Thursday, February 11, 2010

WHO NEEDS TROPHY MORE: WENGER OR BENITEZ?


Pressure continues to mount for Rafa Benitez at Liverpool and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

Liverpool's last piece of silverware came with their FA Cup victory over West Ham in 2006; Arsenal won the Cup the year before. Last night's 1-0 victory for Wenger's men did little to suggest either team is good enough to win silverware this season. So who needs a trophy more? Wenger, to prove his footballing theories correct, or Benitez, to stop the growing clamour for his head?

Frank Praverman of the Times breaks down which manager is more desperate for silverware this season.

Dust is beginning to accumulate in the trophy cabinets at the Emirates Stadium and at Anfield. Walk into the hallowed corridors of these fine clubs and you can hear the faint bong of a distant bell. A tumbleweed blows through. A sullen dog barks somewhere miles away.

You get the picture: success has avoided Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez for too many years now.

Liverpool's last trophy came with their FA Cup victory over West Ham in 2006; Arsenal picked up the same trophy the year before and nothing since.

Last night's 1-0 victory for Arsenal over Liverpool did little to alter the Premier League table. Pressure has been mounting on both managers all season. The biggest criticism laid at Wenger's door is his adamant determination to play pretty football, despite his side crying out for a Plan B (which most believe is simply buying a big, durable striker).

Benitez's problems cut deeper, due to the boardroom squabbles and his questionable achievements in the transfer market over recent seasons.

Both managers have been openly backed to the hilt by their respective owners: it is ridiculous to suggest that either are nearing the exit door, we hear. But this is never the case in football.

So who needs a trophy more? Wenger, to prove his footballing theories correct, or Benitez, to stop the growing clamour for his head?


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