Has Arsene Wenger killed Arsenal’s season with an absence of major signings in the winter transfer window?

Another transfer window concluded and another familiar story at the Emirates. There were no signs of the uncharacteristic deadline day drama of the summer transfer window, where Arsene Wenger had sealed multiple signings.

Apart from a short term deal for Arsenal highest goal scorer and legend Thierry Henry, the lone answer to all the anticipation and hope came in the form of 19 year old Thomas Eisfeld, an attacking midfielder from Bundesliga side Dortmund Borussia. Unheard of, young, and unproven, it could not have been a more typical Wenger acquisition. But it certainly is not the one the fans wanted. Neither is it what Arsenal desperately needed.

It wasn’t rocket science when after a disastrous start to the season, reinforcements in the form of a plethora of summer acquisitions lifted up the team and paved the way for a possible top four finish. But just like a vehicle running out of fuel, Arsenal’s squad began to show its inevitable lack of depth when injuries , coupled with departures to African Cup of Nations , eventually clipped the Gunner’s wings. Nine points dropped from nine in January are evidence enough.

At a time when Arsenal’s shaky defense seemed to have been finally advancing , simultaneous injuries to Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs proved to be too much for a defense which had coped quite well with a similar obstacle in long term injuries to Arsenal right backs, Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson.

But the club from North London managed to adjust, frequently changing its back four combinations, with Thomas Vermaelen filling in at left back when required. The January transfer window could not have come at a better time for Wenger. A left back, either on loan or via permanent deal was imperative. But as many associated with the club feared, he ignored the situation at hand, and ended up paying a heavy price.

Why Doesn't The Professor Spend?

While the loss to Manchester United at the Emirates had more reasons than one, shocking defeats at Craven Cottage and Liberty Stadium were largely due to opposition wingers running riot due to the incapability of the makeshift fullbacks. It knocked the stuffing out of the momentum that the Gunners had gathered.

With Chelsea and Liverpool, Arsenal’s adversaries to that coveted top four finish, not playing particularly well themselves , the three league defeats in January proved to be a vital opportunity wasted. If Wenger had indulged in the necessary shopping, it would not be amiss to assume that his team would have found Chelsea, by glancing downwards from its post in the league table.

What is more worrying for Arsenal is that defense might not prove to be the only sphere where Wenger may have missed a trick. With Gervinho away on national duty, and Arshavin’s poor run of form, Thierry Henry and Walcott are the only proven forward players Wenger can count upon. A world class signing to complement the impressive Van Persie upfront would have equipped Arsenal with the required attacking boost.

No Wilshere

An injury setback to a returning Jack Wilshere, in the form a right foot stress fracture, will not help either. With the 20 year old Englishman’s season possibly over, Wenger may find his midfield short too. It is tough to envisage Thomas Eisfeld, spontaneously adapting and being a part of the first team. Any hopes of Arsenal’s young Japanese winger Ryo Miyachi making cut this season were quickly dissolved too, as the 19 year old finds himself on loan to Bolton Wanderers for the rest of the season.

Wenger’s troubles may contract somewhat as players make their way back from the treatment room. With Gibbs and Sagna back in full training, the Gunners’ defense can look forward to another spell of solid displays. The emergence of a promising Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can somewhat dilute any distress in the attacking department 

With a crucial run-in of games in the league as well as the Champions league awaiting Wenger’s men, the 62 year old Frenchman can only hope for prolonged fitness of key players like Van Persie, Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Wojciech Szczesny, each whom carry a threat of leaving the door open for an unsuitable replacement, if they are to get injured.

From having a firm hold of the situation surrounding them, Arsenal have been reduced to one where hope and luck, form the major influencing factors. But unlike seasons of the past, Wenger was in possession of the required resources, but failed to take action. If the Gunners fail to dig themselves out of this hole, it will only be because they dug it themselves.

And dug it too deep.

Should Wenger have plunged into the transfer market? Do you think by spending in January, Arsenal could now miss out on the Champions League spot?

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