Is Wenger stale or is it us?

[Xhaka Can’t]

On the mental strength issue - I'm still undecided on how strong/weak we are but think we are heading in the right direction. It can certainly be argued that we showed great character to put ourselves back into contention for the CL places after the awful start to the season - where some people - not myself actually started talking about the potential of being uncomfortably involved in a relegation battle.

However, once we had hauled ourselves into the situation where we were in control of our own destiny in relation to the automatic CL spot, the wheels completely fell of the wagon once again. We were out of sight as far as Chelsea was concerned and had chance after chance to leave Tottenham almost as far back - and in every occasion, we blew it. We eventually secured 3rd, not through any degree of brilliance, but as a direct result of one of the worst (if not the worst) goalkeeping displays I have ever witnessed.

This team has shown it can demonstrate resilience, togetherness and the fortitude to go on a good run - a run that without any catastrophic hiccoughs can result in a challenge (an ultimately unsuccessful challenge) but when the wheels fall off and we face adversity when still having control of our destiny, we show the same frailities that we have grown accustomed to over the years. The only constans during that period were Wenger and Rice. I hope that Bould can bring about enough influence to bear on the team when the inevitable challenges to our mental stregth arise next season.

[IBK]

On the mental strength issue - I'm still undecided on how strong/weak we are but think we are heading in the right direction. It can certainly be argued that we showed great character to put ourselves back into contention for the CL places after the awful start to the season - where some people - not myself actually started talking about the potential of being uncomfortably involved in a relegation battle.

However, once we had hauled ourselves into the situation where we were in control of our own destiny in relation to the automatic CL spot, the wheels completely fell of the wagon once again. We were out of sight as far as Chelsea was concerned and had chance after chance to leave Tottenham almost as far back - and in every occasion, we blew it. We eventually secured 3rd, not through any degree of brilliance, but as a direct result of one of the worst (if not the worst) goalkeeping displays I have ever witnessed.

This team has shown it can demonstrate resilience, togetherness and the fortitude to go on a good run - a run that without any catastrophic hiccoughs can result in a challenge (an ultimately unsuccessful challenge) but when the wheels fall off and we face adversity when still having control of our destiny, we show the same frailities that we have grown accustomed to over the years. The only constans during that period were Wenger and Rice. I hope that Bould can bring about enough influence to bear on the team when the inevitable challenges to our mental stregth arise next season.

Yes, I've thought about that too (ie the apparent mini slump at the end). Given the preceeding season that we had had, I think I'm inclined to give AW the benefit of the doubt in terms of the mental capability of his team - and acknowledge that the end of the season was more down to the fatigue of twice hauling ourselves back into contention; certain players - RVP in particular - running on empty; the absence of other players (Arteta/Mertesacker) key to the balance of our team...

[Marc Overmars]

I just don't ever feel a sense of confidence anymore when we take control of our own destiny. I felt the tide was turning after we did exceptionally well to overhaul Spurs who I thought were out of sight, but then once we got into a comfort zone we somehow nearly managed to throw it away. I just wouldn't bet on us to see a job through, that burden of pressure is only going to grow as each trophyless season wears on.

[IBK]

I just don't ever feel a sense of confidence anymore when we take control of our own destiny. I felt the tide was turning after we did exceptionally well to overhaul Spurs who I thought were out of sight, but then once we got into a comfort zone we somehow nearly managed to throw it away. I just wouldn't bet on us to see a job through, that burden of pressure is only going to grow as each trophyless season wears on.

Well, Rome wasn't built in a day. Our team did better last season than it has done in the past. Yes, we wobbled when it was squeaky bum time (as did almost all the teams around us, BTW) - but as I say a lot more factors than simply mental strength were involved.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Yes, I've thought about that too (ie the apparent mini slump at the end). Given the preceeding season that we had had, I think I'm inclined to give AW the benefit of the doubt in terms of the mental capability of his team - and acknowledge that the end of the season was more down to the fatigue of twice hauling ourselves back into contention; certain players - RVP in particular - running on empty; the absence of other players (Arteta/Mertesacker) key to the balance of our team...

I think the absence of Arteta was key. When he was out towards the end of the season, our defence seemed to cop a lot of flack for the ease with which pretty mediocre teams were able to score against us but I reckon the problem was in MF. I couldn't believe my eyes at home against Norwich - we were completely overrun in MF as if we had no one there. This resulted in the defence being under constant pressure the entire match.

[IBK]

I think the absence of Arteta was key. When he was out towards the end of the season, our defence seemed to cop a lot of flack for the ease with which pretty mediocre teams were able to score against us but I reckon the problem was in MF. I couldn't believe my eyes at home against Norwich - we were completely overrun in MF as if we had no one there. This resulted in the defence being under constant pressure the entire match.

Agreed - it was shocking how a limited team like Norwich ran through us like there was noone there...If you remember RVP missed a few sitters too - a sure sign of fatigue.

[Power n Glory]

Well, Rome wasn't built in a day. Our team did better last season than it has done in the past. Yes, we wobbled when it was squeaky bum time (as did almost all the teams around us, BTW) - but as I say a lot more factors than simply mental strength were involved.

By margins and a great deal of that improvement was down to RVP and his leadership. There were other influential players as well, but we're looking at two steps back when we lose him this season. Same goes for Theo. Last seasons minor improvment just wasn't enough.

[IBK]

By margins and a great deal of that improvement was down to RVP and his leadership. There were other influential players as well, but we're looking at two steps back when we lose him this season. Same goes for Theo. Last seasons minor improvment just wasn't enough.

Hmmm - yes RVP seemed like a good leader, but instinct says that a player who has behaved like he has so soon after the season ended may not have been quite the knight in shining armour that he seemed to be. Of course losing your captain and goal machine will be a blow, but it might also restore a bit of balance to our approach.

[Marc Overmars]

Well, Rome wasn't built in a day. Our team did better last season than it has done in the past. Yes, we wobbled when it was squeaky bum time (as did almost all the teams around us, BTW) - but as I say a lot more factors than simply mental strength were involved.

Sure - but then things like injuries, fatigue etc have to be dealt with, it's just a fact of life. Think of the amount of pressure and strain we'd be under if involved in the closing stages of a title race, how would we cope? Evidence suggests probably not very well. United didn't have their best (and arguably the leagues best) centre back for the whole season but they managed to take it to the wire. I know many on here believe our squad to be just as good as theirs, so why are we always well off their pace?

There is cause for optimism with how we turned over Spurs but I do think we still have it all to prove.

[IBK]

Sure - but then things like injuries, fatigue etc have to be dealt with, it's just a fact of life. Think of the amount of pressure and strain we'd be under if involved in the closing stages of a title race, how would we cope? Evidence suggests probably not very well. United didn't have their best (and arguably the leagues best) centre back for the whole season but they managed to take it to the wire. I know many on here believe our squad to be just as good as theirs, so why are we always well off their pace?

There is cause for optimism with how we turned over Spurs but I do think we still have it all to prove.

Fatigue/injuries do have to be coped with, but for season after season we seem to have it a lot worse in terms of lengthof lay off and injuries to key players than anyone else. United might have been without Vidic - but we had how many defenders missing at various times? Remember that United, Citeh; Spurs; Newcastle all fecked up in their own ways at the sharp end of the season. Not just us.