Last season, Arsenal failed to provide a genuine challenge to Leicester City at the top of the table. Arsene Wenger’s men managed to pip their north London rivals to second spot on the final day of the season but the fact of the matter is this: not for the first time, Arsenal just weren’t good enough to win the title.
Gunners fans pleaded with Wenger to sign a world class centre-forward but, as expected, nothing materialised. In fact, Arsenal’s transfer window was bitterly disappointing compared to their title rivals – especially the two Manchester clubs. United and City have spent over £300 million combined; and Arsenal just cannot match their dominance in the transfer market.
Whether that is directly down to Wenger’s incompetence or not, it leaves Arsenal with a major predicament and task ahead of the new campaign. Are the Gunners capable of going all the way this season? On paper, probably not. United, City and potentially even Chelsea and Liverpool are on par, if not ahead of Wenger’s side – and the Emirates Stadium faithful know it.
Arsenal’s strength is in midfield. Without a shadow of a doubt, the Gunners have one of the best midfield units in the Premier League and Wenger will be hoping that their prowess in the middle of the park will give them the physical edge throughout the campaign. With Granit Xhaka signing from Borussia Monchengladbach, Arsenal now have a solid and consistent group of central midfielders in the squad.
At the back, Rob Holding is certainly one for the future. The youngster joined the club from Bolton Wanderers earlier this summer and has already shown his worth in the first team – and he may be required to continue to pull his weight in the top flight. Arsenal’s defensive injury woes have been well documented and Holding may be getting a little more first team action than he originally bargained for this season, but is he up to the task? Right now, it looks like he is.
In recent times, the Gunners haven’t been clinical enough in attack – both on the pitch and in the transfer market and once again, Arsenal have failed to inspire confidence with their dealings in attacking areas. It looks like Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott will share the responsibility of firing Arsenal to the Premier League title – although it is hard to hold too much trust and belief in either player right now.
Giroud performed well at Euro 2016 but he was playing alongside Antoine Griezmann – one of the best front men in world football. With a strike partner, the Arsenal forward could be effective but he just isn’t capable of leading the line on his own. Simply put, he isn’t good enough and neither is Walcott. The Gunners man missed out on Roy Hodgson’s squad for Euro 2016 after a hit-and-miss campaign and it would be foolish to rest hopes on his injury-prone shoulders.
However, Arsenal came close last season and they should be there or thereabouts again this time around. Despite their lack of spending, Wenger has a unique knack of getting the Gunners into the top four and they will still believe they can challenge for the title. As of September 2nd, Arsenal are 9/1 to win the title and you can bet on them in individual Premier League matches at Betway.com. Plenty of punters will be backing Wenger’s men and, if nothing else, they certainly stand a better chance of nicking the title than Spurs…
Injuries and Olivier Giroud’s form will play their part in Arsenal’s destiny but with everybody fit, Arsenal will be quietly confident of success this season.
Write Wenger and the Gunners off at your peril…
Very positive Rico, have you been on the whacky backy.;)
The last paragraph stating injuries historically ruins our season, others will say lack of squad depth but now we appear to have that depth.
Maybe the two United clubs and possibly Chelsea will all shoot each other in the foot but the acid test as always is how we do against the other top teams and our record against then these past years is terrible often humiliated.
Morning all.
We are a decent chance, I reckon.
Re Jack Wilshere.Wenger this morning on this world class player.
Any thoughts ?
—————————————————————————–
Some have suggested that Wilshere may be sold on a permanent basis next summer when he’ll have just one year remaining on his contract, however, Wenger insists he wants the ‘world class’ midfielder to remain with Arsenal for the rest of his career.
The boss is quoted as saying at his press conference this morning by Sky Sports News:
“We had a chat together and he himself was concerned that he would not get enough competition early enough. He feels ready to play, and I couldn’t guarantee that.
“We thought it was a decision that looked logical to give him time to come back to a competitive level. At some stage you need competition.
“The challenge for Jack is to play the games. He wanted games and I can understand his desire. I felt it was logical – let’s not forget last year he didn’t play. You cannot be out for two seasons and then want to be at the top level. It’s important he gets the number of games this season.”
“I hope personally that [Wilshere] stays his whole career here. Jack is a world-class player. He doesn’t have to show me he has the quality to play at Bournemouth, he just needs to be back at a competitive level.”
I’m still in two minds over this loan move. On the one hand, Jack needs to play regularly so a loan move will do him a lot of good as long as he steers clear of injury during his time at Bournemouth.
However, if Wenger really thinks he’s ‘world class’ then why on earth would he let him leave on loan? Sure, there is competition in the middle of the park, but football is a squad game these days and Jack would still have seen plenty of action had he stayed at the Emirates.
The loan move is a perfect scenario, for mine.
It also shows Wenger is not going to give players a walk up start when fit.
Buon pomeriggio Lovelies and Hunkies.
