The Untouchables seem a long way off. The days of Vieira, Henry, Pires, and Bergkamp are gone and have been replaced by "The Kids", as have the wins. Arsene Wenger's squad has seemed to lack something the past few years when it comes to big games, but today's 8-2 embarrassment has finally driven home the point: Arsenal missed the spending boat.
As owners in Europe continue to splash cash at problems, Wenger and crew continue to buy cheap and hope to develop the talent. Well, they did it! Nasri, Fabregas, and Van Persie are all world class players. The problem is that there is only one left at the club. The exodus of '11 has shown the lack of depth in the Gunners' side from up top all the way to the back line. RVP by himself looks lost. He has zero distribution from the midfield and the team lacks the pressure to get the ball back after losing possession. At this time, Jack Wilshere would be the best option in the midfield; however, his ankle injury continues to put him on the sideline.
The back line is the most troublesome for Arsenal with no real major players being center backs. Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Carl Jenkinson, and Johan Djourou clearly do not strike the fear of opposing teams like the Vidics, Terrys, and Piques of the world. No real commanding figure or leadership can be seen on the pitch and Wenger can not seem to figure out what to do. If the money does not get spent, this team is in extreme trouble. Nobody would have ever thought that 5 years would pass without a trophy in any competition and that Arsenal would looking up at Swansea and Norwich City on the table.
Overall, Arsenal needs to spend money. Does it need to be top dollar? Not at all and just look at other recent signings that are making impacts (Young, VDV, Adam) for support. Gunners don't need to overpay, they need to find established players that can sure up their squad or else the big 4 just got a replacement.
Play it back to play it forward.
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