Arsene Wenger claims his players were not mentally prepared for Arsenal’s game against Watford. Who’s fault was that exactly?
Arsenal were bullied by Watford at the Emirates Stadium as they shockingly lost 2-1 on Tuesday. It was a result nobody expected, including Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. Wenger pointed the finger at his players in the aftermath, claiming that his team looked mentally unprepared.
However, whilst the result was a shock, the performance should not be. This is how you beat Arsenal. Everton roughed them up a few months back for a win, and even Manchester City out-ran and out-hustled the Gunners a game later. It’s gone on for years though now.
Watford were physical with Arsenal from the kick off. They hustled and harried the home team and it took just 10 minutes for the Hornets to go 1-0 up. It took a further three minutes to make it 2-0. Arsenal were shell-shocked. At least they were awake, though, now.
Wenger was right about his players. They were not prepared for this type of game or even, seemingly, any type of competitive match. The home team anticipated a stroll judging by the intent they showed in the early stages.
But although he was right about his players, this is ultimately Arsene Wenger’s team. Every summer he adds one piece here, one piece there, and then declares them ready to make a serious run at the top trophies. It’s his creation.
When he arrived, people said Xhaka is physical and tough, just what the midfield needs. They should have known better. Xhaka is just like most of the other Arsenal midfielders: a good passer but short on mobility and defensive skills. Unfortunately, he fits right in.
The problem is that most of them might be good technical players, but almost none are physically or mentally tough enough. They’re all the same. And every team has players of this kind. It’s not the player’s fault. They’re good players.
But the idea of building a team is to create a balance. Arsene Wenger does the opposite by buying a squad of the same kind of player. The frustrating thing for Arsenal fans is that they already know what will happen in the summer – if Wenger signs a new contract that is.
That’s because every summer Wenger brings in more of the same players that he already has. The same flaws Arsenal had seven or eight years ago, they still have now. Likewise, the same impressive strengths.
The team horribly lacks leadership and winners. The midfield lacks athleticism and defensive structure. Too many players blow hot and cold. They just blow hot long enough to get a top four spot, and blow cold just enough to miss the title. Every year.
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These issues have been evident for a long, long time now. So who was one of the players that Wenger signed last summer? Granit Xhaka. A defensive midfielder who he now says cannot tackle. But hey, he’s a great passer. Long and short range, too! Just like most players at Arsenal. Great.
When he arrived, people said Xhaka is physical and tough, just what the midfield needs. They should have known better. Xhaka is just like most of the other Arsenal midfielders: a good passer but short on mobility and defensive skills. Unfortunately, he fits right in.
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Shkodran Mustafi has been a good signing so far. But even he looked unprepared for the Watford game. And it’s not often you can say that about a German international.
How many Premier League winners does Arsenal have in their squad? One. And Petr Cech won his medals at Chelsea. There is a reason why Arsenal’s seasons never change now. It’s because the team is predominantly full of players who do this exact routine every year.
This is what this team does. It’s their mentality now. It’s just like any habit – good or bad – it catches on. No doubt Wenger will continue to say they’re not too far away, and just one or two pieces and they can be champions. And maybe Wenger is right? But he never buys what he actually needs to even find out.
And now the club have the added headaches of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s contracts to worry about. How long will the team’s top two players put up with the same old Arsenal? Two players who have actually won big trophies in their career. No doubt two players with plenty of suitors.
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The club will be in a difficult position come the summer. Arsene Wenger needs to take a long, hard look at the squad of players that he has built. But before that, take a long hard look in the mirror.
It’s your team, Arsene.