Arsenal: Actions Speak Louder Words

Arsene Wenger, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott have all bemoaned Arsenal’s recent performances. However, actions speak far louder than words.

The old adage states: ‘actions speak louder than words’. While what one says still carries much weight and significance, if those words are not supported actions, then the speaker suddenly lacks integrity and value. That is very much the case for Arsenal and their supporters.

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Throughout their recent struggles that stretch back to mid-February, a number of key figures from the club, both from within the management and the playing squad, have apologised for the team’s performances, bemoaning their dire display, proclaiming that improvements must be found.

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After Monday night’s 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, which saw the fans chant that the players are no longer fit to wear the shirt, Arsene Wenger stated that he was disappointed with his side’s showing:

"“I’m deeply disappointed because the performance we produced was not good enough. We knew we had to win the game tonight. Not only did we not score but as well we conceded three goals, so overall it’s a very disappointing performance.”"

Theo Walcott then echoed the same statement in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, plainly and openly apologising for the efforts of he and his teammates:

"“All we can do is apologise for that performance tonight. That wasn’t us tonight. We are all disappointed in the changing room, like the fans are – we let them down.”"

This all comes after the 3-1 loss to West Brom that saw the start of vociferous and violent cries for Wenger to leave at the end of the season. After that abject display, it was the turn of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to publicly apologise for the side’s display, which to his credit, he did do in his post-match interview:

"“We’re bitterly disappointed. We’re sorry to the fans. That’s not acceptable for Arsenal Football Club”"

Such comments, while always nice to hear some honesty, fall short of what is expected of this club. Words, ultimately, are just words. They lack any conviction, failing to ever have a tangible and real effect on changing the future. Spouting apologies without then acting on such apologies is simply hypocritical.

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The players, the manager and the club have let down the fans. That is plain and simple. And now they are failing to act to change the trajectory of the club while claiming their repentance. That may well be the worst aspect of this whole ordeal.