Wenger Risks his Credibility. By Andrew Walker.

Arsene Wenger is clearly an intelligent man and brilliant manager. However, in the light of his team’s 3-0 home humbling to Chelsea, he runs the risk of damaging his considerable credibility. Read on to find out why…

In the build-up to this vital match, Wenger issued a call to arms for his players – they can no longer be considered a young team; now is the time to deliver against the league leaders. 90 minutes later, and Arsenal’s fragility had been cruelly exposed by a bullying, clinical Chelsea. Having set the scene in advance, Wenger would surely have to concede – his team fell badly short in both final thirds. A lack of incision in attack; a lack of organisation in defence.

But rather than admitting any shortfall in his own team, Wenger chose to blame the officials. He reasoned that Arsenal dominated the game and Chelsea scored with their first shot.

A dose of reality is required. Chelsea had 5 shots on target to Arsenal’s 3. Possession ended up only 51-49 in Arsenal’s favour. If Arshavin’s goal was disallowed harshly, what of Sagna dragging down Anelka in the box and Vermeulen’s rugby tackle of Terry, both offences committed in the area?

With the news of Robin van Persie’s extended absence still raw, and in the immediate aftermath of an embarrassing home defeat, maybe you can excuse Wenger’s reaction. But in the cold light of day, he must surely recognise that Arsenal lack leadership and power across the field. The Invincibles team was built around exactly that.

Their frailties will rarely be exposed against the majority of teams in the Premier League and Champions League. But against the top teams in Europe, the Gunners’ soft centre will be there for all to see. Until Wenger addresses this and performs a major overhaul, Arsenal fans will have a long wait for their next major trophy.