This advice to Arsenal comes from Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
It refers to the idea that one must take a step back and engage in different forms of self-renewal before growth can occur. In the literal sense, in order to most efficiently cut down a tree, you should take time to ‘sharpen the saw’ to ensure it’s working at its optimum.
This advice seems so obvious but is difficult for individuals and organisations to integrate. We are all so wrapped up in the ‘here and now’ and an immediate sense of accomplishment that it feels as if we are wasting time if we take a step back.
It’s why people visit psychologists; Why Businessmen go to professional conferences; Why teachers engage in professional development; Why self-help books are readily consumed; Why we take vacations to get away from life’s stressors.
Both personal and organisational betterment result from thinking differently and stepping out of a comfort zone.
4. Cater to player strengths
Who in our current squad and system do we put in a position that brings out their best?
I would argue only Alexis, Cazorla, and Bellerin. Last year it was Ozil given license to roam into the soft spots between the opponent’s midfield and back four.
This year it’s Sanchez wanting to be involved in most everything and occupying these areas more. As a result, Alexis’ goals, assists, and chances created have skyrocketed while Ozil has only seen an increase in goals scored.
With the exception of Cazorla, we have a group of midfielders that would be best utilised in a midfield three.
Xhaka, whom I see as the future lynchpin and creative catalyst, cannot cover distances well enough in a two. He should be the deepest lying midfielder in a three with support to his left and right.
We have a team full of internationals, many of which in the prime of their career that have flourished for country but not always with club.
We saw Giroud in the Euro’s combine well with the attacking flair around him.
We saw Ramsey thrive in his role with Wales in the same competition.
Ozil was given a freer role against lesser opposition and a clearly defined wing role against top sides on route to winning the ‘14 World Cup.
When healthy, Elneny put in industrious performances for Egypt with some clinical finishing to boot in AFCON.
Finally, make amends with the fans
Make amends with the fans
I am of the belief that Arsenal haven’t owned their size since ‘06.
That being said, we are still a massive club due to our tradition and support throughout the years. The fans are the lifeblood behind our club, yet Arsenal have done little to empower them in recent years.
This needs to change.
The evidence is plentiful.
We have a majority shareholder that rarely speaks of a passion or commitment to the club.
We pay the highest season ticket prices in the world with constant increases.
When wanting to stand and sing at home matches, we are told to sit.
Season ticket holders are threatened with surcharges for big Champions League games despite lack of success in this competition.
There are many ways to get the majority of fans universally trusting the club again.
Clearly communicated targets for success with managerial and/or board accountability if they are not met.
A freeze on season ticket increases until a Premier League or Champions League title is won. Establishment of safe standing at the Emirates. More transparency at the board level and the recruitment of established and credited “football minds” into the club hierarchy.
It’s time for Arsenal Football Club to take a step back and re-assess their goals and ambitions.
They must “sharpen the saw” in order to own their size and have a stature akin to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Bayern Munich.
The last 10 years have seen the Arsenal “saw” grow incrementally more dull; Let’s pause and refine our tool.