Paul Merson has claimed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has lost his tactical edge,and can no longer see him as the man to get them back challenging for the Premier League title. The Gunners finished outside the top four for the first time in 21 years, the first time under the French manager that the scenario has occurred.
Wenger has come under increased pressure this season, with protests going on and off throughout the entire campaign, calling for him to quit the club, with some simply calling for change.
The 67 year-old’s contract is set to expire in the coming weeks, but he is believed to have a new two-year deal sat on the table awaiting his signature, and he is set to announce his decision following the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Paul Merson is amongst those who thinks he should call time on his career as Gunners manager, whilst stating he thinks the boss has ‘lost it’.
‘If they keep Wenger, I don’t see them getting close to the top,’ Merson said. ‘I just think tactically Wenger has lost it.
‘Sometimes you’ve got to play games like horses for courses. (Jose) Mourinho goes to places, sets up and makes sure they don’t get beat, Wenger does not play that game. He opens the game up and says: “You have a shot, we have a shot, best team wins.”
‘That doesn’t work anymore. It’s alright when you’ve got Henry, Bergkamp, Pires, Ljungberg, Overmars, Petit, Sol Campbell, Vieira, Lauren… saying: “You have a shot, we have a shot” is alright then, they’ll rip anybody to shreds! But not this team.’
Has Wenger lost his tactical edge? Is it more likely that the players have either let him down mentally or simply failed to meet their potential over the years?
Pat J