EPL 2011: Time for Players To Take Pressure off Arsene Wenger

It baffles me when I read reports or hear an abundance of fans asking for the sacking of Arsene Wenger. A man in charge for 15 years at the club. A man who brought his own football philosophy to the North London club. A man who turned Arsenal into a winning side with football that leaves other teams craving with jealousy. Now people are asking for his sacking. 

Yes in the last few years Wenger has struggled with his youth policy. Yes it hasn't worked out, mainly because so many young players have left the club instead of showing faith to the team and to its supporters. Yes, Mr Wenger is in real pressure.

But who is going to replace him? Who is going to come in and make sure Arsenal play the same style of football? Only Pep Guardiola, and he's not leaving Barca anytime soon. It is ridiculous to suggest that Arsenal have to change their whole style and philosophy to win a trophy again. 

I have always believed that these young players lacked that mentality of the previous squad consisting of Bergkamp, Vieira, Henry, Adams and so on. This is where the problem lies. In the old days Arsenal were ruthless just like Manchester United are demonstrating this season.

It is time for Arsenal to get back that ruthlessness in front of goal. It is time for Arsenal to get back that winning mentality that saw the club go unbeaten for 49 games. This will only happen when players take responsibility.

Too many players at Arsenal are waiting for someone else to do it. They are not stepping up. And I'm not talking about youngsters!

It is too easy to blame Arsene Wenger and ask for a change of manager. OK Mertesacker is slow and needs to readjust to the pace of the English league. But he was captain of Werder Bremen. He needs to show his leadership and demand organization from his defense whilst Vermaelen is absent.

Djourou needs to step up. He's an experienced player now and he needs to show he can cut it by being more clinical in his tackles and making them count. Song is well experienced to know he can take charge and give protection to the back four.

Koscielny needs consistent performances. He was outstanding against Dortmund and struggled against Blackburn. Time for him to show how strong he is mentally.

Time for the players to relieve the pressure on the manager by stepping up their game, taking responsibility and playing as a unit from the back to the front.

They will never have a better chance to run riot against Shrewbury tonight in the Carling Cup before the first team have a chance to redeem themselves against a struggling Bolton side. Get a five-game winning streak and everyone will have a different opinion of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.

The manager has already told his players the problems. Communication, coordination, lack of urgency and confidence. Now it's up to these outfield players to show the mantle and fix it.