batsignal to the Sugar Daddies.
Wenger paying the price for thrifty wayshttp://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AqweJeyzWYwX1qagVDzlq2gmw7YF?slug=ro-weekendreview112408&prov=yhoo&type=lgnsBy Martin Rogers, Yahoo! SportsFor years, Arsene Wenger has operated as if Arsenals transfer fund was his own private stash of money.
Lavish spending on the biggest names in the market? Not for Wenger. Indeed, the manager has appeared to turn his nose up at that kind of retail therapy, preferring instead to develop his own players from the youth ranks.
The concept of an all-conquering Arsenal squad comprised primarily of talent that emerged from the clubs own system is Wengers dream. The problem is that its taking too long to accomplish and seems as far away from fruition as ever.Arsenal has not won a major trophy in three seasons and its last English Premier League crown came in 2004. After another week of misery ended with a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, Wenger finds himself in a deep hole. Hes not going to be sacked despite whatever speculation you may read, but the state of the program he has overseen for more than a decade is on the line.
The only way out of this predicament is to do what he dislikes so much start splashing the cash.This Arsenal squad is very good and certainly capable of making inroads into the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League. However,
it lacks the depth, ruthlessness and strength at all positions to compete for this seasons EPL title.
In any one-off game, Arsenal is still capable of matching most teams on the continent, regardless of what recent results suggest. Winning the league is a different story, though, requiring the sort of metronomic consistency last seen at Arsenal during its 2004 unbeaten season. Unsettling matters, such as former captain William Gallas disciplinary problems, do nothing to ease the awkward situation.
At this point, the Gunners must worry about preventing themselves from slipping out of the Premierships top four as Aston Villa continues its impressive form. Ten points back from Chelsea and Liverpool, the title is probably already gone.
Wengers spending powers were restricted during the period leading up to Arsenals move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, but he is no longer operating under such budget-conscious conditions. He stubbornly refused to spend last summer, even after Alexander Hleb moved to Barcelona and Mathieu Flamini joined AC Milan on a free transfer. As a result, the midfield core relies too heavily on Cesc Fabregas, who himself is on the shopping list of some of Europes top clubs.
Support is needed. Not in the guise of a bargain buy plucked from France or Africa, but a proven midfield star who has shown the ability to perform at the highest level.Arsenal can afford it. Can Wenger afford not to?