It’s time to think about the end of Wenger

Posted Wednesday, January 18, 2012 by The Sun

NOW even Thierry Henry has experienced first-hand just how far Arsenal have fallen.

The Arsenal fan he turned on at Swansea was just voicing some home truths that are becoming increasing currency among Gooners.

The previous Monday we had Henry's dream-like return against Leeds. But, like all fairytales, it had no connection with the reality that has seen Arsenal take just seven points from 18 to trail fourth-place Chelsea by four.

Within six days we were back in the land of the living — and the awful truth Arsenal may not just struggle to finish in the top four but the top six.

Should they fail to qualify for the Champions League, there is little or no chance of them attracting quality players they need to start challenging once again.

If that is the case, Robin van Persie will surely seek employment elsewhere.

What then for Arsenal, never out of the top two from 1997-2005 but facing the prospect of finishing in their lowest position since slipping to 12th in the George Graham bungs' season of 1994-95?

At one time, it was sacrilege to even contemplate life without Arsene Wenger, a manager as breathtakingly innovative on and off the pitch, successful and far-seeing as Herbert Chapman. Not so now.

It was ironic Arsenal's defeat at Swansea should come against an attacking, free-flowing side built in their own image.

If we are to talk successors, why not Brendan Rodgers to bring fresh enthusiasm and ideas to London Colney while continuing Wenger's philosophy?

At 38, he is a good age, with vast contacts and knowledge of the league pyramid and rated hugely by Jose Mourinho who quickly spotted his potential and had him as his youth and reserve manager at Chelsea.

Then there's Paul Lambert, achieving miracles at Norwich. And Southampton's Nigel Adkins, who can build both a defence and an attack. All three are brave enough to play the game as it should be played.

One of Arsenal's problems is Wenger does all the coaching, as if he does not trust anyone else. Which leaves Pat Rice, who wanted to retire to Florida at the end of last season, to put out the cones and set up the video.

And Boro Primorac to remain another faithful retainer who will not tell him news he does not want to hear.

Then there's Steve Bould, someone who should know something about the defensive weaknesses crippling this Arsenal team and yet restricted to the youth and reserve sides.

The whole coaching set-up needs new faces and a shot in the arm which is how Alex Ferguson keeps reinventing himself and his sides at Old Trafford.

While Wenger has stuck with a set-up that cannot move on, Ferguson has progressed from Archie Knox to Brian Kidd to Steve McClaren to Jim Ryan/Mike Phelan and on to Carlos Queiroz (twice), Walter Smith and now Phelan and Dutchman Rene Meulenstein.

Meanwhile, Arsenal go down the same old road — except with players who cannot hold a candle to the great stars who filed through Highbury's marble halls. And Wenger continues to come up with the same embarrassing excuse that match officials are to blame for defeats.

Johan Djourou's dismissal was apparently the reason they conceded two late goals at Fulham even though the home side might have scored FIVE after the break against a defence who have now conceded more goals away from home than any other in the top flight.

At Swansea, the whole game was supposed to have hinged on a suspect penalty that led to the Welsh club's equaliser.

Yet Swansea's winner came just 43 seconds after Arsenal had made it 2-2 — with the Arsenal midfield and defence still celebrating and keeper Wojciech Szczesny caught in no-man's land.

But the most telling difference between the current Arsenal side and any that went before is the criminal manner in which they give the ball away.

In the past, Arsenal's unique ability to retain possession made them the most un-English of all teams. They are also one of the wealthiest clubs in the world and there is money to spend.

Yet Wenger either refuses or does not know how to or does not trust his judgment anymore to make the marquee signings that might have kept players like Ashley Cole, Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.

Who can blame them — or Van Persie — for wanting to fulfil their ambition elsewhere when they look at the sort of dross they are being asked to play alongside?

Players like Djourou, Per Mertesacker, Sebastien Squillaci, Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Tomas Rosicky.

Mertesacker, a panic buy, is out of his depth while the others should all have been offloaded in the summer or before.

As for the infuriatingly inconsistent Theo Walcott, his crossing against Fulham was as bad as it ever has been and reduced Wenger to unconcealed rage.

Yes, Arsenal have had their injuries (don't they always) — including a freakish situation where all four full-backs are out at the same time though they are not exactly world-beaters. Week-in, week-out, Arsenal are linked with players and yet how many do they get?

Gary Cahill slips through their fingers, Chris Samba and Leighton Baines remain unsigned. Jose Enrique is at Liverpool, Shay Given to Villa.

Surely even one of Richard Dunne, John Arne Riise or John O'Shea could have come in and done a job. Instead, Wenger is reduced to sending out the kids.

Yes, Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere, on whose young shoulders so much optimism is placed, could be back for the Champions League.

While Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta, Wenger's best recent buys, will hopefully return for Sunday's 8-2 grudge match with Manchester United at the Emirates.

And, yes, Laurent Koscielny is now looking a player.

Then, again, we have been saying things along the same lines for the last six seasons and nothing has changed.

Defeat against one of the more ordinary United teams of the Fergie era, though, could leave even a supremely loyal Arsenal board starting to discuss the succession.