Starling on Sport: Another season of hurt for Arsenal

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Starling on Sport: Another season of hurt for Arsenal One year ago I wrote a comment piece supporting the views of Piers Morgan. There’s not many things that I agree with the loud-mouthed Twitterer on, but when it comes to the future of Arsene Wenger he is spot-on: the Frenchman has to be sacked as Arsenal manager. Two FA Cup triumphs in the last how many or so years is not good enough for a club of Arsenal’s stature. Let’s look at it realistically, that’s only one FA Cup win more than Wigan Athletic – and they are in England’s League One. At the start of the season many people backed Arsenal to be title contenders in the Premier League – and they have certainly showed the form at stages this season. However, the last few weeks have revealed some real issues for the Gunners. In the Premier League in November they drew with Tottenham, lost at West Brom and drew with Norwich. Not exactly title-winning stuff. And the Champions League this season has been even worse. In group F, Arsenal have lost at home to Olympiacos, away at Dynamo Zagreb and got absolutely hammered in Munich by Bayern. Ok, so they did beat Bayern at the Emirates and in the last round of matches secured a 3-0 victory over Zagreb, but with only one game remaining in group F Arsenal are in third and have to beat Olympiacos who currently sit three points ahead in second spot. Europa League anyone? Many of the delusionists are putting Arsenal’s troubles down to the injuries. It’s pretty bad that they now have an injury list of 10 players, but if they want to be a top club in Europe they should be able to cope. Injuries are unfortunate; Wenger’s lack of long-term planning for injuries is not. He only bought one player in the summer – goalkeeper Petr Cech. Even people who don’t like football knew that Arsenal had to improve their squad if they want to compete with the big boys. Now with star forward Alexis Sanchez (right) crocked and joining the other sicknotes on the treatment table, Wenger must look at his young guns in order to survive throughout December, traditionally the busiest time for English football. Wenger will say his youngsters have talent, but can they do it on a cold, frosty night away at Stoke? You know the answer to this one. No doubt Arsenal fans will be counting down the days until the opening of the January transfer window. Don’t expect too much wheeling and dealing though, some of the sicknotes will be back. By then though the damage will be done. Are Britain really great at tennis?  Britain, Britain, Britain… the land of Shakespeare, rolling green fields, fish and chips and now – remarkably – a Davis Cup-winning team. An obvious hotbed of tennis talent, Britain can now claim as their own a Davis Cup, Wimbledon and Olympic gold winner. Come on, who are we kidding? There’s only one guy to praise for all of Team GB’s success and that’s Andy Murray. Thanks ‘Team Murray’, you have been ace. Day-night cricket: have your say What do you think of Test cricket being played on a day-night basis? I love to watch a Test as much as other “traditionalists”, but I do admire that something new has been introduced. I would love to hear what readers think – email me on mike@7days.ae with your views. Tables are turning on World Snooker Snooker star Stephen Maguire says the tables at the UK Championships were “one of the worst I’ve played on”. Maybe it’s time to change the suppliers? Otherwise snooker will be hit in the pocket if the players aren’t happy. Please smile Kimi, you drive for Ferrari… Kimi Räikkönen does not smile – fact. He was third in Abu Dhabi, but did he find joy with his result? For someone who drives Ferraris and finished on the podium you would think he could be a little bit happier. There’s a lot worse off than you, Kimi. Toon boss is on borrowed time One person worse off (see above) is Newcastle boss Steve McClaren. Surely the Toon will soon get rid of this guy? You can’t lose 5-1 to a team managed by your club’s former boss and not survive. Steve, get your bags packed…     Read the original story at: Starling on Sport: Another season of hurt for Arsenal