Ahead of the all-important FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City, the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has challenged the club’s ‘British Core’ to take responsibility for the future and take the North London club forward from the current slump. Despite the Gunners’ British stars not faring too well, it appears Wenger is still a believer and has urged the much-criticised bunch to make an impact.
As quoted by the BBC, the Frenchman said: “It’s more natural for local players because they have been educated in Arsenal – players like Ramsey, Walcott, Chamberlain. They have to take charge. If they didn’t want it, that would be a huge disappointment.”
These words from the boss come ahead of the clash against Manchester City, where Wenger is likely to field around five British stars – with the likes of Holding, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gibbs, Ramsey and Welbeck all set to start, and with Theo Walcott likely to be on the bench. Clearly, the veteran manager is trying to motivate the club’s British players, with all of them being average at best so far this campign.
Personally, I am not a big fan of the ‘British Core’. While there was a time where they all showed immense promise, none of them have actually lived up to the hype despite there being no shortage of opportunities. Issues with injuries and consistency have continually plagued the careers of these players and they simply have not got going. When you look at Spurs and see how their local stars are doing, you’d notice that the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose have been the pivot of their title surge.
So with that being said, Arsenal’s British bunch really have to step up. With around five of them likely to start against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, it is golden opportunity to make a statement in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley stadium. Clearly, Wenger entrusts the club’s future in the hands of these players and it’s about time they repay the faith showed by the manager.
Anurag