This is truly the lowest point in recent Arsenal history.  This summer has left a foul taste in the mouths of all supporters, even the eternally optimistic like me.  For my generation it is difficult to remember Arsenal without Wenger, unless you grew up in London.  I only know Arsenal under Wenger and I fear for the day he is no longer manager.  Hopefully, he will go out on his own terms and line up a proper successor to take over the reins and lead Arsenal to the Promised Land.

With that being said, he’s taken a huge gamble that unfortunately may define a trophy less period of his era and could really fuck up the near future for the club.  To call an institution of such prestige and accolade to be in a crisis when they are the only club that should be a role model for success and living within their means for all other clubs about, is a bit much.  I understand that Arsene did not want to lose two of his prized assets this summer, but he knew they wanted out and has waited late in the transfer market in order to find the best deals as usual.  The problem is that the price to be paid if Arsenal does not qualify for the group stage is immeasurable.  We as Arsenal fans only know seasons filled with Champions League nights (or lunches for us on the West Coast) and the outrage if we do not qualify will be immense to say the least. 

The negativity about has reached critical levels and seem to have come to a boiling point.  One thing to remember through all this is that Arsene is not the only one to blame here.  The board has come to look increasingly inept and Gazidis has yet to show us his might in terms of sealing transfers.  Why did we lose out on Mata to Chelsea, one or two million pounds?  We don’t really know the facts but not many are impressed.  Ivan seems to say the right things but the fans care about actions.  He has one week to sort it out.  Remember that this match would never be a point of contention if the team hadn’t fallen apart in the last two months of the season and dropped from second to fourth.  The let down is something that should weigh heavily on the shoulders of the players and should they not qualify, they must know that it’s their own doing.

There is much to be said about the way Liverpool and Manchester United handled their business this summer.  Although it is clear to me both (especially Liverpool) overpaid to secure their targets early in the summer, the fact they were able to play a whole preseason together and develop an understanding is a great advantage to have over rivals bringing in players once the season has begun.  Arsene loves the bargain bin but the early season fixture list and Champions League qualifier don’t afford you that luxury.  As much as Arsene made his hopes clear, they were not realistic.  It seems Fábregas knew he was going to leave all summer and was pretty evident to all.  It was understandable to hold out for proper money as Barcelona were being completely disrespectful and low-balling as though they had Divine Right to Cesc’s Barca DNA.  I had utmost faith Na$ri would sign a new contract in the off-season until I heard the deal on the table from City, along with the bad blood between Wenger and his agent.  We know Arsene didn’t think he’d be betrayed by one of his French disciples, but don’t come out and say something like this that is going to make you look stupid later.

Arsene Wenger - "Imagine the worst situation, that we lose Fábregas and Nasri; you cannot convince people that you are ambitious after that"

We all know Arsenal are a great and prosperous club, but the proposition of Europa League football and losing our best players without replacements is unthinkable.  I do expect Wenger to spend at least 40-50 million but now there is speculation that players are waiting to ensure that we compete in the Champions League this season.  If true I can’t blame the prospected targets because many of them come from clubs that will be competing in the Champions League this season, and that’s a fair thing to want as an ambitious footballer.  We want world class talent, and world class talents want to be playing on the biggest stage.  I pray this risk by Wenger pans out because shit will hit the fan if Arsenal crash out in Italy.

On to the actual football at hand, the Arsenal side that has flown to Italy is one of the most inexperienced sides I’ve ever seen us put out in Europe other than a garbage last group stage match.  That said there is plenty of quality there to secure qualification.  The players (most) aren’t stupid and are aware of the media and hype and are sure to have read some of the bullshit being spewed from all the papers.  It really seems the English media want nothing more than to see Arsenal fail.  There are characters of true grit in the side and are great leaders and role models for the rest of the squad.  My preference for captain would have been Vermaelen, but he and van Persie are both determined and will let all know what is expected of them.  Just watching Vermaelen in these few games so far makes you think of what could have been last season were he fit.  Nevertheless, he wasn’t fit and we move forward but the intensity and vigor with which he plays the game is evident to even the least trained eye.  With the departure of Cesc we haven’t seen anyone naturally step in to fill the void and the side looks bereft of creativity through the middle of the park.  Many Gooners would love to see Arshavin given that role as that is his preferred position and where he lit the Euros alight with Russia but apparently Wenger doesn’t agree.  Ramsey should continue through the middle, and I have plenty of faith that he is the real deal, but one thing we can’t forget that he, just like Jack, is young and not going to produce those great displays week in week out yet.  He appeared a bystander in the match against Liverpool against a vastly overrated midfield and the own goal personified his performance, unfortunate and in the wrong place.  I expect him to bounce back, the young man has shown great determination and looks to have moved past his horrific injury, but it takes time to build consistency. 

There are defenders back fit so the back line shouldn’t be as shoddy as we would have suspected a couple days ago and Djourou and Traore likely to feature.  This match will be all about containing play and attacking smartly on the counter.  Song will give us help in the midfield but I really expect Gervinho to make an impact.  He performed on the big stage with Lille last season scoring and creating crucial goals in the run in to the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double.  Our best weapon will be our speed on the counter attack and his direct style should create some opportunities for himself and Robin.  An early goal would settle the nerves but this is the Arsenal we are talking about so I expect a nervy ride but I expect us to progress.  Hopefully the enormity of this match won’t be lost on the men and they will rise together to make a statement to world football that we are no club in crisis, perennial performers in the top competitions, and a force to be reckoned with.  This may be a Champions League year for us, never say never.  We can only hope to see a performance worthy of the badge and one hundred percent effort from all parties involved.  I have faith that Robin and Thomas will ensure we get the result.