Arsenal, la lógica de un equipo; ¿cuál es la lógica para su afición?

Una buena razón para levantarse temprano los domingos, para quienes vivimos en el continente americano, es el disfrutar esos partidos de la Premier League de Inglaterra alrededor de las 10 am, horario del Este y mucho más temprano si se vive en el Pacífico.

Desde años como asiduo fanático a esta liga (en mi humilde opinión, la más competitiva del mundo), siempre he disfrutado esos invaluables momentos en cama, abrir el ojo, tomar el control remoto y encender el televisor, y aunque no me declaro seguidor del Arsenal, siempre he reconocido su papel protagónico y gozado muchos encuentros épicos contra Manchester, Liverpool, Chelsea y otros, durante los últimos años.

Arsenal es uno de los equipos que en cada temporada se espera mucho de él, es sin duda una de las joyas de la corona británica futbolística, de los equipos más antiguos de su liga, con records que no han sido superados y que ha tomado un perfil único y muy característico desde que llegó a la dirección técnica el francés Arsène Wegner en 1996, que dicho sea de paso, uno de los técnicos con más años en su cargo en el mismo club.

Otro camino tomó Arsenal desde que Arsène se hizo de sus riendas para lograr hazañas como en 2004, año en el que logró el título de la Premiership sin perder ni un partido de liga, marca lograda por otro equipo, el Preston North End, en la temporada 1888-1889, sí un poco más de un siglo antes.

Con la llegada del francés al banquillo no sólo llegaron los títulos de liga y copa, sino nombres de figuras desconocidas en su momento, pero que sobresalieron poco después en las marquesinas y las primeras planas de los diarios deportivos: Nicolas Anelka, Patrick Vieira y Francesc Fábregas, así como rescatar de una carrera gris a un futbolista que a la postre serían un ícono del Arsenal: Thierry Henry, capitán por muchos años y líder goleador de esta escuadra.

Han pasado siete años sin que Arsenal logre algo notable, ni un título de liga, ni uno de copa, no hablemos de uno de Champions League, pues la única final jugada bajo el mano de Wegner, la perdieron ante el Barcelona en 2006.

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• FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-SWANSEA

  Manchester United's Mexican forward Javier Hernandez (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)

• Supporter wave red flags before Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson shakes hands with supporters as he takes to the pitch for his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauds as he twalks from the pitch at half time during his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Supporter wave red flags before Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring against Swansea during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Paul Scholes, center, makes his way from the pitch after being substituted during their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Paul Scholes, center, makes his way from the pitch after being substituted during their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Robin van Persie, centre right embraces team manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrating as their team wins their 20th English Premier League title after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa in their soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United players celebrate as they win their 20th English Premier League title after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa in their soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's goalkeeper David De Gea celebrates as his team wins their 20th English Premier League title after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa in their soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Seen through the goal netting Manchester United's Rafael, top, and Robin van Persie celebrate as they win their 20th English Premier League title after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa in their soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, right, and Michael Carrick celebrate as they win their 20th English Premier League title after their 3-0 win over Aston Villa in their soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa, bottom, under pressure from Aston Villa's Nathan Baker during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Robin van Persie, centre, celebrates with teammate Wayne Rooney after scoring his second goal against Aston Villa during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday, April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Robin van Persie, background right, celebrates with teammate Ryan Giggs after scoring his second goal against Aston Villa, during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday, April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Robin van Persie, left, scores his first goal against Aston Villa during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

  MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United is challenged by Nathan Baker of Aston Villa during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 22, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

• Manchester United's Robin van Persie, centre, celebrates after scoring against Aston Villa during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Robin van Persie, centre, celebrates after scoring against Aston Villa during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-ASTON VILLA

  Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie (2nd R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Aston Villa during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on April 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

• Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

  MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United is challenged by Nathan Baker of Aston Villa during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 22, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

• Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

  MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Robin van Persie of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal with Michael Carrick and Rafael during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 22, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

• Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

  MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United is consoled by Mike Phelan, assistant manager of Manchester United as he is substituted during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 22, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

• Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League

  MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Manchester United fans display a banner to highlight the 19 league titles the team have won during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 22, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

• Liverpool's Luis Suarez after he appeared to bite Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic during the English Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/ PA,Peter Byrne) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO ARCHIVE NO SALES

• Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v Chelsea - Anfield

  Liverpool's Luis Suarez is seen during his team's 2-2 draw against Chelsea in their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. Suarez appeared to bite the arm of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic at the end of a tussle during the game. (AP Photo/PA, Peter Byrne) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO ARCHIVE NO SALES

