Wenger, the Miracle Economist

Just because of the Worst Start in seven seasons, many Arsenal fans have become disgruntled with Arsene Wenger. But if they look back at those seven years more critically, they may discover that the club has achieved much more than what the original Dial Square/ Woolwich Arsenal might have dreamed of in 1886.

As an Economics graduate from Cambridge University, Wenger has worked many financial miracles, turning low price signings into the World’s Most Expensive Players for example Nicholas Anelka and before that the World’s Best like the first African to win the FIFA Award George Weah. This year (2005), Arsenal made profits but Wenger did not shop for big name players, something which will undo his popularity. Nonetheless, the lessons from the start of this season may alter his principles by the January 2006 transfer window.

Finally, Arsenal fans should acknowledge Wenger’s tact in soliciting for funds to build the new dream stadium one mile away from Highbury. How many managers came before him since 1913 and embarked on a similar project? It’s the Frenchman who has used money wisely to win 4 Charity Shields, 3 Premierships and 4 F.A. Cups including 2 Doubles in 7 years let alone leading Arsenal as far as the Quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time (and also to the finals later on that season in 2006). The best is yet to come.

Edward Aikobua,
Mukono

(Published in the Daily Monitor in 2005)