North London’s Other Team Hits The Button Marked ‘Panic’

By: Rob | November 22nd, 2008

Most of this season one team from North London has been a bit of a joke. That team has been Tottenham. But in recent weeks, since ‘Arry’s arrival and subsequent turnaround, the other team from that part of the world, Arsenal has had to but their tounge when it came to jokes about their neighbours. (Speaking of which, note in the picture, Nicky Bendtner has become the first pink booted footballist).

After beating Man United it looked like those who were questioning Arsene Wenger were foolish. Alas, Arsenal have just completed the week from hell. After being beat last week, losing Theo Wallcott midweek, watching William Gallas loose his mind with open jaw, they just got absolutely stuffed by Manchester City. Life is not good.

They are, for all intents and purposes out of the title race now. Arsene always has a team of the future, but since the Invincables of a few years ago, it seems he hasn’t had a team for now.

He is going to have to start turning things around or else what was once presumed to be the second-safest job in English Football might become a little less safe. It is something Arsenal fans are probably bored of saying, but Wenger really needs to buy..well, someone.

Maybe the Gallas affair will get him to do this. If he does end up showing the Frenchman to door marked “Exit”, he’s going to have to buy a centre half. And one who has a bit of experience, maybe someone who can lead a team.

Alex Ferguson cemented his reputation back in 95-96, when after leading United to a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen announced “You can’t win anything with kids”. Fergie proved him wrong going on to win everything in sight with the kids.

Maybe Wenger has looked at that and thought maybe he could do better. However, if we have a look at United’s 96 side, they have Schmeichel who had been playing in the Prem for five years, Dennis Irwin a seasoned pro, Gary Pallister likewise, David May a Prem winner already, Roy Keane, Andy Cole and Eric Cantona. The rest might have been kids, but its weighed out with experience.

Arsene’s kids are great. He has some great players, both in his first team and in his side about to break through. But what he needs is that bit of grit and experience to guide them, someone for them to look up to. He needs to spend some in Janruary.