Why Wenger needs to be more ruthless if he doesn't want to wave buy-buy to Arsenal

By Mark Lawrenson

Published 08:00 09/04/11

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Arsene Wenger should have bought a commanding centre-half and keeper last summer.

For some reason, he resisted, and Arsenal are now paying a heavy price.

Sadly, even the most loyal Gunners fans are starting to lose patience.

Wenger is a loyal boss. But that loyalty has kept players like Denilson, Bendtner, Diaby and Eboue at the club too long.

Now Wenger has to be ruthless, like Sir Alex Ferguson was with Hughes, Ince, Stam and Kanchelskis.

Pay over the odds if you have to, Arsene, but bring in a Gary Cahill or similar. Arsenal need an overhaul.

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My six nominations for Player of the Year would be:

Nemanja Vidic

Outstanding, strong and the cornerstone of United's defence

Charlie Adam

He has been sensational for Blackpool and will surely stay in the Premier League - one way or another

Scott Parker

Has been superb. A super-hero for West Ham this season

Edwin van der Sar

The Manchester United keeper has rolled back the years

Jack Wilshere

Over the course of the season, has been Arsenal's best player. Only an honourable mention to Samir Nasri who has faded away

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