Arsenal: Departees comments painfully revealing

Both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have hinted that they did not enjoy their football at Arsenal. That is extremely concerning indeed.

It used to be the case that Arsenal could attract some of the most talented and renowned young players in world football because of the footballing environment they would encounter in north London. The coaching expertise of Arsene Wenger. The intense, sharpening competition of a world-class squad. The opportunity to play thanks to the club’s desire to grow through youth.

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But I think it is fair to question whether that is still the case? Do players still see Arsenal as a progressive and forward-thinking place to learn one’s trade? Marcus McGuane, Chris Willock, and Serge Gnabry didn’t think so.

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To compound that miserable thought, prior to last weekend’s Merseyside derby, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott, both former Southampton graduates, Arsenal stars, and good friends, discussed their times at their former clubs and their now friendly rivalry playing at either edge of Stanley Park. This was Walcott had to say regarding his time at Everton:

"“The first time walking about at Goodison Park… you can’t explain it. Then, when I scored my first goal, the emotion came out. It was about enjoying my football again.”"

While this is an implication, rather than explicitly stated, it is not unreasonable to suggest that Walcott was not enjoying his football Arsenal. That is not all that surprising given his limited minutes in this latest season, though still not exactly what you want to hear.

Then Chamberlain added to the lack of enjoyment by implying a lack of development:

"“It’s an amazing place to play, it was stable, you build relationships, but I felt I had to do it for football reasons to try and better myself. I’ve loved every minute [at Liverpool] so far. To hear them singing for you is unbelievable.”"

That is undoubtedly concerning to hear. Players who are now seperate from the Wenger regime are enjoying their football more and feeling that their games are developing more. This is something that Wenger’s management has been founded on: His ability to teach, to coach, to inspire joy in those under his tutelage. These are all traits that are now seemingly absent.

And that will substantially take the shine off of joining this football club. It was one of its unique selling points. Competing with the financial power of Chelsea was never really possible. Challenging the near-guarantee of trophies in Manchester was unattainable. They needed a selling point and this was it.

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Without it, the regressing of the club may only continue. Players will not develop. Signings will not come. Talent will leave out the front as the trophies slip out of the back. It’s very troubling indeed.