Answers, Arsene!

Time for an explanation, says former Arsenal boss Graham

Last updated: 2nd May 2011  

Answers, Arsene!

Graham: time for answers

Arsenal have been in contention for six seasons, they've been in the top four all season, so why have they not got that extra bit to go over the line and pick up a trophy? I don't think that's been answered.

George Graham
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George Graham wants Arsene Wenger to come out and explain why Arsenal have gone six seasons without winning a trophy.

The former Gunners boss, who guided them to two league titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup, in his nine years in charge believes it is time for some answers.

He is full of admiration for Wenger and the way his current side plays the game, but says something is missing.

And despite Sunday's success over arch rivals Manchester United, Graham wants the Frenchman to come out and tell us why he thinks his side have fallen short again this season.

"Let's be honest, if Arsene was to leave Arsenal tomorrow, believe me the biggest clubs in the world would take him," he told Soccer Extra.

"I think he's a fantastic manager, it's just it's gone off the boil a bit this season.

"I would love him to explain - which he's not really done - why they've not had the success.

"What's stopping them getting over the line? They've been in contention for six seasons, they've been in the top four all season, so why have they not got that extra bit to go over the line and pick up a trophy?

"I don't think that's been answered."

Defensive

Graham says his brief was always to win trophies and readily admits that he happily sacrificed style for success.

His side was based around a famous back five of David Seaman, Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Tony Adams and Steve Bould and says that is one area that Wenger needs to improve.

The Frenchman has said he will strengthen his squad in the summer but Graham is concerned, given his past acquisitions, that he will not address their obvious frailties.

"They need, to me, defensive players," he said. "When I look at the centre-backs now they could be good midfielders playing there.

"They're nice and tidy on the ball, they've got good phsyiques, they're not 6ft 4in, but they need defensive-minded centre-halves in my opinion."

Graham also believes the club are crying out for a new goalkeeper.

Wojciech Szczesny has impressed this season but is only 21 and has missed vital games through injury and that, he says, makes another keeper a must in the summer transfer window.

"They've got this outstanding young keeper now but what happens if he goes off the boil next season?" he said.

"I do think they should be looking around the country to see if they can find an experienced goalkeeper who's not in someone else's team - and there are one or two around.

"Then they would have the choice; they could play the youngster of if it's not going well, bring someone in who knows what it's all about."

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