Arsenal were successful under legendary manager George Graham in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but there was one huge transfer mistake under his watch.
Graham became one of the most influential figures in Arsenal’s history as he won two league titles and an FA Cup as a manager of the side he also won a historic title with as a player.
The Scot managed some Arsenal icons during his time at the club, including Paul Merson and Alan Smith, but he had a forward in his ranks who would go on to outdo them in his career.
Andy Cole is one of the top scorers in the history of the Premier League, and one of the most successful strikers in the competition, thriving for Newcastle and Manchester United. However, he perhaps should have been an Arsenal legend instead.
Andy Cole slams George Graham for poor situation at Arsenal
Speaking on The Overlap, Cole claimed that Graham and other figures at the club failed to give him opportunities as they believed he was too arrogant.
“I wouldn’t say I was lazy though. I won’t say it (being at Arsenal) was hard work, I just think understanding – they didn’t want to understand,” he stated of his treatment at Arsenal.
“I think especially with George (Graham) – George was hard work at the best of times – I mean I think in those days as well they didn’t have a lot respect for the younger generation as a whole, they’d just like proper mug you off.
“It’s just the way they would just dismiss you. Their perception was that you’re not working hard enough, or ‘he’s arrogant, he’s got an attitude,’ and all that kind of stuff. It’s not like they want to get to know the individual, it is just like straight away, the perception is this is what we think.
“George didn’t like me from day one. George just thought I was arrogant. I speak when I have to, everyone says I’m a quiet guy, but you know when I’m ready I will speak my mind, and it’s as simple as that.
“I did that a few times, and obviously he didn’t like that I was speaking my mind. Pat Rice didn’t like it at times, or Geordie Armstrong, but for me personally, I’ll get it off my chest when I believe the time is right, and I did that, and they didn’t like it.”
George Graham’s Arsenal culture was very different to Arsene Wenger’s
It is tough to compare sides from different eras of football, but Cole’s comments do highlight one problem aspect of Graham’s management style.
Graham bred winners, with his side winning the First Division at Anfield in 1989, and leaders such as Tony Adams thrived under him.
READ MORE: All Arsenal legends in the Premier League Hall of Fame from Henry to Wenger
However, for young players like Cole breaking into the team, they had to earn their way into an opportunity, in a tough environment.
When Arsene Wenger took over in 1996, it was a different story. He took pride in giving younger players opportunities, even at the risk of success, and prodigal talents would flourish under him.
Cole eventually regained his confidence, and he went on to become one of the deadliest strikers in Premier League history, with 187 goals to his name, and he was perhaps Arsenal’s greatest fumble in terms of talents leaving too early.