Some Arsenal fans reckon that Arsene Wenger is entirely to blame for his side’s clueless performances this season but others believe the players need to start looking at themselves.
After another 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday night, fans are once again struggling to work out who to blame for the current state of the club. While Wenger should shoulder the brunt of the blame, seeing as he’s the man in charge who’s supposed to motivate the players and give them a definite plan ahead of a match, the players also appear to have completely given up. They’re not blameless.
Although Arsenal’s performance during their second defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side in five days wasn’t quite as horrendous as the Carabao Cup final, it was still disturbingly lacking. It was a stark reminder – as if we needed another one – that Arsenal are miles behind the rest of the title contenders. Not just in terms of actual points (30 behind City) but in quality as well.
Some Gooners believe that the blame lies squarely with Wenger. The 68-year-old is the manager and, if he’s not motivating the players, that’s his own fault. Arsenal have quality players – the Frenchman just doesn’t know how to use them.
Totally disagree. They are sent out onto a pitch without instruction or a believable plan to win a game. They are lost and have forgotten how to compete. They’ve been beaten into submission.
— MJ (@mj_afc) March 1, 2018
You can clear out all the players you want, nothing will change as long as wenger is in charge
— ruth mills (@41below) March 1, 2018
hes signed and kept theses players. that squad under diego simeone either runs works defends or gets sold in a window simple
— Adam coussins (@adamcoussins) March 1, 2018
Is there a need for a clear out? Yes. Are some players you named guilty? Partly, but fuller context IMO shows that they are reacting to lack of structure and discipline. Man management. It’s essential. What would George Graham of the 80s do with this squad? Discipline!!
— Julio Romo (@twofourseven) March 1, 2018
Manager has created a cosy environment for players. No accountability. Hasn’t Xhaka most appearances this season??
— Jon Booth (@JonBooth_74) March 1, 2018
But he still hasn’t dropped players to show that they need to buck up their ideas! He is the man responsible for their performances!
— Gary Henry (@GaryTheGooner86) March 1, 2018
Well Darren, players are always responsible for their own two feets but the manager is the one to make them tick. With no tactics, no insiration, no grit and no obvious passion I think he’s to blame for this farse right now. He’s failed, not Özil or Xhaka!!
— eddan (@eddan1976) March 2, 2018
On the other hand, more and more fans are turning on the players. It’s one thing not being able to match up to City in terms of quality but when some don’t appear to even want to be on the pitch, it’s a problem. Surely, they should want to play well for themselves as a matter of personal pride?
As much as Arsene is to blame and he is. So many of these player are supposed International names. Ozil, has been appalling since his new deal. Xhaka, Mustafi, Kos, just so poor. Players need to take a long hard look at themselves. Massive clear out needed
— Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) March 1, 2018
Not defending the manager as such, but can’t get away from the fact that the players have shown a lack of desire, lack of character and lack of ability. Has been all to easy for many for so long.
— Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) March 1, 2018
There’s a lot of people to blame here, the owner is not worthy to be associated with our club, the people that sold him the shares, the current board members are spineless, the manager is worn out and then we come to the players, the word ‘leader’ is missing from this list #afc
— Alex Murphy (@AlexJPMurphy) March 2, 2018
agreed! i have been wondering if they have all been “saving” themselves for the World Cup…Xhaka is an international stud with the Swiss team, Ozil is different w Germany and etc…just makes me think
— Muugs (@thedeadshow) March 2, 2018
Exactly. Mustafi does my nut in! All he does is moan & wave his arms around for fouls & free kicks. He doesn’t want to work & gain anything off his own back.
— Kellie Price (@kel14bt) March 2, 2018
Agree completely. Some people act like with Wenger gone the squad will be galvinized and refreshed overnight but many of these players aren’t good enough
— Ryan Socks (@Ryan_Socks) March 1, 2018
There were some spineless, gutless performances from Arsenal players. Not enough characters or leaders. This team is disintegrating and destroying Wenger’s legacy. Desperately sad.
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) March 2, 2018
Arsenal players need to stop hiding behind Wenger and need to start taking responsibility for their action. Whether Wenger’s in or out, the players have the responsibility to turn up. The fans deserve better.
— Jamila (@JKFagge) March 2, 2018
Snatch captain armband from @6_LKOSCIELNY He is a failure as captain let alone as defender. If wenger says players confidence is low then whose responsibility is to pull up players during game ? Captain. Kos is finished and so is arsenal.
— nthrITguY (@AshishP17) March 2, 2018
About time @Arsenal players take responsibility
— Pierre (@PeterLangat) March 1, 2018
Auba misses a penalty – Wenger’s Fault!
Cech messes up – Wenger’s Fault
Kos, Mustafi, Kola – Plays baldly – Wenger’s Fault.When are we going to start asking players to take responsibility for their own actions? #Arsenal
— Raiyan Buhari (@RaiyanBuhari) March 1, 2018
As boring as it is, I’m right in the middle. While I do think that Wenger is mostly to blame for the state of Arsenal right now, I also think that the players need to take a look at themselves, because this has been happening for a year now.
Also, the Arsenal board need to be aware that they’ve cultivated an environment in which the manager seems untouchable, which has had it’s repercussions. Players potentially feel as if they have to resort to extreme measures to get a new coach in.