Arsene Wenger's in need of some fringe benefits to boost his credit rating

 
P62 Arsenal celebrate
James Olley4 December 2012

The debate over whether Arsenal’s fortunes are a consequence of Arsene Wenger’s ill-judgement or simply misfortune resonates in the futures of three players likely to start against Olympiakos tonight.

Wenger’s managerial prowess is ­perhaps under greater scrutiny now than at any other time after their worst start to a Premier League campaign in the Frenchman’s 16 years at the club.

The departure of key players promotes the sense of decline and supporters’ frustration aggravated by high ticket prices has left Wenger to defend his record amid accusations that the Gunners are stagnating.

There are many facets to the debate, not least whether he can still motivate and galvanise players. The likely line-up tonight is sufficiently altered to mask any wounds from Saturday’s humbling by Swansea.

But Wenger’s explanation that his players were jaded and in need of a break is only valid if the fringe players who replace them give an energetic and spirited display here in Piraeus and the rested then beat West Brom at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

So Wenger must first entrust Andrey Arshavin, Maraouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci with the task of restoring some pride in a reshuffled team to prove there is no squad-wise malaise hinting at deeper problems.

In their own way, each player ­represents a different strand of the argument assessing Wenger’s success in the transfer market.

At a cost of £15million in January 2009, Arshavin stands as ­Arsenal’s record transfer — Santi Cazorla actually cost £12m rather than the higher figure widely reported — and initially looked an astute purchase.

A superb first six months in England hinted at greatness but gradually teams worked him out, confidence evaporated and he became the shell of a player he is today. Mitigation comes in his preference for a central berth rather than his usual deployment on the left wing but it remains a mystery as to why a player so naturally gifted, intelligent and thoughtful has become so lost.

Wenger told the Russian playmaker he was surplus to requirements this summer yet he shunned a permanent return to former club Zenit St Petersburg to fight for his place, buoyed by the prospect of raising his family in ­London.

Chamakh had a similarly bright start, deputising admirably for Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner with six goals in his first 12 matches before he was usurped and a combination of injury, indolence and disillusionment nullified his effectiveness.

As a free transfer from Bordeaux, the striker represented Wenger’s much sought after value with a £60,000-a-week wage justifiable through the lack of a fee to bring him to north London. He was another offered an escape route in the summer but Turkish club Besiktas were unable (or unwilling) to match his wage demands to agree a loan spell.

Squillaci’s Arsenal career never really took off. A £5m signing from Sevilla principally designed to provide cover, he rarely looked up to the task but, again, a generous wage repelled interested clubs and he remains on the books. Critics would argue such stagnation is indicative of a wider problem replicated throughout the squad.

Olympiakos have exited the Champions League already but locals claim ­Arsenal’s visit is still an occasion to extract the best from their team.

The Greek side are 10 points clear in the Super League and have won their last eight home matches in all competitions. Motivation will not be an issue before a raucous home crowd.

“I would tell them not to be surprised by the commitment of Olympiakos because it is an historic club with huge pride, and for them to play against Arsenal will be an opportunity to show their quality,” said Wenger. Tomas Rosicky’s return from injury is a plus and several youngsters will be waiting on the bench for a chance to impress.

But with perhaps one more outing in next week’s Capital One Cup quarter-final at Bradford to come, Arshavin, Chamakh and Squillaci hope to produce a performance to showcase their talents to other prospective buyers.

Before then, with top spot in Group B and the advantage of staging the second leg of their last-16 tie at home a possibility — Arsenal must win and Schalke drop points at home to Montpellier — Wenger needs them to perform for him.

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