by Rachael Warham

Created on: May 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Asking whether Arsenal's lack of English players is a problem for the North London club is like asking an Arsenal fan if they would like to watch a re-run of Englands miserable performance in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. The simple answer is no! The very thought of watching eleven english men with no skill, passion, creativity, interest, or ideas is quite the opposite to watching an Arsenal team who exude class and skill in every touch of the ball they make.

It has been said many times that Arsenal are one of if not the best footballing teams in the world and are considered by most to be the best side to watch for style, skill and pace. So, which of England's elite eleven James, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry,Frank Lampard, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Rooney and Owen would get into a team of Almunia, Bacary Sagna, William Gallas, Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy, Alex Hleb, Cesc Fabregas, Emanuel Eboue, Mathieu Flamini (transferred), Emanuel Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner. The answer, only Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney would get a look in but would never feature in an Arsenal shirt due to their astronomical transfer fees. Apart from this trio there is not another English player either representing England or outside the England squad that possesses the necessary skills to become a member of Arsene Wenger's army.

The next point is that Arsenal were seen to many as champions in the making throughout much of the season, and with a healthy lead over their contenders, success looked to be only a matter of time. However a psychologically destructive 2-2 draw at Birmingham City saw their lead deteriorate and similar results in the coming weeks made victory in the league an unlikely prospect. The injury suffered by Eduardo, coupled with poor refereeing decisions were just two reasons to blame for their downfall but Arsenal's inability to capitalise from a league winning position is more a reflection on their lack of experience, making continual defensive errors from free kicks and corners, and generally being unable to defend a lead. All problems that can be rectified through training and are not a signal that an English player would be the solution.

So, whether Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will opt English in this summers transfer window is yet to be seen. His team selection up to date perhaps highlights his opinion that English players simply aren't good enough and his current crop of talented multionationals offer much more.

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