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29 March 2024

Wenger out: Guardiola at Arsenal is Gunner fit

Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola is seen before the start of their Spanish First Division soccer match against Malaga at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga January 22, 2012. (REUTERS)

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By Staff

Is this the worst Arsenal team for two decades? At least one British tabloid asked the question after the Gunners slumped to a 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Swansea, who now also sit above them in the Premier League table. 

With a line-up that boasts names like Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, there is now suggestion, at least on paper, that Arsenal are in dire straits. 

But they are. And the truth is the ‘In Wenger we trust’ banners are not flying so high any more. 

Instead a ‘Black Scarf Movement’ has begun to sweep the Emirates. 

Arsene Wenger is standing strong. Or defiant, depending how you see it.

The Gunners are 10th in the table and the title dream is over for this season.

Is it time for Wenger to step down?

He said: “Not at all. You make your assessment at the end of the season.

“I know there is a lot of unrest but it’s a good opportunity to stick together and show we are a strong club.

“Of course it hurts but I am not so much worried about the placings.

“I believe it’s important is to get the quality of our game back. That is much more important.” 

Surely by quality Wenger means winning. Arsenal boast all types of quality – but not the one that matters, the winning quality. 

Swansea’s Michu killed Arsenal with two goals in three minutes at the end of the game, but across the board, pundits agreed, Swansea deserved to win. 

Will Wenger make a big January move to bolster his team? 

Is Theo Walcott now better off leaving rather than playing for club languishing mid-table? 

Or, is it time for the Arsenal board to make their boldest move yet:

Pep Guardiola.

 

In terms of a fit, Guardiola suits Arsenal more than Manchester City, Chelsea or even Manchester United. 

The Wenger, Guardiola footballing philosophy more than overlaps. 

The style of play has always been Barcelona-esque. 

The Roman Abramovich threat might not offer Guardiola stability and the pressure at Manchester City might prove stifling.

Fergie might want Jose Mourinho, a man more in his ‘hair dryer’ style of management.

This leaves Arsenal

Only, if the British press are to be believed, Arsenal must move fast.

The Mirrior quoted a FIFA agent as saying that Pep Guardiola has a preliminary agreement to take over at Manchester City.

"Guardiola has a pre-deal to be the next manager of Manchester City,"

he claimed. "No matter if Milan or whoever make offers to him."

Arsenal need to make an offer to find out.