[Sport] An Arsenal picture that paints a thousand words of a club with a long way to go

[Dr@g0n]

 

As a snapshot of Arsenal’s decline, the photograph taken of the team on a February day five years ago makes compelling evidence. The players were celebrating a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the Emirates. The camera caught an unexpectedly noteworthy moment: it was the last time it was possible to imagine Arsenal were viable challengers for the title.

The clubs meet again at the King Power Stadium on Sunday in an entirely different set of circumstances. Leicester are riding high, a victory over Mikel Arteta’s side would only solidify their position in the quest for Champions League qualification. Arsenal need to win to climb out of the bottom half of the table.

 

The picture is a portrait of a declining power about to crumble; the empire striking back one last time and deluding itself that its enemies had been vanquished. The win changed little. Leicester remained top and went on to win the title. 

Arsenal lost their next two league games, dropping out of realistic contention. Although Arsene Wenger’s team went on to finish second in the table – propelled to that position by a late meltdown by Tottenham Hotspur – it was the last time the Gunners qualified for the Champions League. 

 

 

Two FA Cup wins since then have obscured a simple fact. Arsenal have ceased to be part of the elite. The photo illustrates the hubris of overpaid, underperforming superstars masquerading as leaders in a dressing room that was taking the club downhill.

While Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and co were still celebrating, Jamie Vardy limped out of the Emirates with a grimace on his face. He looked battered and bruised. Like the rest of his teammates he was not broken but resolute. Wenger recognised there was not enough of this trait in his side and tried to buy the striker the following summer. He admitted to offering Vardy a “lot of money” only to be spurned. That may have been the final indignity of the Frenchman’s wonderful career. If he had been able to sign Vardy, some of the turmoil of the ensuring seasons might have been avoided. 

 

Arsenal need a change of attitude that went beyond switching managers. Wenger was replaced by Unai Emery, who in turn was succeeded by Arteta. The club still lacks direction.