I am writing this piece because i have a gut-feel that Wenger is taking his last bet on building a Champion Team (Premier League or Champions League for that matter). Let's face it, time and time again Wenger has been "betrayed" to some extent on the faith he has put in building his would-be Champion Teams. I write with almost full passion writhing in my body when i think of the Champions League Final in 2006. The missed opportunity for the League and Cup double when Eduardo broke his leg and subsequently, inadvertently de-railed the Champions season that year. We sure were flying high at different times across the span of 6-years now since 2006. The badge-kissing mercernaries that came and went. Ade-"Kiss my badge" -Yor to the ever-prickly Samir Nasri.
Alot of high profile departures, that its no wonder the media would feast on the scoop like Zombies to fresh meat. It all started i remember with $$Cashley$$ Cole - Remember the man that we supposedly "Loved Henry over him" that broke the final straw? But even for Cole, i felt that kudos to him, even in his last games he was professional to the end. Besides we had gotten a good run of seasons with him already and he didn't leave us dry. We got the still-young Gallas in return with 5m. A decent if not good deal if you were forced to make one. Wenger was frustrated yes, but even then, there never was as much betrayal as compared to the Flamini-saga.
A talented young player that grew in Arsene's heart and with the fans too as he formed such a dynamic partnership with Fabregas that made many heads turn. But alas, it was the lad whose head and loyalty turned first. Without warning, he turned contract rebel and refused to sign and decided to invoke Bosman. Leaving us with no opportunity to even find the time to sell him. Wenger to this day in past interviews deeply felt that one.
It is with this mentality, although stubborn to some extent that he never ever wished a repeat. He still had faith that players would pay him back. Cesc, Toure, Clichy did with their fortitude in long service. But unknown to Wenger then, he would have the most painful departures till date. (Not all are deemed betrayals, but they are significant players in their times with Arsenal)
Flamini / Adebayor / K. Toure / Hleb / Clichy / Gallas / Fabregas / Nasri / Song / RVP
There are others. But i focused on these few more important ones. Sorry David Bentley.
Thus, the Wenger that many knew since the first day with Arsenal has indeed changed despite the media rants that Wenger is still stubborn and refuses to sign BIG name players and rely on youngsters. Have they been seeing the last 2 transfer seasons? Ya, the youngsters aside. The quality, not age of players is now Wenger's only concern. Plus, he had made a conscientious effort to sign and rely on more English players echoed 2-years ago. The last few departures were the final straw if you will and he has set his blueprint for a British Arsenal to come. Weird if you know the Wenger that first signed for Arsenal. Famously, Wenger was the first manager to field an all Non-English starting XI and subs!
So let's be sure on one thing, Wenger has a plan. HE IS LISTENING to feedback on his transfer policies. And be prepared, for the first time i can be certain that if not this January, come August next year you will see signings that will be his last bet. Oh and if you were thinking if he'd resigned or be sacked by then? I can assure you one thing. Wenger is a real gentleman in terms of his contract. If he says he is contracted to 2014 then believe it, he will see it out to the end. But i think he is on his last season next year. It's a make or break. If we do go out all guns blazing next season and actually win something. I can only say there is only one manager in the world i would love to have lifting the trophy for Arsenal.
There is only one Wenger, One Ar-Sene Wenger! Only one Ar-Sene Wenger! One Ar-Sene Wen-Ger! There's only one Ar-Sene Wen-Ger.
In Arsene
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