Arsenal FC: The Most Frustrating Club To Support?

Frustration is a common feeling amongst Gunners fans. But is there an argument for saying that Arsenal is the most frustrating football club to support?

Frustration is defined as the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of an inability to change or achieve something. Sound familiar Arsenal fans? You bet it does.

Being a football fan brings a full range of emotions to the table; from unbridled joy at winning a cup to the pure sadness of relegation. Following the beautiful game of football is a true rollercoaster. Yet there is one feeling that, at least for many Gooners, is most prevalent: Frustration.

There is no doubt about it, supporting Arsenal is frustrating. While great performances and wins are common, the sense of repetitive mistakes and failures is what really boils the blood. Is there an argument to say that Arsenal is more frustrating to support than any other football club?

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When reading this article title, I’m sure many fans of other clubs thoroughly disagree. Clubs like Hull or Swansea City or even Rotherham or Wigan would love to be in Arsenal’s position. Clubs with poor leadership like Coventry or Leeds are probably also scoffing at the statement. Even non-league team supporters may laugh. But there is one

But, there is one big difference between these scenarios: Potential.

While clubs in lower divisions may yearn for Premier League football, the harsh reality is that they are where they are because that is what their quality merits. But with Arsenal it is different. The Gunners have such a high ceiling in relation to other clubs.

The Gunners have such a high ceiling in relation to other clubs. Smaller clubs may complain about a lack of finance, which is very fair, but at the Emirates, there is an abundance of money that the club refuses to reinvest into the playing squad! The opportunity is there, yet the club does not take advantage.

If we look at on-pitch matters, it’s a similar story. Arsenal will follow up stunning performances like the ones against West Ham and Chelsea with mediocre ones against Man City and Everton. The potential is there to be a world beating team yet, mentality, leadership and spirit get in the way. Such simple qualities as these, qualities that Non-League teams will have in abundance, Arsenal can’t even seem to grasp. That’s where the root of the frustration comes from.

I’ll go back to my earlier definition here. Frustration is not only being angry or annoyed at something. It is also the realization that nothing can be done about it. As fans, we can back our side all we want, but if the board doesn’t spend the money and if the players don’t show heart, there is nothing we can do.

The sense of the cliché feeling of “Groundhog Day” comes to mind when we talk about frustration. While other teams may take a few steps back to go forward, Arsene Wenger and the club seem to be stagnant. There is seemingly an acceptance with where the club is. There is no yearning desire to achieve more.

Finishing fourth and exiting in the round of 16 in the Champions League are not bad achievements in and of themselves. But the fact that the board, and the club, seems to be satisfied with these is what frustrates me and many other Gooners. It may sound spoilt and ungrateful, as other clubs have it much worse, but only die-hard supporters will know the frustration that following this club can have.

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So, what do you think? Is Arsenal the most frustrating team to support? Or should we be more grateful as other clubs have it much worse? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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