It’s safe to say things aren’t all sunshine and happiness at Arsenal right now, in fact far from it.
Their 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Muich was embarrassing and seemed to tighten the noose round Arsene Wenger’s neck, his exit at the end of the season becoming increasingly more likely.
It’s certainly not all the Frenchman’s fault and he has definitely been let down by his players, but there are a number of factors that lay firmly at his door.
Here, we look at five things that are going wrong at the club right now.
KEY STARS ARE HAVING A LAUGH
In the second-leg defeat to Bayern Munich even Alexis Sanchez was laughing at his own team’s demise. But it’s difficult to comprehend what the Chilean could find funny given Arsenal’s current climate and it speaks volumes of his future with the club. His contract negotiations have hung over the Gunners and talk of unrest with Wenger and the rest of the squad has hardly helped matters.
WENGER’S TACTICAL THRASHING
This season more than any has exposed Wenger’s tactical deficiencies. The Frenchman’s inability to adapt and at times approach games in a more pragmatic style has formed much of the fury for Arsenal fans. He has allowed his side to become a soft touch and their vulnerabilities are all too obvious. His methods and tactics are obsolete and perhaps a fresh approach is needed.
THE OWNERS ARE TOO IMPASSIVE
The fear of the unknown is arguably what’s keeping Wenger in the job. For all of his obvious flaws, Stan Kroenke and co. are happy for the club to glide along providing Champions League football is secured. Wenger is a sure thing in that respect, helping the club to turn over a profit with the sacrifice being defeat to Europe’s elite. The owner’s impassive nature suggests it’s not a football club but a business.
CAN’T WIN ANYTHING WITH ARSENAL’S KIDS
When the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri departed, the hope was that youthful replacements could step up and make their mark. But the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have simply failed to kick on and Wenger’s misplaced loyalty in them has ultimately cost him. When he needed them most, they’ve deserted him.
THEY ARE PAYING THE PRICE
Another point to consider is the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners not only have the most expensive match-day tickets in the Premier League but also the most expensive season tickets. The extortionate pricing has meant expectations for success has risen tenfold. Paying £97 (Dh433) per game to see a side consistently finish fourth has created the poisonous atmosphere we see today.