What Happened to Arsenal?

     The Premier League is 16 games into their season and a few top teams stand out as early strugglers.  Most notably is Arsenal, usually a top 4 team year round despite not winning any hardware since 2004.  What is to blame for the woes of fans around the Emirates?  Critics can point to a number of things, be it manager Arsene Wenger, the departure of Robin van Persie among other big names over the past several years; either way, North London seems to be in shambles.  The departure of van Persie was a huge blow to the fan base, as Arsenal scrambled to sign Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, and Olivier Giroud to fill his shoes.  So far, the story of Arsenal's season has been inconsistency.  Giroud came from Montpellier the leading scorer in Ligue 1, and Podolski came in well known for his stellar performances for Germany and FC Koln.  While Giroud and Podolski have teamed up several times for jaw-dropping goals, Giroud has failed to establish himself as his natural scoring self.

Santi Cazorla has been the bright spot for the Gunners this season

So where do these inconsistencies lie?  In my opinion, the offense has the keys in place but lacks creativity. The midfield core of Cazorla, Wilshere, and Arteta is mightily impressive.  Striker and forward movements are sloppy and without pace or direction.

The other remaining question looms at Wenger's doorstep.  How can he and upper management settle for complacency?  Arsenal has become known as a selling club this decade, allowing many of its touted stars to leave for greener pastures.  Along with Wenger's reluctance to spend the money for big name players, Arsenal is in for a downward spiral unless tactics change drastically.  The splash of talent that is available in January is out there, it's only up to the owners to decide whether to cut Wenger and become a powerhouse once again.  Keeping him is a conundrum in and of itself because of his tremendous mind for the game.  His off-field transfer woes are another side to the great coach of many glorious years.

WHAT TO DO:

1. See how Wenger fares in January in the transfer period
2. Bring back Thierry Henry
3. Sign Huntelaar/Cavani/Llorente
4. Drop Wenger in the summer if matters go to Hell
5. Pick up Pep Guardiola