Is it time for Wenger to step aside?

After defeat to bitter rivals Spurs effectively sealed a fifth consecutive trophyless season at the Emirates, is it finally time for Arsene Wenger to admit he has taken the side as far as he can? Should Arsenal consider bringing in a new face with all it's attendant risks or should supporters stick with the man who has won them three Premier League titles and four FA Cups?

These were questions asked this morning by the Times after Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Spurs, with Wenger admitting that he may need to adjust his policy of relying on youth if things are to change at the Emirates.

I have always been critical of Wenger's attitude of aesthetics being as important as results, but clearly Wenger does more with less resources than any other manager in the English Premier League. He has seen his club's ownership sell off great players every season to help balance costs of a new stadium - Henry, Viera, Flamini, Hleb - and he continues to work within his means to put together a team that is worthy of competing with the top clubs in both England and Europe.

He also has proven to have a keen eye at identifying top young talent, and giving them the opportunity to gain experience and mature. Many clubs have followed his lead to France and to Africa in search of the next great young talent.

Maybe he needs to adjust his policy of relying on youth so much, but he could also be given more resources from his ownership to spend.

For me, I feel that he needs to find the right blend of 'piano players' (the creative players - which Arsenal clearly has a wealth of) and 'piano carriers' (the guys to do the heavy lifting - they have never replaced Viera or the axis of Adams & Keown). If he can find the right blend of players like he had in the mid-90's, I think you can see Arsenal regain its place among England's elite.

Buck stops with Arsenal manager

Tom Dart lays the blame for Arsenal's continued lack of silverware squarely with Arsene Wenger and says that he may need to adjust his policy of relying youth if things are to change at the Emirates.

"Alan Hansen was mercilessly mocked for his 'you win nothing with kids' judgment on Manchester United but Arsenal are now doing a good job of making Hansen's theory look credible. Veterans bring a consistency and savvy, a know-how for the big occasions, that Arsenal just don't have."