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To save his legacy, Wenger must make key changes

Five defeats in seven matches have sent Arsenal’s season crashing into despair, and with the English Premier League (EPL) crown slipping from their reach yet again, the knives are out for Arsene Wenger (picture). Does TODAY’s EPL analyst and the former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) feel his former manager’s time is up at Emirates Stadium? We asked him for his view …

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Photo: Reuters

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Photo: Reuters

Five defeats in seven matches have sent Arsenal’s season crashing into despair, and with the English Premier League (EPL) crown slipping from their reach yet again, the knives are out for Arsene Wenger (picture). Does TODAY’s EPL analyst and the former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) feel his former manager’s time is up at Emirates Stadium? We asked him for his view …

First things first, I do not feel outraged at question marks being raised over Arsene Wenger’s future.

No matter how successful a manager has been in the past, no one should ever be immune to criticism, or the prospect of being replaced. When you earn £8.5 million (S$16.7 million) a year, scrutiny of performance has to be expected, as it does for top players.

When he indignantly labelled the media’s behaviour “a farce” last week I understood the Frenchman’s frustration. And, as an all-time great of English football, he has earned the right to point out all the marvellous achievements he has produced.

But I also politely disagreed with his reaction. When things are not going well for a manager, unpleasant noise unfortunately comes with the territory. That is not to say I believe it is time for him to go.

Failure to win this title race would be a disappointing, squandered opportunity, but I still see passion in Wenger’s eyes, fire in his belly, and a sound tactical approach to matches. In fact, over the past two seasons his game plans have improved markedly against top opposition.

Mistakes have been made, but I believe he has still got it.

However, to receive the rousing send-off he deserves — on his terms — he needs to make changes...

TOO MUCH FAITH

How often has the Gunners boss suggested there is a lack of quality available in the transfer market to improve his team? Many times. Yet against Bayern Munich and Barcelona the gulf in class between Arsenal and Europe’s elite was laid bare in devastating fashion.

While his squad is packed with excellent players, they are short at the very highest level, like all EPL teams. Therefore, it was a misjudgment not to strengthen his squad last summer.

Part of the issue is that Wenger is a naturally loyal person. Spending almost 20 years in the same role, despite receiving tempting offers from other big clubs, is testament to that. And this means he also has great — sometimes disproportionate — faith in his players too.

He wants to give them a chance, he wants them to develop, and he wants them to fulfil the potential he sees in them. No one believes in Arsenal’s players more than the manager. But sometimes they do not deliver on that trust.

This summer, Wenger must assess individuals and make calculated decisions on their futures. Are they good enough to take Arsenal forward? Can he recruit better from elsewhere?

He cannot afford to stake too much faith in players who do not warrant it.

GETTING TOUGH

While I do not believe Arsenal have not got leaders in the dressing room, they desperately need the senior players to take on more responsibility. The great Wenger sides of the late 1990s and early noughties boasted men that would stand up and be counted when the going got tough. I was part of his initial group, and many of the lads were happy to manage situations themselves, and the boss encouraged it.

Those guys did not wait to be told something was not working. They acted on instinct and solved the problem there and then. If someone messed up, a team-mate reminded that person in no uncertain terms. In this current team, the players are too nice to one another.

It goes against his calm, measured nature, but I would like to see Wenger send out a tougher message to the dressing room. It is effective, and if that means axing one of his favourites, so be it. He has to be bold.

TACTICAL VARIETY

There was a time, not so long ago, when Wenger’s side would play the Arsenal way no matter who they encountered.

Not quite good enough to pull it off, several thrashings at the hands of clued-up rivals put paid to that philosophy, and nowadays there are clearer tactical ploys, especially against the big boys.

To build on that progress, Wenger must now be willing to take on a more varied approach against the lesser sides too.

Opponents that sit deep and defend in numbers have proved frustrating to beat.

We know the Arsenal boss’ mind is sharp. Just a little more decisiveness and flexibility is required.

Making the Gunners less predictable will make them harder to beat.

THE FUTURE

The fans are beginning to turn against him, but if Wenger is willing to get tough by challenging his squad to raise standards, and brings in better quality players this summer, he still has a great chance of bowing out on the kind of high he deserves.

Will he be afforded the opportunity to do that? Yes, I think he will.

Backed unanimously by a board that is happy to let him run his own ship, rightly or wrongly, I am convinced the 66-year-old will decide for himself when to step aside.

The Gunners should not be afraid of change. I know Manchester United have suffered badly post-Ferguson but, if the right succession plan is made, that dreadful dip does not have to happen.

It is now important for Arsenal to at least think about who will be the right fit to continue Wenger’s legacy, and to inspire a new era of success.

There are lots of great managers out there, but it is imperative they choose wisely.

BIG MATCH PREDICTIONS

EVERTON VS ARSENAL

Defeat to Barcelona may have been chastening, but the Gunners looked sharper and more balanced at the Nou Camp. If they perform in a similar vein, they will have too much class for an Everton side that’s found consistency hard to come by.

Prediction: Everton 1 Arsenal 3

CRYSTAL PALACE VS LEICESTER CITY

The Foxes weren’t fluent against Newcastle on Monday, but they won by staying calm and efficient. At Selhurst Park they will be looking to do the same. This will be a hard-fought contest, and don’t be surprised to see a minor slip up from the leaders.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1 Leicester 1

MANCHESTER CITY V MANCHESTER UNITED

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial’s pace is sure to cause a depleted City defence problems, but at the other end I don’t have faith that United’s back four can repel everything Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and David Silva throw at them.

Prediction: Man City 3 Man United 1

SOUTHAMPTON V LIVERPOOL

On their last three visits to St Mary’s, Liverpool have won every time, with an aggregate score of 11-1. It’s the epitome of a happy hunting ground. You can bet your bottom dollar the Saints won’t be as generous defensively this time around.

Prediction: Southampton 0 Liverpool 0

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V BOURNEMOUTH

With a set of tricky looking fixtures to come, it is imperative for Spurs to make the most of mid-table Bournemouth’s visit to the Lane. With opponents that just have pride to play for, I expect Mauricio Pochettino’s title chasers to have a greater mental edge.

Tottenham 4 Bournemouth 1

EPL TV LISTINGS

TODAY

Everton v Arsenal

Singtel mio TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227 , 8.45pm

Crystal Palace v Leicester

Singtel mio TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227 , 11pm

Chelsea v West Ham

Singtel mio TV Ch103 & StarHub Ch228 , 11pm

Watford v Stoke City

Singtel mio TV Ch104 & StarHub Ch229 , 11pm

West Brom v Norwich

Singtel mio TV Ch105 & StarHub Ch227 , 11pm

TOMORROW

Swansea v Aston Villa

Singtel mio TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227, 1.30am

Newcastle Utd v Sunderland

Singtel mio TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227 , 9.30pm

Southampton v Liverpool

Singtel mio TV Ch103 & StarHub Ch228 , 9.30pm

Manchester City v Manchester United

Singtel mio TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227 , 11.59pm

Tottenham v Bournemouth

Singtel mio TV Ch103 & StarHub Ch228 , 11.59pm

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