... owners happy. But the league results have pushed many fans to the brink, leaving the owners with a real decision to make.
And one wonders at the answer to the real question: Why have the league results been so consistently disappointing lately? Is it possible that playing for Arsenal and with the current Arsenal players just isn't as much of a draw for international talent? I think that is part of it. Signing with Arsenal now isn't like signing on with Vieira, Bergkamp, Henry, and Pires.
They've lacked strong midfield presence for several years. Outside of Fàbregas, who have they had in the last 10-12 years with a high defensive workrate in midfield WITH skills on the ball?
They've sold more talent than they've brought in. For the last five years or so, this team simply wasn't good enough to sustain runs.
Look at the squad they put out against Bayern. Makes you wonder why Welbeck wasn't playing. At least he would provide a physical presence, even if he couldn't help in the interior third.
Weak midfield, can't pressure, can't tackle. When Ozil has more tackles than your defensive midfielder, you've got some pretty big issues. They're good enough to consistently beat bottom table teams and that keeps them 3-6, but outside of Sanchez there's absolutely nothing special about them. And Sanchez has baggage.
Barring some crazy turnaround in league form.
That "performance" against Bayern Munich should be the final straw. If he doesn't pull the plug himself I would think the management would kindly suggest he step aside.
That being said, he'll be nearly impossible to replace. They haven't particularly made big splashes in the market and yet they are a model of consistency. I cannot imagine there are many managers that would want to fill those shoes - even if he might be able to do so.
He had a great point in the article. Arsenal is one of 3 teams (along with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid) who have played in the CL every year for 20 years.
All jokes about not winning and dusty trophy cases aside, that level of consistency for the EPL is pretty damn amazing. It's not Man U making that claim, it's Arsenal.
Moreover, they never go out until the last 16, they always progress through the group stages too.
That said, not winning definitely adds up.
Bayern hasn't made it every year, they've missed a couple. 2007/8 and one other I think.