Guest Blog

Trophy-less four years...what needs to be done at The Emirates?

By Jamie Wright

I doubt that many Arsenal fans would have thought that watching Patrick Vieira lifting the FA Cup in 2005 would be the last time they witnessed their captain lifting a trophy. A barren four years later there are questions being put forward to the board and management about what direction the club is going in to bring the glory days back to the Gooners.

Since taking the helm, Arsene Wenger’s transfer policy has been to sign un-nurtured talent and develop them to suit his own style of attractive football. Time and time again, Wenger has proved he canun-earth talent in the shape of Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira (to name a few) and develop them into household names.

However, during the last four years, Arsenal have replaced some of their experienced players with youngsters who haven’t quite been able to deliver the performances expected at a ‘big four club’.

Departing players such as Henry, Vieira and Gilberto Silva have never been replaced since leaving, so that, according to Wenger, the younger players can develop into their positions. As an Arsenal follower I feel the only young player to be extremely successful in this regard is Cesc Fabregas.

Vieira’s transfer to Juventus paved the way for Fabregas to make the position his own and he has arguably developed into one of the top three central midfielders in the world. Mathieu Flamini also became an integral part of the Arsenal first team but with AC Milan calling, he decided to jump ship and has been a major loss to Arsenal’s engine room.

In comparison with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, Arsenal’s central midfield really does lack the experience needed to challenge for honours. Alex Song, Denilson and Samir Nasri will be great players but for instant success they are not the answer compared with Gerrard, Alonso, Lampard, Essien, Carrick and Scholes.

Maybe it is time for Arsene to dig deep into the transfer kitty during the summer? The signing of Andrey Arshavin went against Wenger’s typical transfer policy and his immediate success of 6 goals in 12starts may well force Wenger to delve into the market for a few more experienced players.

I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that if a bit of experience was added to the youthful squad they already possess, Arsenal could be on the brink of brilliance once again. However, given Wenger's history, don't be too quick to use your next football bet backing such a situation to occur.