Arsenal: Arsene Wenger’s lashing at legends blinds the truth

Arsene Wenger has criticised the former Arsenal’s players criticisms of him and his current team. His lashing out, though, blinds from the truth: this is a team that have glaring, unaddressed weaknesses.

Ever since Mesut Ozil’s explosive social media defence of his apparent underwhelming form, in which he called out several former Arsenal players, who he feel should talk less and support more, there has been a little animosity and friction between the current squad of the North London outfit and those of years gone by.

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Given the roles that many former players take up once their playing days are over — pundits and analysts, namely -, it is not surprising for their opinions to be publicly stated in an often rather abrasive and forward manner. That is, after all, their job. And with the recent struggles of Arsenal, it is fair to see why they are maligned to the extent that they are.

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And now Arsene Wenger has had his say on the whole rift. Speaking before Saturday’s hosting of Bournemouth, Wenger supported his current squad, criticising his former players for having their own weaknesses and shortcomings:

"“I’ve had all the players here and we speak about today but they all had their weaknesses, as well. Don’t worry about that. They had their weak games and their weak behaviours. Nobody was perfect. We have to take a distance with that, as well; focus on our performance and not be dragged into any animosity. We are all grateful for what they have done for the club but what matters is always the players on the pitch, who can defend the pride of the club.”"

Such lashing out, though, while perhaps justified and accurate, distracts from the real issue: Arsenal are a team with serious faults that have gone unnoticed and unaddressed for far too long.

What is particularly frustrating is that many of the weaknesses of the side are ones that have existed for many years. The lack of a defensive shape and structure; the soft underbelly of the midfield, absent of any steel or grit; the winning mentality that inspires the most unlikely and undeserved victories; the culture of niceness that eradicates a perseverance and determination to defy and withstand pressure, expectation and vitriol.

Wenger, rather than allowing himself to become embroiled in a rather petty argument, should be focusing solely on improving the weaknesses of his team. Even though he may want to present himself as the all-knowing manager who has outlasted all of his critics and former players, he should be focused on the issues of today, not the debates of yesterday.

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This whole dispute is only distracting. It is not helpful; it is not progressing. Just distracting. And for a club with enough distractions as it is, another is the last thing they need.