Are You Kidding Me? Where's the Heart?

Embarrassed, incensed, humiliated, utterly amazed and not in a good way. Losing to Wigan the way we did was one of my worst moments as an Arsenal fan. I’m not a part of the “Arsene knows” club, but I have given him the benefit of the doubt this year. I think today’s loss pushed me over the edge into the "Let’s criticize the manager" bandwagon. My number one complaint is that he hasn’t shored up our weak spots enough.

Let’s start with the goalkeeper. Almunia was out with a hurt wrist so trusty Fabianski was in goal and cost us today. He couldn’t even hang onto a catch! He lacks confidence because of his various debacles (his most recent being Porto) and has not regained any form. Mannone was on the bench. Better to go with him today at least. I think the players trust him more. Of course, even had Almunia played, there’s no guarantee he would not have pulled a Birmingham-type error and cost us as well. Considering how leaky our goalkeeping is, why didn’t Wenger buy in January?

And let’s talk about our back four. Our centre backs today had a combined age of almost 70 years (thanks for pointing that out Doc). I love Sol. He was a warrior against Spurs. I saw him run forward three different times today and make it back in time to help with a counter attack. But you can’t pair him with another 30-something year-old. Especially Silvestre who operates extra slow. Yes, he did score our second goal today, but I was nervous beforehand about the coupling. Wenger spoke earlier in the week about the grittiness of Vermaelan and how he had played through a lot of pain through the season. Yes, that is something to admire about him. We don’t want our defense to be occupied by a bunch of sissies. But my point is why did he have to play through the pain? He did not get rested one single game this season except for his suspension. Maybe if we had more depth in the back, he would have gotten rested and not suffered the calf strain which resulted in him being out for the rest of the season. Maybe if we had depth, Gallas would have been rested and maybe would not have been out the rest of the season with...a calf strain. Yes, Djourou would have been that back up option, but he got hurt in August. We knew he was going to be out the rest of the season. Why didn’t Wenger buy in January?

That really is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to questioning Wenger’s buying policy. Now onto the youth policy. I have backed him up on that. It has been enjoyable watching players develop and grow. And it makes sense being conservative with spending in these current economic conditions. However, even I have to admit this policy needs some serious tweaking. These youth have received big paychecks without having to perform for them (there are some exceptions). I don't think some of them have developed the work ethic required of that paycheck. Diaby was strolling around again yesterday. I was really hoping after his not taking the summer off last year choosing to focus on his conditioning instead, meant that his lackadaisical approach had been addressed. He has regressed since Barcelona. Maybe it's because there is no one vying for his position. Maybe he needs that competition for playing time to keep hungry. It's certainly not there naturally. Experienced players like Sol Campbell play hard because they know that is what required to win. The younger ones don't seem to know that. I think they need more teammates like Sol not only to model for them but to slap them upside the back of the head when they are casual with passing and running.

Speaking of casual, after the second goal, we coasted. We didn't look like we wanted to finish off the opposition - and neither did Wenger. He didn't put in Van Persie until the 88th minute? Why not give him 20-25 minutes to help sharpen him for Manchester City? Our players took the win for granted, and so did our manager. So now, instead of trying to catch the two teams above us, we have to worry about the two teams below us. And we take on one of those two next weekend. I am not looking forward to hosting Manchester City. I'm sure they can smell the blood in the water.

Anyway, it's now time to start the work week and attempt to shake off the desolation I feel. Here's hoping...

P.S. Apparently, it is customary for the team to approach our away fans and thank them via clapping for coming. I read today at LeGrove that Theo was the only player to approach the fans after the match yesterday. Way to go Theo and shame on the rest of you. See you tomorrow in the not-so-funny-papers.