Kelsey…..we have three midfield positions….DM, B2B, AM……and currently we have Xhaka, Cazorla, Elneny, Coquelin, Aaron and Ozil for these places. Ozil and dare I say Xhaka are guaranteed starters. so that leaves one place. Do you honestly think that Jack would have had around 30 games this season?? Even taking into consideration the fact that Elneny will bugger off to ACON in January he would have found it harder as AW will simply use Xhaka, Cazorla and Ozil most of the time.
Yes he might be world class but so are the others and 7 in 3 do not go.
so imo yes loaning him is a good idea. Now if shit happens and we get 4 or 5 injuries then c’est la vie. but if the current 6 stay fit then it would have been different.
AW might already know that Cazorla will leave come June, so it will only be natural that Jack takes his place after getting match fitness and sharpness this season on loan.
the following current players are the nailed on first team starters which go first on the team sheet if fit……..Cech, Bellerin, Kos, Mustafi, Nacho, Xhaka, Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez. That is 9 players. There are only two positions up for grabs…..RW andCF. And JW will not play in any of them for sure. so midfield, being the most strong position atm is a hotbed. And its very fierce as all 6 are very good to WC players. Jack needs to be away to prove himself and rediscover his mojo….if he stays injury free.
No 🙂
Next Summer might see the end of Cazorla and Koscielny as their contracts are up. Both will be 33 and 32 respectively next season. And while both are super players, age does not care about that fact. so it is important that they are replaced as well besides giving them an extension. However, it should not be expected for them to play all the time so next season expect our first choice to be Mustafi, Holding. While the midfield could see Cazorla’s departure and Jack’s re-introduction. Whatever happens I hope both are replaced well.
a few days ago I told you that Mustafi is Kos’ replacement while Holding was Per’s replacement. With Chambers out on loan for the season and Gabi waiting in the wings it might be that next season will see us with a foursome of Mustafi, Holding, Gabi and Chambers as our CBs. Per and Kos might not be here next season.
I just hope that AW uses this season’s cups (and maybe the league as well) to blood in a partnership of Mustafi/Holding/Gabi. The game against Forest will not come soon enough for Gabi, so there is a chance of the first two gelling quicker. That is why we must win against Lord Bendtner and co, so that the next round will see Gabi take his place. From what I have seen of Mustafi he is very vocal and gives directions like Per. He was schooled in Italy and Spain so knows about the tactical side. Maybe Gabi will flourish alongside him as well.
Happy Friday People:
One of my favorite AW quotes “talent without work is a waste”. Jack just needs the work right now and in my view the work will increase his confidence. Btw, we have as good a chance to win the EPL as anyone. This Arsenal team is better than LC last year; to me is all about tactics and selection.
Afternoon All
I would say Ramsey is a B2B player Devil
10 he thinks he is.
You know old Arsene..Square peg’s
Kos I am not sure about but certainly Santi expressed a wish to finish his career in Spain. I would think that it is tied and dried that he will go if he gets the right offer. Kos however may be swayed by the captaincy and might extend but Jack will come back .I would also see a question mark over Monreal
Fred, Aaron is not tactically disciplined enough to be a b2b player. he thinks he is but its better if he is allowed to play in the hole as he will have two others behind him.
http://www.givemesport.com/564532-santi-cazorla-wants-to-end-career-with-real-oviedo
Potter, currently Monreal is the automatic first choice (he has dipped a bit recently) however that is also a concern position. We need a good defender there as well….someone like Holding who can make the jump from lower clubs to the EPL. I feel that in the lower division there must be a good LB who is in the 20year age bracket.
Devil :- Not his football but his contract . He too is Asturian and if one goes could be the other goes too.
I know that as well Potter. his contract is running out….and like Cazorla it might be that both will leave at the same time. however his football is not the same as last year in the last three games….so we will have to see how it pans out. Gibbs must grab his chance now or it will be gone. That is why AW needs to take care of that as well.
Ranieri built a team from the lower divisions……I feel that a RB and a LB could be obtained from those divisions.
I do know that Devil…Arsene?
No names no pack drill but I read somewhere that we have a real superb left back coming through the ranks.
Re Jack
AW would never say he wants him sold eventually as that would impact on the selling price.Maintaining he wants him in the future creates a bargaining market if necessary with any potential buyer.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2016/09/09/27340232/arsenal-are-men-primed-for-title-wenger?ICID=HP_BN_4
Marc Bola I believe , I have not seen him play but those who have say he is the real deal.
Evening all !
To answer the title`s question ?………………….No !
We missed our chance last season, yes, we never knew that Manshafter, Chavs and City would have a `mare of a season, just like we never knew the Foxes would have a once in a lifetime season, but Wenger was sackable naive for not buying an outfield player when everyone knew we needed at least two, especially a world class striker and this is still the same this season of not buying a WC striker and the usual suspects have out spent us!
Wenger thinks we all must be fcuking stupid and gullible because he spent £80 odd Million net……….like we dont know how much the others spent, it`s a secret !……………….too little to late !
