Morning all.
Gary Neville – horrid, dirty footballer, turned well respected football pundit. There aren’t many of those. Listening to him analyse a match, it’s clear he knows what he’s talking about and when it comes to talking about his old club, he holds nothing back…
Right now, his view is that Utd need a central defender, a midfielder and a winger in order to make them Premier League title winners again.
If that’s the case, what do we Arsenal fans think our club need in order to become League champions?
I think most agree that we need a central defensive/holding midfielder as Francis Coquelin can’t play every game throughout an entire season and in certain games, he and ‘a n other’ need to play together. A bit like Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama do for Southampton, just like Vieira and Petit used to do for us back in the glory days. Arteta – is he still the right guy, or Flamini? Neither for me.
A goalkeeper? Have you/we given up on Szczesny or is it time to give up on the goalkeeping coach?
A striker? I’m not convinced this is a position Arsene Wenger will be looking at. Not with Welbeck, Giroud, Akpom, Campbell, Sanogo and even Walcott and Alexis who can all play in that role.
A winger? I don’t think we have an out and out winger in the squad but we do have a glut of midfielders who can play out wide on either side of the pitch. Wellington Silva joins the squad in the summer – he’s a winger/second striker so I’m not convinced the manager will be thinking about adding to the squad there… But I think he should.
Defence – Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny and Mertesacker. Behind them is Hayden.
Fullbacks – Gibbs, Monreal, Bellerin, Jenkinson and Debuchy – how can the manager fit another one in there?
Attacking/creative/all round midfielders – Ozil, Cazorla, Ramsey, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Gnabry, Zelalem and even Diaby.
On paper we have a big squad with plenty of options all over the pitch, yet still aren’t ‘real’ challengers for the PL title and I know this season a lot of that has been down to injuries and fatigue after the World Cup but other clubs had to deal with the same. Although perhaps not the number of injuries.
Since the beginning of 2015, we have improved, of that there is little doubt. We have turned on the style in certain matches, dug out victories when not playing so well and won at a few tricky grounds, grounds which others around us have not managed which is something we struggled with in seasons gone by.
But still we lack something and despite having a large squad on paper, my own view is that a few of them are either too old now, or just aren’t the right players to take us up a level.
I think this summer will be a case of selling one or two, maybe more and bringing in something better.
And that something, or should I say someone(s) will hopefully be the final bits of the jigsaw and make us proper title challengers…
Just for fun and a diversion away from tomorrow’s semi-final, which positions if any, do you think Arsene Wenger needs to address and who should be sold in order to free up squad places for potential new arrivals..
Have a fun Friday guys and gals….
You all gone back to bed… 😉
Stats on injuries are interesting things often they will tell you that different teams have lost x amount of playing time with x amount of players. What they don’t do however is look at the affect they have on the team on the pitch. Looking at United over a period this season they have been without Falcao , Evans , and Blind . three players evenly spread throughout the team . We however have had to contend with Debuchy , Koscielny and Gibbs again 3 players but all in one part of the team.This is just off the top of my head , I am sure there will be other examples but it shows that 3 injuries are more damaging if they all occur in the same positions You could add that at times we have also been without Theo , Wilshere , The Ox and the ever injured Diaby all in the line across the middle. As always stats only tell you part of the full story.
Add Ozil and Giroud too Potter – two huge players to miss… And Giroud, had he not been injured could easily be on double the amount of goals he’s on now..
Losing him is like taking Kane out of the Totts side…
I’d say Arsenal is ONE signing away from a title winning squad and that signing is Morgan Schneiderlin. He has the defensive nous of ze Coq but is also great going forward and starting out counterattacks.
Other than that, it would only be a case of replacing potentially departing players such as Szczesny or Walcott, which should stay, especially the latter. Goalkeeping-wise, Szczesny would only becoming surplus if a deal for Cech actually becomes possible as it would be too good to pass on.
For the back 4, we’ve got all the players we need. BFG, Kos and Gabriel are all fighting for the best 2 main centre back spots and Monreal/Chambers are here as supplementary cover. The Spaniard and Gibbs both are excellent on the left and we’ve somehow now got too many quality right backs with Jenkinson having progressed bit coming back to a Debuchy/Bellerin possibly being too strong to dislodge from their spot.
Coquelin/Schneiderlin & Arteta (+Bielik for the long run) are all the defensive midfield needed.
We’ve got so many attacking midfield options to pick from that the “issue” there is to be able to give enough play time to players to keep them interested, especially as we’ve got Campbell & Wellington Silva already on the books (+ Podolski for a year who won’t be able to make it back into the team unfortunately for him).
