Gunning for fourth place

In recent years a small nucleus of Arsenal fans have become increasingly frustrated by the club’s lack of silverware. Rightly the majority of Gunners supporters have told them to keep their mouths shut and be patient, but with teams baring down on fourth place quicker than ever before, Arsene Wenger may have to bring some success sooner rather than later before the small nucleus becomes a widespread outpouring of displeasure.

Nobody can doubt the success that Wenger has brought Arsenal since he joined them in 1996. Seven trophies including three Premier League titles, and who can forget the untouchables in 2003/4 where the team went the entire season unbeaten. Runner up in five other title races, and losing finalists in the 2006 Champions League final. And on top of that, on a budget that was smaller than any of the other “big four” even before you consider the building of the new stadium. Taking all that into account, you have to wonder what they are moaning about.

At one time, only a few years ago, Arsenal were the big team in the country, with only Man Utd for competition. Now, through no fault of their own, they have been overtaken by United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Fans have been starved of silverware, and the lack of marquee signings have only gone to fuel these concerns. Wenger keeps claiming that the youngsters will come good, but the line seemingly is beginning to draw thin with some fans, with the players that he compares to the “next Fabregas” falling by the wayside.

But who can blame Wenger, in a market that is becoming ever increasingly hyper-inflated, buying players and getting value for them, as Sir Alex Ferguson pointed out, is very difficult with the financial powerhouses of United, Chelsea, Liverpool and, more recently, Manchester City. He has stepped out on occasion to buy big names – Jose Antonio Reyes, Andrei Arshavin – but these are the exceptions, not the rule.

From the fans point of view, it’s sort of understandable. Arsenal aren’t in huge financial bother, the stadium has taken its toll sure, but all of the noises coming out of the Emirates are good at the very least. With the other big four teams seemingly running away from them, it is becoming increasingly obvious that they need the big signings to fill the holes in the team that are appearing.

Before now maybe it hasn’t been so much of an issue. Their Champions League spot has been relatively secure in the past 4-5 years, with the odd close shave. Now though, with Manchester City throwing money around, on players including Arsenal’s very own Emmanuel Adebayor, and – potentially – defender Kolo Toure, their honeymoon years in the relative cocoon could well be under threat.

And it’s not just Manchester City that are threatening them: Aston Villa, Everton and local rivals Tottenham could give them a run for their money. And make no mistake about it, missing out on a Champions League spot this season is not an option. Lose it – and the financial support that comes as a by product – and you may struggle to win it back.

It’s not too difficult to see it from both sides of the coin. Wenger has never wanted to put his club into financial difficulties by spending big on players. And his faith in his youth system, and the scouting networks that he has set up across the world, is admirable, and has produced some fantastic players such as Fabregas and Clichy.

But the fans equally want to see the club compete. They do have the resources to spend some more than they do already, on higher quality players without putting the club in financial jeopardy. And the youth policy, although one of the very best, perhaps doesn’t produce the volume, or quality that would justify the faith that Wenger puts into it.

All in all, this could be a big year for Arsenal. There is pressure on the manager to produce something in the trophy cabinet. And with money to spend from the sale of Adebayor and possibly Toure, they will be looking to sign players that are enough to propel the club forward. And with teams below them chomping at the bit to take their scalp, this could be a tough season.

By Bob Bamber