Has Arsene Wenger refound his Magic Hat?

In 2012 Bleacher Report wrote under the following headline “Arsene Wenger Has Lost His ‘Magic Hat’ and It’s Time for Arsenal to Move On.”  Near the close of the piece by Will Tidey he says:

“Wenger has fallen too far to climb back up this time, and no amount of money to spend in the summer can change the fact he’s lost his way.”

The article was written on the heals of the San Siro loss in the Champion’s League and at a time when everything looked bleak. However, even with people baying for Wenger’s head, the club stayed the course with a goal in mind.

The question we have to ask, has that goal been reached? Heading into the FA Cup final many people speculated about what Wenger’s fate would be. Not afraid to admit it, early in year of 2014, this blog openly wondered if the modern era of football had simply passed the great man by. Many openly wondered if the team lost the FA Cup, would Wenger retire. Some wondered if he won, would he retire.

But the man is true to his word and gave every indication that he wanted to stay and intended to stay. Now, we openly have to say, it’s a good thing.

Going Back In Time (a little bit)

Before we delve any further into this topic, we’ll be honest and say we’ve been openly critical of the club and the way it has been run during the lean year prior to coming out of the financial darkness. Understanding the nature of the business decisions the club made, we simply never felt that the club was making the correct decisions for the playing product. And by the club, I place the blame across all departments.

The biggest issue I had and have always had is that the acrimony that has built up during the barren years was avoidable. Not by avoiding what I’ve always said is a prudent financial decision, but by being honest with the supporters about the possible impact of the  lean years. Had the club let us known about the decisions being made and been open about it many would have reluctantly accepted the path forward. Sure, some would have still groaned, there are always groaners, but it may have been diminished had they been open.

Fast Forward to Now

So now that we’ve moved beyond all that and we are on our own in England as a self-sustainable big-club without the benefit of a benefactor or laden with substantial debt. We also haven’t need anyone to come to our rescue. And the man who stead at the head of all that came in for a heap of criticism – some deserved, most not. And because he’s stayed with us and because he is the masthead of this ship, we now get to see a new approach. Okay maybe not a new approach, maybe a new spin on an old approach. seeing a new approach.

For sure Arsenal are on course for their most productive, most engaging and most effective transfer window – in recent memory-  if EVER (comparatively speaking.) The likes of Alexis Sanchez, Michel Debuchy, Ospina and Calum Chambers not only filled in like-for-like departures but Sanchez adds a bit of quality was missing at times last season.

If you follow the Arsenal pressers then you know by Arsene Wenger’s own reckoning we are not done yet. There still seems to be a departure or two to iron out, with Thomas Vermaelen the most likely to leave. Wenger in the pre-Emirates Cup presser used the dreaded “expect him to stay” line which usually means he’s gone.

Even with the departures of Sagna and Fabianski and potentially Vermaelen, this is a fantastic window with most of the players done before a competitive ball has been kicked. If more business is done, expect it to be closer to the end of the window. Based on all the stories circulating, we’re not sure Wenger will know what he really wants to do until after the Community Shield.

Still, he is doing what people have wanted him to do when to some it looked like he had lost his way. The chant went “Spend Some F**king money.” Well, he’s done it and by the looks of it, he loves it.

I’ve not seen a recent image yet of Wenger without a big smile on his face. He is by my reckoning, enjoying this. He is direct in his answers in interviews and not evasive or cryptic. He is “bigging” up Arsenal’s chances as he clearly feels the moves the club have made put Arsenal in better position to compete for the top honours in the league and in Europe.

I’ve been surprised at how open he has seemed recently. At the end of the season, post-FA Cup he tabbed Mesut Özil to have a “player of the year season.” He’s also gone on record as saying Arsenal will contend for the title. When things were lean, he was never so emphatic. Even in discussing transfers he has been direct. But his whole demeanor hearkens back to that era when the season before the Invincibles he boldly predicted Arsenal could go undefeated the following season. He was scoffed at, but he was right.

When asked about Thomas Vermaelen, outside of the “expect him to be here” line, he has stated he didn’t know whether or not the club Captain will be here this season. He’s also shot down, rather emphatically internet-drive rumours and been coy on targets that seem likely. And let’s not forget, he’s never one to announce deals for players before the club officially does, but he was interviewed on tour and essentially confirmed the Ospina and Chambers deals BEFORE the club. Another first for Arsene.

It’s clear Wenger believes he is on to something with this current squad. Solidifying the base, winning the FA Cup and bringing in proven talent obviously can do that to the man. He clearly seems rejuvenated and energized.

As stated, we’ve been critical of Wenger, but our love of the man never waned. It was always like that favorite family member losing out to some disease, you just never wanted to see it. That family member however, is well again and there is a spring in his step. That should serve as warning to the other managers and teams in this league.

Wenger, many will forget, was at his competitive firery best against an Alex Fergueson in his prime. The managers in the league pale in comparison to the heft those two carried when Arsenal and United duked it out regularly for honours. If Wenger truly has found his mojo again it portends poorly for the others.

Last season we were asked if Arsenal could win the league? We always answered, yes they could but they won’t. With a re-energized Wenger and a stronger team, we say yes they could and they can.

Arsene Wenger’s Magic! 
He wears a magic hat. 
And when he saw Alexis Sanchez
He said I’m having that! Ooooooohhh! 

Tell us what you think. Can Arsene Wenger lead Arsenal to another title and more silverware? 

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