I know that at first glance, not many people would compare Arsenal with Man City at the minute, because the last 10 years or so have seen the two clubs operating about as differently as possible, with Arsene Wenger working on a shoestring and our trophy winning ability dwindling year on year, while a succession of City bosses have been throwing money around like lottery winners and propelling the club to it’s most successful period.
But look at us this season and there are some glaring similarities in the problems we are facing, while Chelsea can hardly believe their luck that no one seems to be interested in competing for the Premier League title.
Arsenal and City both got tough draws in the Champions League and have not had the best of time in Europe. And the fans of both clubs demand that we get through. The reasons are slightly different, with Gooners being so accustomed to the knockout phase that not making it is unthinkable, while City fans feel that the squad they have should be doing much better.
And in the EPL, we have both shown flashes of brilliance but have too often been below par and capitulated. And we are both heavily reliant on a striker from South America, while the rest of the players have not played to their top level.
And finally, what I think could be the reason for both clubs’ struggles is that our managers are the nice guy type that do not bawl out the players but tries to treat them with respect and educate rather than dictate. And the players like that, but if they do not then do the business on the pitch, they could end up with some red faced guy giving them the hairdryer treatment and chucking football boots at their heads.
So which, if any, club will sort out their similar problems first? I personally think and hope that Wenger’s extra EPL experience and time working with his players will pay off above Manuel Pellegrini and the mercenary nature of the Man City squad. What do you think Gooners?