Ta lad.
Really and truthfully, we're failing to compete (financially), because we made bad deals in a rush to finance the stadium. Coupled with the economic crisis which hit the property profit, it means we didn't and still can't wield a mighty sword in the transfer market.
The rest, is down to Wenger really. What has happened on the pitch (short of being able to suppliment the squad with big names) is really down to him. The money he has had, has not been put to good use, i) on player wages and ii) buying the right type of player at the right time.
That said, we have done well to keep (almost) up with the Jone's for a few year now. Big tests lay ahead this summer IMO.
We know enough now to realise that we can, if needed, spend (albeit with a small amount of risk).
AND, that in the right hands, we should be able to up the commercial side of things going forward. A reason to be optimistic long term at least.