The respective transfer policies at both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily scrutinised by fans and pundits alike in the years gone by, and the arrival of both Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela at White Hart Lane was a double signing which provoked widespread anger amongst the Gunners faithful.
Arsene Wenger was heavily criticised for refusing to spend in the transfer market in the latter stages of his career. The move into the Emirates Stadium was widely cited as a financially draining decision which dictated their lack of spending in the market, but almost a decade after they left Highbury that pattern continued to persist.
The reaction of the Arsenal fans to Tottenham’s decision to reinvest a chunk of the money they expected to receive for Gareth Bale on Eriksen and Lamea serves to illuminate feelings of frustration which continued to scratch beneath the surface under Wenger.
With Eriksen and Lamela both known to be two of the most promising attacking midfielders on the continent, it was no surprise that the supporters reacted with such disgust.
Here’s what the Arsenal fans had to say in response to the double signing:
@hughwizzy that they're finishing above us
— Justin (@JustinWendel904) August 30, 2013
https://twitter.com/Jack188808/status/373541999619489792
@hughwizzy astonished and depressed all rolled up into one. To form something that's so confusing I may become a vegetarian ice dancer
— Steve The Rødgers (@steve_rodgers86) August 30, 2013
https://twitter.com/A_HM28/status/373540599502475264
https://twitter.com/joelfarq91/status/373540318123421696
@hughwizzy This doesn’t have a happy ending does it. Gazidis needs to resign
— Mark Pattersön (@patthegooner) August 30, 2013
@hughwizzy With the current squad, would be genuinely shocked if we got top 4.
— (@DeathByFootball) August 30, 2013
Evidently, the supporters were absolutely furious that Wenger watched on as Daniel Levy pulled off a masterstroke.
That both players have both managed to establish themselves as crucial components of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad hints that Arsenal fans had every right to express their frustration in 2013.
While a handful of sceptics would be cautious to suggest that Lamela would slot into Arsenal’s team, there is no doubt that Eriksen is tailor-made for their free flowing and expressive style.
With Sven Mislintat now heading the club’s scouting network and Unai Emery in charge things are looking up for the club, and their collective presence should ensure that they won’t stand by and watch in the future as their local-rivals endeavour to sign players of Eriksen’s calibre.
Arsenal and Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
