players, you have to win trophies and Arsenal are failing to do so. Wenger needs some good holding midfielders in front of the back four. He hasnt yet found a replacement for Viera. And also, he has not been able to adapt to any other form of football. That is the reason that Arsenal dont perform well when their twinkled toed game is pitted against very physical teams.
Yes, Wenger has kept Arsenal in the black for a long time, a feat very few clubs can boast of. Yes he has entertained fans for years with football performances worth oscars. Yes, he has been able to continuously been able to threaten big spending clubs with virtually no financial clout. But, no, he is not delivering. The fans love him but love trophies more.
You cant build a team around a 37 year old. You do not give a central role to a retirement plan contender. Man U have been terrible with a fifth of the season gone. they have been leaking points profusely. But somehow Sir Alex has not understood this by now. Paul Scholes leading the charge--thats ridiculous. With all due respect, he is well past his best. He gave it all to Man U but now its time to have someone else in the pivotal role.
There have been rumours of buying fresh legs in the January window but the season may be well over by then. Right now, its agonizing to see goal advantages being lost clumsily. The defending at times has been shocking but the problem is that they are getting no reinforcements from the midfield. So Fergie, you are out of favour for being naive this season.
We did expect a makeover of Liverpool after last years horror show. Roy Hodgson had a dream run with Fulham last year and was expected to turn the tide in favour of the Reds. He was expected to bring together a side which which looks toothless in offence and spiritless in defence. With the team in the relegation zone, Hodgson may be soon fighting his own relegation battle. Even if he retains office till the end of the season, he will get angry jeers from fans and at best he can target a Europa League finish.Even that is a long shot right now.
Roy, you have failed the test even before the question paper was distributed. You have Liverpool in a relegation battle and its a disgrace for one of the greatest clubs in footballing annals.So no euphemism can be used for your ouster.
Lets get some young managers in these clubs. Lets bring in the Guardiolas and Rijkaards into BPL. Lets change the way the game is being played. The past generation has had its chances and they gave us some wonderful moments but its time to move on.
