Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat has left fans outraged and the media frothing at the mouth.
The British press, or media in general, have never been too kind towards Arsenal or Arsene Wenger, but there was at least a time when they recognised the attractive style of football the coach had brought with him and respected his philosophy.
Now, even this has disappeared, along with Arsenal fans’ patience when it comes to the 68-year-old leading their club further and further down a dark tunnel.
Arsenal weren’t just beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, they were, as the Telegraph say, ‘swatted’ aside.
Pep Guardiola’s men hardly even broke a sweat as they made Arsenal look no better than an overpriced Sunday League side. No, sorry, that’s being unfair – an overpriced Sunday League side would probably try harder.
For once, the media and Arsenal fans finally seem to be in agreement. The way Arsenal play is no longer nice to look at. In fact, the team are without a doubt playing the worst football they’ve ever played under Wenger. And while the players do need to do their bit – Sunday’s defeat was a cup final after all – the problem is Arsene Wenger.
The Telegraph believe that Arsenal are ‘kidding themselves’ if the boss doesn’t leave at the end of the season.
“Now the Arsenal manager appears ever more like King Canute as he tries to defy the inevitable,” the Telegraph said in their match report, “and even when he involved himself in a touchline spat with Guardiola, following City’s first goal, he appeared like a man raging against the waves that were set to overwhelm him.”
Jason Burt later added: “The fact is, Arsenal do not even play good football any more.”
The Guardian agreed that Arsenal were “weak, vapid and outclassed” by a City who “did not reach their more exhilarating peaks.”
The Times (£) meanwhile demonstrated their disgust at Arsenal’s performance through their player ratings. The whole side earned an average of 4.5, with Shkodran Mustafi, who was at fault for Sergio Aguero’s goal, given a measly 3.
The Mirror went straight for Wenger’s jugular, accusing him of being jealous of Pep.
“Ignore Wenger’s disparaging remarks borne out of jealousy,” wrote John Cross. “Guardiola has raised the bar and set a new standard in English football.”
He later added, “City were way better than Arsenal in every department: defensively, midfield and up front.
“In fairness, you could probably say that about most teams.
“But, crucially, when it came to heart and desire City also had way more than Arsenal as Guardiola’s men were worthy winners and even being called runners-up flattered Arsenal.”
And, of course, Alan Shearer didn’t pull any punches in his column for the S*n.
L’Equipe admit that despite a stronger first half, Arsenal were no match for City. If Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had scored his eighth-minute chance, they claim the game could have been different.
They were the kindest out of all the outlets… probably too kind.
Usually, I sit here the day after a match and condemn the press for being biased, unfair or just plain stupid. But not this time. This time I think they’re bang on the money.