Wenger must open his eyes and adress Arsenal's problems

As another trophy-less season comes to an end, time has come to question what went wrong? Where did Arsenal fall, and what continues to stop them from winning silverware?

It was an eventful, and in many ways frustrating campaign for the Gunners which I believe 'ended' after the heartbreaking defeat in the Carling Cup final in late February.

So much exists that is right about the club from board to ground to youthful talent that it is little surprising that those who love the club, who feel they are close to a winning formula, become frustrated by the inhibiting wrongs in Wenger's psyche. 

The team is undoubtedly full of talent but there are some areas that must be addressed. Firstly, one needs to question the man in charge, Arsene Wenger. 

Criticism can definitely be heard around the Emirates. Some (a minority) impatient supporters have been sending text messages to each other, reworking the trusty "In 

Arsene We Trust" match-day banner. "In Arsene We Rust" reads the new version. Mettle-work is required. 

Wenger played a huge part in Arsenal's fortunes this season, and may be correctly questioned for not strengthening significantly in January. Arsene stubbornly refused to make any major signings, and this may have cost the Gunners in what the manager described as 'an easy run-in'.  Who knows what some extra strength, dominance and leadership in the heart of Arsenal's defence would have resulted in? Maybe the outcome of this season would have been positively different. 

Acknowledging the fact that key-player Thomas Vermaelen would be unavailable for the run-in, Wenger could have brought in another defender to bring in extra quality and cover. Yet he didn't. 

I personally like the look of Bolton's Gary Cahill.  The England international has had a sensational season at the back for Bolton and looks to be easily tempted with a move away to a top club. 

This would be a serious investment, with the defender valued at £20m but a commanding, dominant centre-half is badly needed and he has shown all signs of being the specific answer. There has also been talk over a possible move for Fulham's American international Brede Hangeland  who I also rate.

Arsenal have conceded 20 goals from set plays this season, with only Blackpool, Sunderland, Aston Villa and West Brom conceding more. A statistic Arsene Wenger won't be proud of. 

I strongly believe that upon the arrival of a top defender, that embarrassing statistic  would decrease greatly. Cahill or Hangeland would certainly add the much-needed steel to the Gunners vulnerable and shaky defence.

Regarding the goalkeeping situation, I am a great fan of Szczesny and believe he is remarkable talent and can certainly be sure of a promising future. 

I love Wojciech, and I definitely think he is good enough to stand between the posts despite his young age. The only worry I have is his lack of experience which could cost us (and probably has at times this season). Apart from that, I see no reason to splash out on a goalkeeper. 

There are other positions which must be prioritised before the one of Szczesny's.

Anyway, back to the manager. Managers set the tone for their team. By always blaming others, whether referees, linesmen or oppenents, Wenger grants his players a get-out, a chance to shirk responsibility. So they carry on, refusing to accept personal liability, not standing up for the team when leaders are craved. 

Arsenal have rarely been so short of leaders. Captain Cesc Fabregas is a wonderful footballer, but he is no Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United's captain). That is why Wenger must open his eyes and appreciate the urgency of drafting in a tough competitor like Scott Parker. No more butterflies, please. Just warriors. 

Arsenal need more like Jack Wilshere, who never goes missing on the pitch, even off the pitch when the club want somebody to represent them for a community, charity or corporate function. Only a teenager but a captain in waiting, Wilshere takes responsibility.  

This season, Arsenal too often failed to kill off games, something caused by sloppiness, inexperience, naivety and that lack of leadership/responsibility. The chief example of this occurred in the 4-4 draw away to Newcastle in February. Arsenal went into half-time with a comfortable 4-goal lead, yet still failed to see off the game and return home with the vital 3 points. Costly and wasteful. 

Oppositely, when rivals Manchester United are in the driving seat, they always seem to kill off the game so brilliantly (especially at home).  This is probably one of the main reason why United are expectant to bring the title back to Old Trafford next month.

Home games versus Tottenham and Liverpool were also games Arsenal dropped points  when leading, as was the recent 3-3 draw at White Hart Lane. This is something that must be adressed. No matter how talented these youngsters are, they must learn to kill off games when leading by a comfortable margin.

I also always say that winning the title doesn't depend on results in October/November, rather on  picking up points from the tough and crucial games in March/April. No matter how spectacular a team's performances are in November, winning games a small, yet clinical 1-0 in March are the one's that win the league.

Another point, regards various journalists slating this Arsenal team, claiming that they don't posses a winning mentality. This is a remark I, unfortunately, cannot argue with. If the team were to win that cup final against Birmingham this probably wouldn't be the case. 

Nobody would be going-on about the absence of that 'winning mentality'.

Anyhow, Wenger must strengthen and address the spoken areas and might have to reluctantly pull out his check-book. If Wenger is to stubbornly refuse once again on strengthening, and insist his system is correct and not change his philosophy, then it must be seriously considered whether or not his future still lies at the Emirates. 

Arsenal supporters correctly respect Arsene for what he has done and his rich history at the club but maybe he is not the right man for the job at the current moment. 

Arsene must change and adress what needs to worked on, because if he doesn't, this massively important summer may be his last.

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