Arsenal: Is It Time For Arsene Wenger To Leave?

Arsenal faltered at Chelsea on Saturday in very similar fashion to their recent struggles. Is it finally time for Arsene Wenger to leave North London?

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Chelsea’s 3-1 dismantling of Arsenal on Saturday was the predictability of it. Under Antonio Conte, the Blues have developed a defensively outstanding team whilst also posing a threat with fluid, quick, sweeping counter-attacking moves. It is a devastating tactic when executed as well as the league leaders do.

However, the way Conte’s side set up was no surprise to anyone. They have played with that style ever since the 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture all the way back in September. And yet, and I seemingly have the displeasure of writing this every single year, Arsene Wenger did not react. He simply played his usual style; a style that perfectly suits the strengths of Chelsea.

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During commentary, Gary Neville made a very poignant point. He asked the question; how many times has Wenger set up to primarily stop their opponents? The defensive naivety of this team, their tactical foolishness and mental softness all conspire against them year on year. It has led many now question the future of Wenger himself, the man who has spearheaded the North London club for over two decades. When asked about whether Wenger should leave at the end of the season, Neville again launched a stout defence of the man who he used to do battle with the for the title every season:

"“Wenger’s biggest challenge is that he’s been there a long time and people may start to think the grass is greener. If Wenger was Jurgen Klopp and was currently above Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United – clubs that have spent £200m between them – people would say he is doing a great job… I feel very uncomfortable suggesting the grass may be greener and that he should move on.”"

The juxtaposition and confusion of Neville’s sentiment towards Wenger is more than understandable. He takes a very similar stance to myself; Wenger must learn from his tactical mistakes but Arsenal cannot look to sack him. It is, when times are tough, very easy to ascribe to, as Neville states, ‘the grass is always greener’ chain of thought.

However, it is not always as true as it may seem. There are numerous examples up and down the leagues, throughout history, where clubs have looked to replace long-time managers who have enjoyed success in the past before enduring a difficult period, only to see the replacement struggle further. That then leaves the club in the position of having no stable foundation at the most important position, on or off the pitch, in the whole organisation.

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Whilst Wenger has his shortcommings, he also is the greatest manager to ever grace the North London club. He keeps them competitive, builds team after team after team on a shoestring and has won two FA Cups in the last three seasons. Although it is not the success that the fanbase rightly yearns for, it is a sign of progress, an indication that the recent uptick in transfer activity is leading to trophies. Wenger should not be exempt of criticism or scrutiny, but he also shouldn’t be fired. Not yet and perhaps not never.

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