Is time up for Arsene?

Firstly, sorry for the lack of posts recently, I do have a good reason in that I’d been forced into extensive revision for my Geography exam or risk total failure. For anyone interested, it went quite well actually, think the revision paid off. Anyhow, a key topic revolving round the football world is the questionable job security of Arsenal manager - Arsene Wenger.

Yes he's been at the helm for year after year, and yes he was a key figure in creating the 'invincibles' and marshalling the team to great effect, his current performance just simply isn't good enough. His signings have been dreadful, his team are suffering in the league and half the players simply aren't fit to wear the shirt. The club revolves around great past success in the past, and when you see players such as Chamakh, Arshavin, Djourou and Mertesacker in the starting line up, you can't contain your laughter! From legendary Tony Adams to the comical figure of Per Mertesacker, the decline in just 7 years is just plain to see. No wonder why they are doing so badly!

Ok fair enough, you can argue that the Arsenal team would be considerably strengthened were it to bolster defensive options to partner Vermaelan and Koscielny, but until done so, they can only consider themselves a top 6 club and not title challengers. The full back position has been a poison chalice for the Gunners, with replacement after replacement failing to live up to expectation. The injury prone Gibbs hasn't been able to keep injury free, but until his injury woes are behind him, the Gunners must invest in a worthy replacement of Top 6 quality. Vermaelan had recently been forced to cover there, and certainly doesn't influence play as much as he does at Centre back, having a torrid time coping with nippy winger Antonio Valencia on the weekend.

Wenger's misery however was compounded on the weekend. After watching over a spirited Arsenal side peg back United, one decision seemed to dominate the headlines. Sparking dismay from Arsenal players including RVP, the decision to sub off the exciting Oxlade-Chamberlain for the lethargic Arshavin, Wengers performance as manager was put under more pressure. Boos rang round the ground as the sub was made, Chamberlain leaving to a round of applause in juxtaposition to Arshavin who entered the pitch to a ring of boos - partly for the lack of effort he displays game after game.

The sub proved vital as well, with Arshavin failing to defend another purposeful run by Valencia, with Welbeck tapping in an inviting cut back. This may seem to be one result lost, but the sub seemed to prove that Wenger may just be losing the plot. The conclusion was that Chamberlain was 'tired,' even though he seemed to grow into the game and his influence gee as time went on. The more worrying thing is that the main man, RVP, as well as looks of disgust from other Arsenal players suggest that he may be losing some confidence from the Arsenal players.

The sub only compounded more misery on a dreadful Gunners season, who find themselves 5th; not particularly bad considering their awful start to the season. However, has this sub potentially showed the first signs of incompetence of the Arsenal manager? His job may well be under scrutiny and the patience shown in him by the Arsenal board may be waning. After 7 long years since the team’s last major success, the Arsenal fans and board may just be looking for a change that will spark an Arsenal revival. Who knows? A change may also bring more success than Arsene himself! So, will this sub turn out to be the defining moment in Wengers career? It may have spelt 1 point lost for the Gunners, but potential consequences may be massive for Wenger.

Is ice cool Arsene starting to feel the heat?