So, how do WE win the league?

[Ernesto]

There is understandable envy directed towards Manchester City from Gooners. Understandable, in that we're winners, and it wasn't so long ago that we were celebrating a league success. While footballing personnel changes, the fans never do. Successes, as well as disappointments, stay fresh in the memory.

I put the question to you guys and gals- how do we as a club go on to win the league in the current climate? With an abundance of wealth at Manchester City, a monetary backlash expected at United and Chelsea, and a board who are, seemingly, happy with a 3rd/4th place finish, it now seems a million miles away. Seeing that clock tick down at the Etihad, from 44 years to the 0 years since they enjoyed a league victory, made me wonder. Just how long is it until we'll experience the same feeling again? And, more importantly, how will we get there? Stupid foreign investment? A new manager to tinker with the current squad? An influx of players who are inherently "fans" of the Arsenal?

From a personal perspective, it all seems rather bleak at the moment.

[GP]

You're mistaking envy for utter contempt and disgust.

Good thread, though.

[Flavs]

You're mistaking envy for utter contempt and disgust.

What he said

[IBK]

1. Keep our key players fit. When we had the services of Arteta; Mertesacker and Walcott we didn't look anything like the flakey team that limped over the line. Hell - maybe we will even be able to enjoy the services of Wilshere, Diaby and a fit GK nextseason?

2. Buy a proper DM.

3. Get our transfer business done early; prepare properly for next season and make a good start.

4. Don't obsess about what the rich ****s are doing, just look to ourselves.

Come on you Gunners

[Joker]

We need a new manager with fresh ideas who's not so obsessed with the balance sheet and acting the accountant. Tactically Wenger's been found wanting a lot this season, which has no doubt cost us quite a few points. When we throw away leads late on in games, the manager has to take some responsibility for it because we are so utterly disorganised at times when defending a lead. Wenger's become too stubborn for his good, pursuing ideas and his way of thinking which has failed to deliver for a long time now.

However, changing the manager won't be enough because we need a board who are willing to invest in the team and aren't purely motivated by dividends. This may be controversial but I wouldn't mind a bigger role for Usmanov tbh. Yes, he's an Oligarch etc etc, but the way modern football is nowadays, we can't really turn down his money. Moreover, the current board are not made up of people who care about trophies and think of Arsenal FC as purely a private enterprise, existing to maximise value for shareholders. Perhaps an Oligarch's motives would inadvertently coincide with the fans, because they want the prestige and status that comes with owning a successful football club, so he'll be pushing for trophies even if it's not for altruistic reasons.

[Xhaka Can’t]

We need a new manager with fresh ideas who's not so obsessed with the balance sheet and acting the accountant. Tactically Wenger's been found wanting a lot this season, which has no doubt cost us quite a few points. When we throw away leads late on in games, the manager has to take some responsibility for it because we are so utterly disorganised at times when defending a lead. Wenger's become too stubborn for his good, pursuing ideas and his way of thinking which has failed to deliver for a long time now.

However, changing the manager won't be enough because we need a board who are willing to invest in the team and aren't purely motivated by dividends. This may be controversial but I wouldn't mind a bigger role for Usmanov tbh. Yes, he's an Oligarch etc etc, but the way modern football is nowadays, we can't really turn down his money. Moreover, the current board are not made up of people who care about trophies and think of Arsenal FC as purely a private enterprise, existing to maximise value for shareholders. Perhaps an Oligarch's motives would inadvertently coincide with the fans, because they want the prestige and status that comes with owning a successful football club, so he'll be pushing for trophies even if it's not for altruistic reasons.

I agree with a lot there, but we don't need Usmanov's money, we just need to fully employ the resources the Club generates and do it in a more effective way.

[Cripps_orig]

New manager is the simplest solution

Also fixing our biggest problem would help, the injuries. Its ridiculous the likes of Wilshere is out for the whole season with an injury that was supposed to keep him out for a few weeks. Sagna breaks the same leg i think from just controlling a ball clearly proving it wasnt healed. Theres the Diaby situation. Fair enough hes a bit shit but that isnt the point.

Bringing in quality players instead of run of the mill Pub Team players/French Africans/youngsters with potential cos we havent got the time to wait for them to come good.

Get a killer instinct. We dont score enough goals for the chances we create.

Plan B. Wengeritis football rarely works.

Go back to 4-4-2. 4-3-3/4-5-1 has been a failure. 4-4-2 is what we won all the trophies under.

Better mentality. We crumble under the slightest of pressure and we all know how we are after a big defeat.

Bring in Usmanov. If you cant beat them, join them

[Xhaka Can’t]

I think we need a change of Managers and more ambition from the Board. There is the capacity at this Club - even in this financially doped environment to challenge for the Title along with picking up the odd bit of Cup silverware.

We need to make full use of the resources the Club generates rather than banking them. And the money we do spend, needs to be done in a better way. We spend far too little in replenishing/refreshing the squad and far too much on wages. The wage structure cannot be changed overnight, but it needs to change. We spend enough to pay 3-4 marquee players and should do that, with lower wages elsewhere in the squad in line with what is paid out elsewhere. Make players earn the big money contracts rather than paying on the prospect of them earning them and trying to keep everyone, regardless of ability in such a narrow and expensive salary band.

[Letters]

I don't think we can win the league in the current climate. I do think we could and should be a lot closer though.
A change of manager won't change things as the board as as to blame, if not more, for the lack of investment as Wenger IMO.
In the circumstances we've done well to finish 3rd but we shouldn't be so far away.

[Xhaka Can’t]

What he said

What they said.