The view from the comfy seats of Arsenal’s discontent

Repeated shouts of “what was that? And “Ivan [Gazidis] we need to spend to some money” aimed towards the Director’s Box from a group of angry fans, followed a chorus of boos that rung around the Emirates after Arsenal’s draw with New York Red Bulls in Sunday’s Emirates Cup.

My vantage point for all of this was an usually dignified one, as thanks to Indesit and We Are Social, I watched the game from the rarefied atmosphere of the Diamond Lounge, directly above the seat of the club’s chief executive.

Nestled in the comfy seats after a hefty lunch, life was a bed of roses, but apparently not all in the stadium shared my sense of contentment.

Having surrendered a 2-0 lead to Boca Juniors the previous day, when faint boos could be heard following the final whistle, fans were expecting a revival against the MLS side and hoping to avoid the ‘same old Arsenal’ headlines they had to endure the previous evening.

However, it wasn’t to be. A first-half Robin van Persie header was cancelled out in the closing moments by an unfortunate Kyle Barltey own goal, after the hosts failed to take advantage of their dominance against a side who were content to play the majority of the game in their own half.

Both results over the weekend were a disappointment for Arsenal fans, but their simmering discontent goes deeper than the weekend’s results.

Having tasted success under Arsene Wenger’s guidance, fans are hopeful, and some even expectant of success this season, however, in the absence of any silverware, these irritated grunts have gathered volume and they were audible enough for all to hear on Sunday.

Wenger’s model of nurturing talent has seen some excellent players emerge at the club, most notably of course Cesc Fabregas, but this policy of refusing to spend big bucks has been a point of increasing contention amongst fans, who seemingly relate the clubs unwillingness to spend on top quality players and the emerging gap between them and the top of the table.

This lack of player refreshment has led to a repetitive state of affairs at the club. Everyone knows that Arsenal play wonderful passing football and possess some wonderfully skilful players, but…

Defensive weaknesses were once again exposed over the weekend, as was their occasional inability to be decisive in front of goal and I sympathise with fans, as a selfish striker is sorely needed.

However, and as painful as it might to be stomach for the Gooner faithful, perhaps the progression of other clubs and their might the pitch and in their bank balance has sunk what previous advantage they had over their rivals.

With the players that they posses there is no reason why Arsenal shouldn’t challenge, but recent seasons haven’t suggested Wenger’s idealistic team has the full package just yet.

If only for the competition and rivalry at the top of the table and as a reward for their brand of football I would enjoy seeing Arsenal once again there, but their chances are seemingly slim this season, and judging by fans reactions to a disappointing friendly tournament, their concerns are plain for all to see.

What I do know for certain though is that the view from the comfy seats is much rosier than the rest of the stand, unless of course you’re Ivan Gazidis. Thanks to Indesit and We Are Social.

Tags: Arsenal, Premier League