What We're Reading
Arsenal Already in Crisis Mode
- Guardian, Monday, August 19, 2013 2:40 PM
One game into the 2013-2014 season, and Arsenal is already in crisis mode, facing a backlash from supporters and high-profile stakeholders over the club’s lack of activity during the summer transfer market, which has just two weeks to go before closing until January. The furor was brought to a boiling point after the Gunners lost its Premier League opener, 3-1, at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.
"I do not deny this is a massive disappointment," conceded Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger after the game. "I believe our season will depend on how we respond to this defeat."
One particularly outspoken voice was Nina Bracewell-Smith, who sold her 15.9 percent stake in Arsenal to American real-estate and sports mogul Stanley Kroenke in April 2011, making him the club’s majority shareholder. "Bring Davie Dein [back] and give [Alisher] Usmanov representation on the board if we are to have success going forward," Bracewell-Smith tweeted, adding: “And how deeply I regret selling to Kroenke.”
Wenger, meanwhile, insisted that the club’s directors are working around the clock to try and sign some big names while the transfer window remains open. Thus far, French striker Yaya Sanogo is the only new addition to his squad.
