It was reported yesterday that Arsenal have recorded a rise in profits (up to £49.5 million) following the sales of Francesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, last summer. This news is unlikely to comfort the clubs supporters, who have endured a thoroughly uninspiring season, in the same way it would chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who spoke later in the day of a need for 'unity' if the club are to qualify for next season's Champions League. The comments made by Gazidis, though not definitive, suggests that beleagured manager Arsene Wenger is not at risk of losing his job any time soon, with comments such as 'victory through harmony' and, more significantly, talk of a summer rebuild indicating that the calls of the more vociferous elements of Arsenal's support will not be answered anytime sooner. Rather, it seems as if Wenger will be given another opportunity to prove that he is the still the man to deliver success to the club. Whether this proves to be a wise choise by the Arsenal board remains to be seen, but it is certainly a welcome one in an age where manager overturn is worringly high.
There is no doubt that this season has been one of the most difficult of the Frenchman's tenure, with his frequent refusal to strengthen his defence and his inability to replace the two aforementioned departees proving costly. Were it not for Robin Van Persie's remarkable exploits in front of goal, Arsenal would be struggling to qualify for the Europa Leage, yet alone Europe's premier competition. The recent defeat to AC Milan (4-0 in the San Siro) was as galling to watch as a neutral, so inept were Arsenal in the face of ruthless, experienced European campaigners. Even the mercurial duo of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho managed to get on the score sheet, the latter twice.
But this season, regardless of what some may say, will not define Wenger's near sixteen years in charge. The failings of the current crop of Arsenal players will not erase the memories of that great Invincibles team, nor of the journey to the 2006 Champions League final. Wenger will always be regarded by those of a reasonable disposition as an outstanding coach, one who has done as much for the English game as any other coach that springs to mind. However, football is a ruthless enterprise and neither sentiment or admiration can mask the failings of Arsenal's manager and his team this year. The recent 2-0 defeat to Sunderland in the FA Cup, coupled with the massacre in Milan, meant that Arsenal are almost certain to finish the season without a trophy, an outcome endured by fans for seven consecutive years. Many coaches would be removed from their position for such shortcomings, but the case of Wenger is a unique one.
With profits being made by the club as a result of player sales, the clubs supposed weakness on the field (though hard to identify during Sunday's 5-2 drubbing of arch rivals Spurs) is being balanced out by a good health financially. As noted before, this is of no immediate comfort to followers of the club, but the application of hindsight may provide more comfort to those currently disillusioned with the direction the club is taking. Arsenal need not fear the impending UEFA Financial Fair Play sanctions, meaning their route to European football will be a smooth one for the forseeable future, providing they can continually occupy the Premier League's top four. The current ailments of Chelsea and the inconsistency of Liverpool means that the Gunners should be able to rise to challenge this year and, if Gazidis's comments are to be believed, a refurbished team should find the task even more straightforward next year.
Manchester United and their city counterparts may be currently duelling for the Premier League title, but it would be overly presumptious to claim that this will be the case for years to come. United in particular are a cause for concern due to the burgeoning of debt upon the club as a result of the Glazers arrival in 2005, which they have still yet to pay off. The club have thus far not suffered on the pitch as a result of their financial state, but this may not be the case in years to come. Many of United's key players are in their thirties and a limited budget has resulted in a recruiment drive that has, at times, been underwhelming. United's squad will shortly be in need of replenishing, and it is unclear that there will be money to do that. This may ultimately dictate the future of their manager Sir Alex Ferguson and also the calibre of his replacement.
Wenger meanwhile, should he be allowed to continue his never-ending project, will be in a good place to launch a serious assault on the league, providing that the clubs young players live up to their potential and substantial reinforcements are required. Much will hinder on the clubs ability to keep captain Robin Van Persie but it is by no means a foregone conclusion that the Dutchman will depart the Emirates stadium this summer, with there thus far being no clear suitors for his signature.
The short term is unlikely to be any more pleasant for Arsenal fans than the present, but it would be wise of them to look beyond the teams current failings when assessing the suitability of their manager. There may be one great team left in Wenger yet.
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