Why maturity has nothing to do with Arsenal‘s recent success
For a few weeks now Arsene Wenger has persistently tried to force the idea that his youngsters are maturing onto the media. After beating Barcelona it may have been justified but after drawing with Leyton Orient questions arise once again.
Unless you listen to Orient’s Chairman Barry Hearn who has managed to convince himself that his side are the right team for a state of the art, 60,000 seat stadium, and I thought Nicklas Bendtner’s arrogant mindset was at the peak of delusion…
It also seems more than coincidental that Arsenal’s recent steady form has coincided neatly with the return of Robin Van Persie who when fit and keeping a safe distance from injuries, is one of the best in the world.
Since his return in January the Dutchman has feasted on goals like a starved 20 stone man being fed for the first time. Racking up 10 goals in 15 Premier League appearances and also chipping in with five assists.
In fairness to Wenger, Jack Wilshere is the greatest example of a youngster getting to grips with the ferocity of the Premiership early doors. The majestic midfielder has created an exceptional 38 chances for his side this season and plenty more are set to come (providing Fabio Capello’s ridiculous decision to play him in a holding role for England doesn’t collapse what is set to be an illustrious career).
However we shall not digress into the dark depths of the faltering job the countries manager is doing. Also everything is as it seems at the Emirates; Wenger is not attempting to pull very thin wool over the eyes like he has before. The average age of the Gunners starting 11 is just over 23 when at it‘s strongest. Many forget that Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are still only 23 and quite incredibly Bacary Sagna is the oldest at just 28.
So the youth of the team is unquestionable and completely objective, but whether or not ‘maturity’ should even be a factor can be torn apart in debate. They are all professionals, trained and groomed every single day. It isn’t immaturity that costs them games; it is just a lack of ability, especially in defence. The fact they often try and walk the ball into the net on several occasions also doesn’t help .
The biggest difference between the previous youngsters and this crop is ability, not maturity. Now the likes of Emmanuel Eboue and Denilson don’t feature as much, Nasri, Wilshere and a fit RVP are the difference. Theo Walcott has also added more than just running as fast as he can in a straight line to his game to bring Arsenal back to the top.
All in all the whole maturity of a team being an influential factor is surely a myth, Chelsea have maturity all over the place, look at where they are. Remember the phrase ‘Ignorance is bliss,’ well the youngsters have a lack of fear which oozes confidence, helping them excel. The talent of the youth at Arsenal is what’s doing the trick and it makes for a more interesting title race, so long may it continue.
