Wenger passes sell by date

Once upon a time there was a team called ”The Invincibles”. This side had an impressive spine, contained three world cup winners - one of whom scored goals for fun - played a graceful passing game and managed to complete the 2003 / 2004 Premier League season unbeaten. Their record of played 38, Won 26, Drew 12 Lost 0 has not been bettered since and unsurprisingly that season they were crowned champions. In the year that followed they won the FA Cup.

For their urbane manager who, amongst many things, had introduced a previously unseen attacking style, overhauled dietary and fitness requirements and sought out young nuggets whom he would subsequently nurture into world class performers, 2005 would mark the high point of his impressive reign. For it would be another nine years – the FA Cup of 2014 - before Arsenal would claim another major trophy. Last Sunday they lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the final of the League Cup and last night in the league they lost to the same team by a similar margin in front of a half full Emirates stadium. Somewhat ironically they were outclassed by a Manchester City side playing the quick passing game that used to characterise their own performances. The Club currently languishes in sixth place thirty points adrift of the league leaders.

Choosing the right point to leave a job you love is never an easy decision. For Arsene Wenger that point was probably last year’s FA Cup win against Chelsea. Had he chosen that moment he could have gone out on a high with the good wishes of a club and fan base whom he had enthralled during his twenty one years in charge. But as it was he decided to stay. Ozil and Sanchez agitated and when drift ensued, the latter voted with his feet by leaving in the January window.

The current squad is a million miles from where it should be. The manager has passed his sell by date. But, like a dictator clinging to the last vestiges of power, he shows no desire to go. It’s time to wield the axe, a non-U act for a club like Arsenal. An elegant fudge is required.

©Mark Brennand