Petit: Arsenal in danger of acquiring ‘loser’ image by AT
With Arsenal having a largely disappointing season after failing to achieve the bare minimun of Champions League qualification, there is certainly no shortage of football pundits with strong opinions on what is going wrong at the club, the latest of whom is Emmanuel Petit. The former Arsenal man claimed that the Gunners are in danger of acquiring a ‘loser’ image and highlighted the mentality of some players as a major factor.
As quoted by the Daily Mirror, petit said: “I know Arsenal have won two FA Cups [recently] and there may be a third to come, but they need to spend money to go to the next level. They are in danger of having a loser image. I have been frustrated by some players’ mentality. They need at least six players with a winning mentality.
“There are some players at Arsenal who have been at the club for ages and there is never a surprise from them. They are sitting on lengthy contracts, on big money, but you have to do more. Look at Chelsea. Look at how Conte has come in and instilled a winning mentality and encouraged his players to trust their team-mates. That hasn’t happened at Arsenal this season.”
Well, you have admit that Petit has hit the nail on the head here. Players like Walcott, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Ramsey, Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain have all been at the club for a long time and earn good money but haven’t contributed significantly to Arsenal’s cause. While the Ox has improved this season, the same cannot be said for the others. You would expect more than just a few good games every season.
The comparison with Chelsea is also a great reflection of the ‘loser’ image we are acquiring. When things were not going right, the Blues had the nerve to sack their most successful manager and after finishing tenth last season, they were not afraid to change things. Antonio Conte was brought in, the club made some big-money signings and they were able to climb back to the summit of English football, in less than a year!
Petit’s suggestion is to bring in at least six quality players with a winning mentality. But with Wenger confirming that he will be signing just ‘one or two’ players in the summer, you would know that the club is heading in the wrong direction. With both Kroenke and Wenger looking likely to stay put, some star players looking likely to leave and no change of philosophy in the offing, you cannot help but fear for the future of this club.
AT