How the fcuk are we supposed to compete with them usual suspects when they have adressed their weaknesses by outspendong us and the cherry on the cake for two of them is that they have no CL distraction`s !………………we needed spending £80m last summer, actually probably more !…….and again this summer !………………….and now for the rocket science bit !………………….he needs one up his fcuking arse !……too slow……..too hesitant……..too stuck in the last decade !
As much as I hate the red nosed bastard and I`m not talking about Rudolph……….Ferguson did not sit on his laurels with a title win, he spent and shifted players on and changed his coaches reguarly, a manager who evolved all the time !……..Wenger lacks all this, he`s like a year or two behind every year !.
New face, new ideas and someone who doesn`t give a shit about our finances or how many employees are at the club is what is needed and we wont win a MAJOR trophy until this is implemented !
Now I could go on about the bigger evil…………………Kroenke !, but I dont want to self harm myself tonight !. hahaha
Oh !…….I nearly forgot !…………..listening to talksport today on my travels, they kept saying that Arsene said Wilshere would be welcomed back at the club next season, but the biggest bastard was that they qouted Arsene saying that Jack was in his long term plans !………………..long term plans I repeat !………………long term plans can only mean one thing in my book !……………………Wenger extending his contract !, how else are we supposed to read that…………..”in his long term plans !”……………..fcuk it !……………I said I wouldn`t self harm tonight ! ……………….” Wife !!………..give me the steak tenderising mallet !”
Buona sera Lovelies and Hunkies.
Evening Le Coq.
Any bets that Puel will be the next AFC manager after AW??? I will bet a tenner he will be the one following him. Listen to AW waxing lyrics about him.
Evening Dev`.
I reckon Kroenke will throw a curve ball and appoint someone from the LA Rams !…………………….National Football League !…………….he will think that we only play “soccer” and need a proper “Football” coach !.
He will then change our name to The Arsenal 49ers !………………….sorry, but you have no chance as you are only a soccer coach, coach ! 🙂
Slaven Billkic reckons he wanted to sign Carlos Bacca in the window , but Bacca only wanted A Madrid or Arsenal !…………………well we didn`t want you Carlos………..so Chew Bacca !………………………..groan !
Hey Rico !……………………………..why have you got the game tomorrow at 2pm kick off ?……………..do you know something we dont ?.
Just going to check on the Hull one know ! 🙂
Evening All.
Kev, Wath which one of you sorted Gatting out.
In the 4th game they have played this season and for the first time the U 23’s are playing with 2 recognised fullbacks, the right footed Johnson is R/B and the left footed Marc Bola L/B
Ben Sheaf is playing d/midfielder ( his best position) the left footed Willock on the left the right footed Niles on the right.
Mavididi and Akpom are down the middle and at last we are playing as a team.
Goals by Willock (6mins) and Akpom (27mins) have put them 2up at H/T and there could be more to come.
Latter
That`s not 2pm either !……………pull your socks up woman ! 😆
What I like about the squad is that most of them are young and are just about the same age. So longevity and continuity is key. I still feel Gabi and Elneny have a lot to offer our team. But most of it depends on Wenger and his tactics.
I feel defensively and in the middle we have some depth and strength. In attack we could be stronger but we can pull it off again it’s on Wenger and his tactics. But me I love the boys and I trust them. Its Wenger I don’t trust
Finished 3-1 Willock Akpom 2 .
Derby goal silly pen. Akpom should have scored hat trick
Goal Keeper brilliant denied Sheaf and Mavidid (twice) ;
At least we are off the bottom.
Morning Rico.
Morning All.
I guess if we cast our minds back over the last, how many, years, we could always say that we’re short of a player or two or in some department…
I think that all things considered that Wenger has done good business this summer. Bringing in three top players for a lot of money and moving on a few who are past it and injury prone. Maybe you could say that Arsene has done his business 12 months too late. Imagine if he’d done these deals a year ago, not only would Perez, Mustafi and Xhaka had been a lot cheaper, but we would have probably won the EPL…
Not sure if we can win the EPL this season..?
If Arsenal could enjoy the fortune Leicester did with injuries during 2015/16 then who knows?
Tbh, I’m more interested on who is going to be our next manager because that’s where I think Arsenal need to go…
A fresh approach and a new voice in the dressing room is what is needed at Arsenal imo…
Morning Rick.
To me the erratic performance of Steve Gatting in all things academy should have him earmarked for replacing next summer…
Maybe Freddie Ljungberg could be the man to replace him???
Morning all
I hear both new boys start mustafi and perez.Don’t know wo makes way.
http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/14/players/165229.png
Happy birthday to our star defender.
Morning you lot…..
Amazing what happens when players get played in their preferred positions Rick and the positions they are best in….. As we’ve said so many times hardly rocket science is it, Pleased Sheaf back into it’s where he thrives and I really like him..! Nice to also have 2 proper fullbacks as well like you say Rick, 2 goals for Chuba also keeps him ticking over which is good hopefully now they stick to what works. Kev, is Gatting not merely carrying out instructions on who to play and how to play..?
Oh andhappy Bithday to Perez as well.Will they blow the candles out before kick off 🙂
New post up…..