• Liverpool's Luis Suarez is seen during his team's 2-2 draw against Chelsea in their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. Suarez appeared to bite the arm of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic at the end of a tussle during the game. (AP Photo/PA, Peter Byrne) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO ARCHIVE NO SALES

• Chelsea's Eden Hazard, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Liverpool during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Chelsea's Fernando Torres, top, fights for the ball against Liverpool's Jamie Carragher during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Liverpool's Luis Suarez, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Chelsea during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• CORRECTING SPELLING OF NAME DEMPSEY - Tottenham Hotspur's Clint Dempsey, left, fights for the ball with Manchester City's Samir Nasri, during their English Premier League soccer match at White Hart Lane in London, Sunday, April 21, 2013. Tottenham Hotspur won the match 3-1. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

• Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring against Chelsea during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Liverpool's Luis Suarez, right, scores against Chelsea during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Chelsea's Oscar, centre, celebrates with manager Rafa Benitez after scoring against Liverpool during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday April 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• CORRECTS STADIUM - Russian Police officers try to detain CSKA soccer team fans during a Russian Premier League Championship soccer match between CSKA Moscow and Spartak Moscow at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, April 21, 2013. Police detained about 80 fans during the match. (AP Photo/Denis Tyrin)

• Stoke's Andy Wilkinson, centre right, is bloodied after a clash with Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, left, during their English Premier League soccer match at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England, Sunday April 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Stoke's Kenwyne Jones, right, fights for the ball against Manchester United's Phil Jones during their English Premier League soccer match at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England, Sunday April 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Robin van Persie celebrates after his team's 2-0 win over Stoke in their English Premier League soccer match at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England, Sunday April 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Michael Carrick, left, keeps the ball from Stoke's Charlie Adam, second left, as Glenn Whelan, centre right, and Ryan Shawcross look on during their English Premier League soccer match at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England, Sunday April 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Soccer - FA Cup - Semi Final - Chelsea v Manchester City - Wembley Stadium

  Manchester City's Samir Nasri celebrates scoring the opening goal of the game during the FA Cup, Semi Final at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday April 14, 2013. (AP Photo/PA, Nick Potts)UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO ARCHIVE NO SALES

• Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League

  MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal to make the score 1-2 with Pablo Zabaleta (r) during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on April 8, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

• Manchester United's Rafael, left, challenges Manchester City's Vincent Kompany during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, left, and Robin van Persie, right, react after Manchester City's James Milner scored during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Smoke from a flare hangs over the stadium during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester City's James Milner, right, celebrates with Samir Nasri after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Phil Jones, center, heads the ball which hit Vincent Kompany, center left, of Manchester City to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United players fail to stop Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, in blue, from breaking through to score during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester City's James Milner, left, celebrates with Samir Nasri, 2nd left, after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Phil Jones, center, heads the ball which hit Vincent Kompany, center left, of Manchester City to score an own goal during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday April 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

• Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Reading during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday March 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Hay muchos clubes en el mundo que gozan de fama y renombre que pasan por estas sequías, pero ninguno como Arsenal que a pesar de la mala racha, se da el lujo de deshacerse de verdaderas columnas vertebrales de su escuadra. La más reciente y polémica, la salida de Robin Van Persie, traspaso que significó el desembolso para el Manchester United de más de 30 millones de euros.
Wegner apuesta a lo que ha hecho en el pasado, atraer jugadores por una módica suma (aunque suene módico el hablar de millones de euros) y venderlos después por varias decenas de millones. La pregunta es:

¿Arsenal tendrá las armas para lograr algo esta temporada con la llegada de Oliver Giroud, Lukas Podolski y Santi Cazorla? Sin olvidar el regreso de Henri Lansbury, Andréi Arshavin y Niklas Bendtner. Su tercer lugar en la pasada temporada le aseguró un lugar en la Champions League.

¿Resentirá Arsenal no solo la salida de Van Persie, sino de Denílson y Alexandre Song? De Carlos Vela ni hablemos porque pasó sin pena ni gloria por este equipo y su bienvenida al fútbol español se la dio el Barcelona con cinco goles a la Real Sociedad.

La Liga Premier de Inglaterra goza de equipos grandes con altibajos, es sin duda su mayor característica, no sólo hay dos a quien seguir como en otros campeonatos y con estos movimientos hay escuadras que nos encantará ver todas las mañanas de domingo: Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Fullham y muchos más, aunque implique dormir menos.

Así gozamos del fútbol.

 

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