Arsenal: Arsene Wenger’s Replacement Can Only Be One Man

Arsenal’s fearless leader Arsene Wenger is nearing his contract’s end as well and replacements are everywhere. But could it be anyone else?

Arsenal nation is abuzz over numerous contract situations. So much so that Arsene Wenger’s expiring contract isn’t even the biggest one to follow. Still, we have to start wondering who will take the reigns on Le Prof’s departure.

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Everyone is talking about Eddie Howe not being qualified, Diego Simeone being a pleasant dream, Thomas Tuchel being a candidate and Thierry Henry being an heir apparent. But it wasn’t until perusing an article by the Independent that I rejoiced. Someone else has finally seen the best possible option that is barely even being talked about – Patrick Vieira.

Look what he’s done in the Big Apple. He took a backwards team mixed with superstars and young talent, sent away some favorites, built up others and here they are, the best team in the Eastern Conference of MLS. Filtering through Pirlo, David Villa and Lampard and building a team around them with no prior high-level managing experience is no easy feat.

The best part of it all? There’s continuity. So much of what is making the sky blues of New York City successful is mimicked from Vieira’s old home. He builds from the back – almost to a fault at times. He controls possession, building steadily, while still maintaining that ability to strike quickly on the counter.

Also, he stays the course. That was a massive point he kept making in a recent question and answer session. It felt like he was quoting Sir Alex Ferguson directly – ‘you have to keep believing in what you’re doing and keep doing it’.

It was rough at times, mainly early on, but now? It works.

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At this point, Arsenal needs continuity. Wenger has been here for two decades, you have to bring in someone that not only fits in with the club, but isn’t going to revolt against the established order. Vieira had to build this style from scratch in New York but at Arsenal he would be waltzing into a pre-made castle. All it would need is the occasional upkeep.

Having someone that lived the system and made it work flawlessly is just an added perk. Thierry Henry could have been an option, but his credentials are sketchy. Vieira has proven his managing skills. NYCFC has seen guys like Khiry Shelton and Jack Harrison go in and out of the regulars seamlessly and remain an integral piece of the club.

With a side like Arsenal, that has plenty of guys that need to go in and out of the club and find playing time, that bodes particularly well.

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It’s the most sensible solution. He has experience in turning a club around and morphing them into a Wenger-like system. He was the centerpiece of that system as it worked at Arsenal in the most flawless depiction of how it is supposed to work. It all just makes sense. Who could be a better fit than the bruiser himself, Patrick Vieira?