A 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers
on Sunday left their hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads as the London
side trail leaders Manchester United by nine points with four games to go.
Wenger's side have won
admirers for their neat passing game and fluid attacking play but with the trophy
cabinet lacking any new silverware since 2005, some former players have
questioned the approach.
"If you ask most Arsenal
fans they'd maybe forgo the easy-on-the-eye free-flowing football to be able to
grind out results and have a different way of playing to win trophies,"
ex-Arsenal winger Perry Groves told Sky Sports.
Groves was at the north
London club from 1986 to 1992, during the "boring, boring Arsenal"
days under George Graham and while many fans are glad to see the back of the
defensive style of play, they would welcome a bit more solidity.
"I am convinced we are a
very good footballing side," Wenger said on the club's website
(www.arsenal.com).
"We have not been stable
enough defensively. We have conceded six goals this week at a moment where you
cannot afford to concede six goals in three games and win the championship.
"If you can convince me
that the principles are wrong, then I am ready. But I feel we try to play
football the proper way ... I think if something is wrong in our team, it is not
the principle of playing our football." Wenger, criticized by fans for
failing to sign a center back in the January transfer window they were
struggling with Thomas Vermaelen's long-term injury, is likely to make that
position a priority in the close season.
Local media have reported
that prospective new owner Stan Kroenke will make 40 million pounds ($63.75
million) available for transfers.
"They need a presence of
a center half, an organizer," former Arsenal forward Paul Merson told Sky
Sports.
"There's not a million
things to do, just a little bit of tweaking here and tweaking there and that
would be the difference between them being a real threat next season." Pictures
of Wenger crouching on the touchline with his head in his hands dominated the
British newspapers on Monday after the last-minute defeat in Bolton and the
Frenchman was quick to shoulder the blame for the collapse in the season.
"If somebody is to
blame, it's me. I pick the team. I choose the players," Wenger said.
"I feel the players had an outstanding attitude this season. They are not
to blame.
"The (title) chances are
very minimal now, that is for sure, but we have to continue to fight." Two
months ago Arsenal were chasing four trophies but since their League Cup final
defeat by Birmingham City on Feb. 27, they have been knocked out of the
Champions League, FA Cup and won only one of their last seven league games.
"Psychologically the
defeat against Birmingham had a massive effect," said Groves. "The
lack of trophies and silverware has added to their problems ... At the moment
they haven't got that mental toughness and ruthlessness you need to be
successful." Arsenal have been overtaken by resurgent champions Chelsea
and sit third in the table with 64 points from 34 matches. United are heading toward
a record 19th title on 73 points, while Chelsea, who visit Old Trafford on May
8, have 67.
