Richard MichaelThe final word on the weekend - Will Arsenal ever be good enough?
It is time for Arsenal to stop hiding behind the mask of ‘youth’.
Once again the consensus was that Arsenal lacked the experience as their season self-destructed with defeats to Manchester United in the Champions League semi final and Chelsea in the Premier League (a defeat that cost them a tilt at third place and automatic qualification for the group stages of the Champions League). The ability is not in doubt and there time will come was the prevailing view. But after four years without a trophy, will their time come? Are they really good enough?
There are undoubtedly world-class players in their dressing room, such as Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Andrey Arshavin. Then there are those will the potential to turn in world-class performances such as Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin Van Persie and Kolo Toure. And there is much potential in Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela.
However, what of the supporting cast? Yes they are young but will they ever be good enough – technically, mentally and physically - to win trophies at home and abroad against the toughest opposition. Will Alexandre Song ever match Mathieu Flamini’s industry in midfield? Will Abou Diaby ever be able to command the touch and authority of Patrick Vieira, will Adebayor ever sacrifice his ego? Will Nicklas Bendtner ever be able to control his flailing limbs sufficiently to compliment Arsenal’s slick attacking play?
There is an underlying suspicion that for all the potential of Arsene Wenger’s new class, they lack that extra bit of quality and ability.
And, of course, Arsenal are not without experience. Players such as Kolo Toure, Mikael Silvestre, Manuel Almunia, Adebayor and Arshavin are all players who can draw on events of the past to shape the future. But are Silvestre and Almunia good enough players to lead Arsenal to European Cups? The overwhelming suspicion is no.
With Manchester United, Liverpool and to a degree Chelsea constantly raising the bar, it will require more than the one or two experienced players Wenger is promising this summer for Arsenal to catch up with the pace-setters. Arsenal need an injection of quality as much as experience, especially in some key areas such as central defence, goalkeeper and defensive midfield.
It is time for Arsenal to stop hiding behind the excuse of youth.
