Will Wenger make Arsenal successful again?

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has signed a three-year extension to his contract at the Emirates.

The Frenchman is the clubs longest serving manager having joined the Gunners in 1996.

He has proved to be one of the best bosses ever to manage in the English top flight. However Arsenal hasn’t won a trophy since 2005.

Love

Wenger told Arsenal’s official website: “My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware,”

“My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever. Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential. Trust me, they are ready to deliver.

“With my staff and players we are in front of an exciting challenge and we are looking forward to achieving much success.”

His love for the club is returned by the Emirates faithful and his players. Even without a trophy for five years most Gunners fans still feel that Wenger is the boss to take the club forward. The question is can Arsenal ever get back to the days of winning silverware under Wenger?

Style

Wenger transformed Arsenal from a side who liked to win through solid defence into a side who loved to play superb passing football. For a period of time that style of play won the Gunners trophies and admiration.

Arsenal still plays attractive football but it’s not currently winning them the silverware their style deserves. To most Arsenal fans annoyance they are still vulnerable at the back. Arsenal lost four first team centre-backs this summer and brought in just one, Laurent Koscielny.

The French centre-back looks like a good signing but Arsenal need more defensive cover. Young defender Johan Djourou is the only centre-back cover for Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen. The Swiss international has been plagued by injury in recent seasons and hasn’t developed how Wenger thought he would.

Central midfielder Alexandre Song can also cover the position but Arsenal’s defensive situation isn’t ideal. If Arsenal don’t strengthen their defence I don’t think they have any chance of challenging for the title.

Promise

Wenger is a master of developing young players and in his statement talked about his young players reaching their potential. His squad is very young. A lot of his squad have amazing potential but this season they have to start living up to that potential.

The likes of Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere could make more first team appearances this season and are now in Fabio Capello’s thoughts for the England squad. That could act as an extra incentive for the pair to work extra hard.

Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner is a confident young man but he needs to start showing he has enough quality for play for a top club or he will soon find himself exiting the club. This season could be make-or-break for the 22 year-old.

Another player who needs to start to fulfil his potential is England winger Theo Walcott. The 21 year-old has been injury-prone in the last few seasons but is currently fully-fit and hopefully this season he can start showing everybody what he is really capable of. It’s vital for Arsenal and England that he finds form this season and fulfils some of his massive promise.

Fan

I have never hidden by admiration for Wenger. I believe he has brought something special to the English game. Arsenal are without doubt still one of the most attractive sides to watch in the Premier League.

This season they have to combine stylish play with winning football, which in recent seasons has been a problem for Wenger’s side. Unfortunately for Arsene and his team I don’t believe they have strengthened enough this summer and could end up empty handed again at the end of the season.

Will Arsenal win silverware this season?