Arsenal: Arsene Wenger The Hero That's Needed

Arsenal have retained Arsene Wenger for two decades, through thick and thin. Has he subtly become the hero the Premier League needs?

It’s been awhile since I launched into a pro-Wenger tirade. I guess it’s time to take a break from my pro-Giroud tirades and do so.

It’s a tumultuous time in the Premier League. So many new faces are coming and going, making established clubs with rich histories indistinguishable from their pasts.

Jose Mourinho taking over Manchester United? Talk about getting away from what made you great. United was built on the principles of Sir Alex Ferguson, who made them the universally recognized brand they are today. But he didn’t do it the way Mourinho does things. He did it by building a team and ensuring its long-term success.

Ferguson noted numerous times through numerous sources that it was important to build with young, talented players. They never forget the club that gave them their first chance, he noted.

United took a big step back with Louis van Gaal, but Jose Mourinho is an even bigger step back. Look what he did to Chelsea. Or anywhere rather. Mourinho is in it for himself, not for a club’s legacy. He may bring temporary success to the club, but in the long run they will be hurt. He isn’t going to build anything.

Then there is Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is notorious for winning, but who has he won with? An established Barcelona and an established Bayern Munich. He has never had to create for himself. Yet City fired Manuel Pellegrini, who had brought them so much success – the start of prolonged success – and who had taken an interest in their system.

Guardiola won’t find life in the EPL as easy as he thinks. I’m not afraid to claim that. Nobody ever does.

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Claudio Ranieri did an amazing thing with Leicester, but his tenure there has been short. It is yet to be seen what his long-term plans are with the club.

Then there is Arsene Wenger. Innovative at his onset, hotly-contested now. Wenger has been in the Premier League for two decades now and through it all, he has done something no one else has been able to do consistently – he puts Arsenal in a position to win and flawlessly qualifies for Champions League play. He did all of this while building a state of the art stadium, reestablishing the youth ranks and creating a long-term legacy for after he is gone.

What other manager is still signing teenagers knowing that his tenure is coming to a close?

Wenger has never let external pressure get in the way. He knows his plan and he sticks to it. That doesn’t mean his plan is immaculate, but he stuck to his plan in the early 2000s and it ended up alright. What does Sir Alex Ferguson always say? “Stay the course”. Wenger does that.

The Premier League needs someone who can defeat the mercenary way – consistently. Ranieri did it once and he could potentially keep doing it. But for all intents and purposes, Arsenal have the best chance to remain as the only team that has held true to their way. They promote loyalty and faith and don’t turn each position into a revolving door.

Arsenal: Arsene Wenger The Hero The EPL Needs

By Josh Sippie | May 26, 2016

Arsenal have retained Arsene Wenger for two decades, through thick and thin. Has he subtly become the hero the Premier League needs?

More from Pain in the Arsenal