There isn’t a day that goes where Arsene Wenger does not use the word ‘mentality’. But Wenger has every right to stress on that very word.
As I’m sure every Arsenal fan, or football fan for that matter, knows that our club consists of young ‘guns’ who, in Emmanuel Petit’s opinion, are inexperienced players. However, the ex-Gunner does make a good point.
Some clubs, like Manchester United, have players ranging from 20-36 years old, whilst Arsenal have an average squad age of just 23. Petit was quoted in the Sun saying:
‘I tell him (Wenger) that it’s been more than 10 years since he’s been with Arsenal and he’s built the majority of his successes on the experience of the players he had in his possession.’
The Frenchman makes an accurate assessment there in my opinion. In the olden days, Arsenal were made up of players that had an average age of 27-32 year olds. Winterburn, Bould, Adams…the list goes on and on. Arsene Wenger then planned to change that list into a never ending one. What do I mean? Well, let’s just say that Wenger had a vision. He visualized a club that has the ability to win trophies on the long-term. And I strongly emphasize on those words. Don’t just think of the present, but think of the future as well. Think about what kind of unity and synchronization the players can show off on and off the field. Petit continued:
‘I think there’s also a big problem within this squad because to reach your objectives you need a competitive spirit. What does that mean? It means that in the good and the bad times you have to be able to get back up, so that you don’t crumble.’
Remember the 2nd leg against Barcelona in the Champions League this season? What happened after that? The whole team crumbled like bread….Again! Dusting yourself off after a harsh loss like that is pretty difficult. It’s not something easy to do. That’s why guidance is needed. Arsenal lack somebody that can rebuild a kingdom whenever it crumbles, and that’s where experienced players, or leaders, come in. Some people might argue the fact that Arsenal don’t have players who are eligible to lead a team. First of all, Samir Nasri captained France, which proves his eligibility to become the main pillar that holds the team together, and finally, experience comes from the problems and hardships that all of us…well….experience. That’s how human beings mature, and if not winning one lousy trophy in a span of six years cannot be considered as a problem, then I ask you Emmanuel Petit, what is?!
Remember the ‘mentality’ thing Wenger used to say? That might actually be the lost piece to our, dare I say, Champions League puzzle. If simply the attitude, or the way our players look at games are positive, then miracles can happen. I understand that we are an extremely ‘moody’ bunch, so patience from the fans is vital for the success of our club. Petit finished off by saying:
‘Arsenal’s game is a trademark on the pitch, it’s just that there are not really any players with a winning mentality.’
Well, I must agree with Emmanuel on this. The Gunners attitude towards games is also crucial for the team to achieve success. A couple of injured players and there goes our moral down the drain. However, the missing piece of our puzzle is yet to be surfaced.
Follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/gooner300
Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.
Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.
Totally agree with Petit, we need older heads at the club to guide the ‘inexpereinced’ lot forward. They have no one in the squad to look up to.
I agree with Petit, we have no older players to guide the younger players. We lack experience and until we get thqat experience we will never win anything.