Arsenal Defensive Frailties? Unthinkable!

Arsenal has long been associated with impregnable defences. Superb organization and fantastic man marking defenders were the hallmarks of many an Arsenal triumph over the years. To watch Arsene's defenders during the last two seasons have proven to be quite painful. Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn must all be wondering how it has gone so wrong. Two own goals in one game is more dismal than watching a Jamie Carragher own goal!

Since the departures of William Gallas and Kolo Toure, Arsenal have been short of defensive steel and it has showed. Last season, Arsenal were in the leading positions until they famously capitulated defensively at Newcastle (4-4) and Spurs (2-3 and 3-3).

And yet, Arsene Wenger did not sign a top defensive midfielder nor did he splash the cash for Gary Cahill. Thomas Vermaelen threatened briefly to be that defensive stalwart but he is now the new "Sicknote". Per Mertesacker for all his experience, could be found out in the hustle bustle of the Premiership. Furthermore, an English spine is desperately needed if Arsenal plans on winning trophies.

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World's Best Football Manager

Bob Bradley is the most winningest coach/manager in MLS history with 141 victories. That got me thinking about who could be the best active football manager. Naturally, the usual suspects were around, namely, Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez.
I came across the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) website and found All-Time World Coach Ranking.

From the period of 1996-2008, the accumulated rankings compiled by IFFHS are as follows,
1. Sir Alexander Ferguson (Manchester United)
2. Marcello Lippi (Italy)
3. Arsène Wenger (Arsenal)
4. Guus Hiddink (Russia/Chelsea)
5. Sven-Göran Eriksson (Mexico)
Sir Alex had a winning percentage of 58.3% out of 1261 matches and is the only manager from this list to have won the Champions League twice.
Guus Hiddink however had a slightly better win percentage (59.2%) with a lower number of games.

6. José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Felix (Inter Milan)
Jose Mourinho was 6th overall. Jose has a superior win percentage of 68% but lost out on the elusive Champions League Cup while at Chelsea. Still solely on win percentage, Jose is the world's best football manager.

In 14th place, is
14. Rafael Benítez Maudes (Liverpool)
- a winning percentage of 55.5% and boosted by the consecutive semifinal appearances in recent years in the Champions League.

16. Vicente del Bosque (Spain)
The current Spain boss is in 16th place, cruelly let go by Real Madrid but now proving that he has the managerial nous for international football. Del Bosque's Spain is still unbeaten in the World Cup 2010 Qualifiers.

20. Fabio Capello (England)
Have won 9 out of 12 England games with a win percentage of 70%. Let's hope he wins the World Cup for England. It's been too long for the oft-suffering England fans.

Becks with Fergie before Inter CL game (image from Getty images)