Why this factor is likely to cost Arsenal the Premier League title

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Arsenal currently sit in third position in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Leicester City. In what is being considered as a fluke season, Arsenal should be relishing the opportunity to win their first title since 2004. However, the lack of urgency and determination is letting the team down, increasing the chances or yet another mediocre season. The lack of authoritative figures in this season’s squad is one of the main reasons Arsenal may fall just off the pace yet again, which a Wenger side of over a decade ago wouldn’t think of doing.

Arsene Wenger has compromised with the supporters by securing back-to-back FA Cups, which has been vital for the Frenchman in keeping his job. The reason why the FA Cup has been the focal point when entering the back end of the season is because The Gunners are too far off the pace in the title race. Once again, there’s a real chance that this can occur once more. In previous years, whichever team that is crowed Premier League champions at the end of a season have always showed the integrity to grind out matches and have had the characters to do so. This couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to this season’s side.

The squad has an array of talent, with Mesut Ozil being the standout player, but has the tendency to go missing when it comes to top of the table clashes. A lot of weight has been placed on the Germans shoulders after his promising season, which of course has its drawbacks. If the reliance is constantly on the midfielder who has 18 league assists, who else can take charge if he ever falls of the standard? This was never a worry when Arsene Wenger led his side to an unbeaten league campaign in 2004, naming them the ‘Invincibles’.

Names just roll off the tongue when you think about world class players who’d always step up and take charge in the top games. Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires – the list goes on. Nearing to the end of their history making campaign, Arsenal were 2-1 down to Liverpool at Highbury. Arsenal scored 3 times in the latter stages of the second half through Robert Pires and two from Henry, including a wonder goal. This is the Arsenal the fans are relishing to see again; players taking games by the scruff of the neck in an attempt to make something special.

This is just not the case anymore, and the characters are fading away. Arsene Wenger has the tendency to praise his team’s spirit, but buy judging the performances, they aren’t showing those signs. It’s like the manager is trying to ingrain this into to his players, hoping it will pay off. But the lack of character is also down to lack of squad depth.

Date back to 2004 and Arsenal had a true balance of players in their peak with players of much experience. Players like Ray Parlour and Martin Keown were edging nearer to their retirement, but they were the key figures that glued the teamed together through tough patches. These players didn’t mind being left out of the team and playing from the subs bench because they knew what the team could achieve, and could put their arm around the younger players.

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Players wouldn’t afford to lose faith, because it would result in the demise of the team. Arsene Wenger kept faith in the team, making little acquisitions for record breaking season. But the present day see him making many changes due to lack lustre performances. Although this gives a chances for younger players to prove themselves like Joel Campbell, you want Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to be firing on all cylinders every single week.

If Arsenal once again fail to secure the league title, the backlash that will follow won’t be surprising. Former players like Patrick Vieria have distanced themselves from the club, which could be down to the realisation that Wenger has constantly failed to acquire top class players when the squad is going through a transition period. It’s yet to be seen whether Arsenal can make up the ground of leaders Leicester, but if they don’t, Mr Wenger will have a lot to answer for himself.

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