Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Needs To Be Proactive Not Reactive

After over 20 seasons at Arsenal’s helm, Wenger has been the recipient of much criticism. One of the main arguments against him is that he is reactive rather than proactive with his substitutions.

Arsene Wenger is an Arsenal legend. He is the creator of modern Arsenal and has developed his own philosophy within the club. The most successful manager in our history will always have a special place in my heart. Even despite the increasing groans of Wenger out, I will always remember his contribution to this club.

That being said, he is far from immune to criticism. While I will not be one to complain about his transfer dealings as I understand the financial predicament we faced at the time, I will resurface one piece of criticism that many Gooners will agree with: the lack of proactivity with substitutions.

Substitutions are a key part of the modern game. With football increasing in its speed and intensity, being able to bring on fresh legs that can change the course of a game is a significant aspect of the game. Therefore, the timing of such interventions is crucial. It seems that the wise Mr Wenger is yet to master the art of the substitution.

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There have been countless times where Wenger has waited with a replacement in the wings before it being too late. While I can conjure up many examples, let’s go with one that’s fresh in the memory. Our recent loss against the blue side of Manchester.

On Sunday, Arsenal had the perfect start. A goal within 5 minutes allowed the Gunners to sit back, control the first half and threaten on the counter. Yet, a couple of minutes after the restart, disaster struck. One simple ball over the top, the defence was turned around and Leroy Sane poked in to equalise.

This was a crucial turning point in the context of the match. City regained momentum and started playing on the front foot, while Arsenal were camped inside their own half, obviously struggling with the relentless waves of City attacks.

All Gooners fans on the face of the planet realised that a change was needed at this time. It would only be a matter of time before City took the lead with Arsenal in such a disastrous shape. Whether it would have been Mohamed Elneny to provide some control or Giroud to provide some physicality, something was required.

However, as expected, City took the lead and only then did Wenger bring on Giroud. Such actions are where the Frenchman truly infuriates me. He could tell Giroud was needed so why wait to go behind to make a change?!

Such occurrences happen so often at Arsenal that Wenger is even ridiculed online about his 60^th minute substitution time. It wasn’t only on Sunday that this has happened. Last month, when we visited Old Trafford, the same scenario played out. While we managed to squeeze a draw out of that one, a win could have been possible had Giroud been brought on earlier.

I hate to complement Mourinho but Wenger would be wise to take a page (don’t worry Gooners, just one page) out of his book. When things aren’t working, Jose won’t even hesitate to take someone off at half time to change things. Yet Wenger’s blind faith in his players to improve even when it’s obvious something needs to change means Le Prof never shows such the courage or the urgency to make the necessary alterations.

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Even if Wenger was to make an early substitution and it backfired, I would take that over waiting for the opposition to score before we react with a replacement. Managers need to be on their toes. They must be proactive throughout the game. If Wenger doesn’t improve this aspect of his managerial style, The Wenger Out brigade is only likely to get louder as the season goes on.

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