In the last few years, Arsenal has not won a trophy. But in the same period it has moved to a new 60,000 seat stadium which fills to its capacity each match day and has a season ticket membership wait list of over 35,000. The club has also reached the final of the Champions League in 2006 and has qualified for the lucrative group stages of Champions League in each of the last 13 years under Wenger. But most notably, Wenger has built a team from scratch with literally little or no money spent and a team capable of playing one of the most breathtaking brands of football on the planet.
So apart from the on field accomplishments, what is it that makes Wenger a tactical genius? Let's begin with some raw data. From 1992 till 2010, Chelsea spent a net amount of GBP 381 million (That's not a typo. An amount which could buy Blackburn eight times over) on player transfers whereas the corresponding figures for Manchester City, Liverpool and United are GBP 428 mn, GBP 188 mn and GBP 135 mn respectively. In the same period Arsenal have spent a net of approx GBP 35 million, an amount which is lesser than comparable figures of Aston Villa, Everton, Sunderland, Birmingham, Fulham, Wolves and even West Brom. Even our self proclaimed successful north London rivals, whose perpetual claim to dislodge Arsenal have been going on for years, have spent an astonishing GBP 192 mn over the same period with no qualification into the European elite before this year. More recent data from 2003 shows only Arsenal, Wigan and Blackburn, among the current 20 EPL teams to be in a transfer surplus.
If we take manager expenditures, Jose Mourinho spent a net of GBP 134 mn on player transfers whereas Alex Ferguson has spent a net of GBP 135 mn (He should thank one Mr. Ronaldo for keeping this figure reasonable). Arsene Wenger during his tenure with Arsenal has just had a net outflow of GBP 25 mn. Moreover, it cannot be argued that Arsenal is currently sitting on the most valuable squad in the premier league in terms of money potential.
Instant Success and Rivals' Reckless Spending
Alex Ferguson took seven years before he could deliver a league title for United. Wenger did the double in 1998; his first full year in charge and after Arsenal had gone without winning the league for seven long years. Alex Ferguson, apart from winning titles for the Old Trafford outfit, is also known for blowing money on established players and youngsters. Carrick, Valencia, Nani, Anderson, Hargreaves, Nistelrooy, Veron, Berbatov, Ferdinand, Rooney were all bought for amounts greater than 15 mn GBP with the last five names costing over GBP 25 Mn each. Compare this to Arsenal where Andrey Arshavin is their only purchase for over GBP 15 mn and also the most expensive Arsenal signing ever. I am not even putting in Chelsea players here because then the number of United players mentioned above will look outrageously paltry in comparison.
United have also had expensive players like Veron, Forlan and Saha who have had better professional successes after leaving United. How many players can one think of who have enjoyed greater success professionally after leaving Arsene Wenger's Arsenal?
Few can argue (except stubborn united fans may be) that Wenger's eye for unearthing talent is next to none. He has picked players from obscurity and turned them into super footballers. Surely the wily Scotsman can also boast of nurturing talent during his reign at Old Trafford, but the sheer gulf in number of players developed can easily be compared with the enormity of Tiger Woods record breaking 1997 Masters victory.
Mourinho had loads of cash to splash which bought him two league titles. Ferguson inherited a strong United brand and may well leave the club in a far worse position than he took over. Wenger on the other hand will leave a legacy which other managers can only be envious of. Unlike his peers, Wenger has been successful in building two distinct teams over the last 10 years. The invincibles of 2004 were a stronger lot with the skills of Bergkamp, Henry, Pires mixing well with the steel of Viera, Parlour, Gilberto etc. The current squad is more technically gifted with the likes of Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie, Walcott, Wishere etc and is a joy to watch for their football.
A large part of Arsenal's robust financials is also due to Wenger's frugal approach over the last few years. Just for a perspective, Arsenal would have had zero net profit for last four years had the spending mentioned above matched United's spending. The debt on the books is fast diminishing and unlike United, it's taken for an appreciating asset. The club is already in the top five football clubs worldwide in terms of annual revenues and could soon topple United. With an ever growing loyal fan base, a majestic money spinning stadium, annual profits of over GBP 50 mn and a supremely talented and hungry young squad, there is surely only one way ahead for Arsenal. A major silverware sooner than later will open the floodgates and could unleash an era of English and European domination.
A true test of manager's talent is derived by how much he can accomplish relative to the resources at his disposal. Wenger has proved that he stands all alone here with none other even close to him. No other manager would even dare to think of taking a challenge like "Project Arsenal", let alone trying and achieving success. Wenger may not be around managing Arsenal in 10 years time but the club will owe its future successes to the genius of the man who believed in doing the right things the right way.
Success for Arsenal on the football pitch is due soon. For neutrals and rationalists it will be a success of craftsmanship, hard work and self belief. It will also be a victory for the beautiful game of Football and will establish that titles can be won; by believing in and playing attractive football, without uncontrolled spending, by believing in a dream amidst criticism and most importantly by developing supremely talented footballers along the way for the future.
No wonder then, the one line which all Gooners swear by, can never be displaced…
"In Arsene, We Trust"