Center forwards? Giroud is clear #1, with Welbs & Sanogo behind and Sanchez/Walcott also being able to be used in that spot. We’re not a team who rely as much on its centre forward to be the main source of goals anyway so a superstar striker would only be a luxury signing.
So Cech aside as it’s just unlikely Chelsea will sell him to us, there’s just the one signing needed! Good times to be a Gunner.
I reckon there’s still a need for a midfielder, Coq has replaced Flamini and I think Arteta is still a good option but given his age, someone like Schneiderlin to take his mantle as the phat controller in midfield, would be a good move. The rest depends on who is available, and who leaves. If Theo goes, we’ll get in a similar player, ideally Reus but as Real Madrid were making noises about him that probably won’t happen, but a similar level player is what we’ll be looking for. If we’re in with a shout for top, top quality players I’d imagine we’ll be looking to bring them in regardless of where they play but given the amount City will be splashing around, we might not get a shiny marquee guy.
Everything else will be covered by Gnabry and the Ox stepping up, whilst Rosicky fades into the background.
Dick, regarding Theo, if he goes, I can see Wellington stepping in his shoes, with Ox, Gnabry and Wellbeck being other options..
The left worries me, would love to see a Reyes kind of player signed which would allow Alexis rest/rotation
Defensive/Holding midfielder is a must imo
And unless AW considers Akpom to be ready, another striker…
Welcome Tom..
I think we kind of agree… 😉
Still not convinced we’ll get Schneiderlin, but hope we do.
Can’t see Sanogo being at the club next season…
I’d sell:
Flamini
Arteta
Diaby (free)
Sanogo
Walcott (if he won’t sign)
Ryo
Podolski
🙂
Morning all.
I had forgotten about Apkom as another option as centre forward.
He’d probably need another loan to happen (with an option to bring him back in January or in case of many injuries) to progress but so would Sanogo and maybe Campbell to be honest and you can’t send them all away.
Ozil seems to have been ok lately starting on the left but they all tend to swap around during the game anyway.
Sanchez does need to be forced to rest every now and it seems he can’t seem to be convinced sitting one out is an acceptable option!
Thing is though, if we lose Theo it’s a senior player with plenty of experience and a goalscorer we’re losing, that shouldn’t be left to a rookie coming through; there should be space for youngsters but we shouldn’t rely too much on them again, as we all know how that goes, in the end.
Also, I’d like another left sided player, but with Ozil/Santi/Ox/Welbeck all being capable out there, it’s less of a priority and more of an ‘if a great player who can play it becomes available’ kind of thing.
And AW rico 😉 ?
Hi again Scott..
I agree Dick re Theo – just thinking a bit like AW but there’s no reason now that if he goes, we don’t go and sign someone better.. I haven’t followed Silva on loan so it could be he’s been rubbish and be sold off but having seen a few stories about his contract extension, maybe not…
Morning guys a day to wembley huh? Can’t wait. Make no mistakes reading ll be fired up. It won’t be easy. They only have one shot and will take it if we are complacent. Am going for a 2.1 victory. OG and rambo with the goals.
Akpom ahead of Sanogo for me Tom…
🙂 JM, not if things carry on as they are… lol
Rico you don’t rate sanogo? ?? Shocking 😀
Akpom is more likely to force his way into the squad next season than Sanogo too, if only due to his abilty to play wide and Sanogo’s ability to do a Diaby impersonation.
Rico have you seen the junior gunners video man that’s super cute. Those kids ll make a spuddie love the arsenal. Ooh to be a gooner. I ve got tears in my eyes.
That Pep eh? What’s he ever won? Rubbish….
Hi goonster… I don’t, not really, what’s he done?
🙂 Stan, tears of despair?
Think you are on the wrong post Adam… 😉
Sorry Rico. I lost my crystal ball and got confused. 🙂
I could always fall back on some stats though.
Good post.. i think cech is a no brainer if available then imo go all out and get him 10m is a fair price for him.
Defensive mid… The favourite is schnerdlin who is a very good player, kramer is another who looks really good in that position.
Going forward how about ross barkley, I think he has a lot of potential as an attacking mid or just of the striker, with Rosicky coming to an end and cazorla in his 30’s, maybe we should be looking at that position, also with this home grown rule lurking.
Szcznesy, Flamini, Diaby, podolski, Campbell, and possibly Arteta to be sold/released Imo.
And there was me thinking you’d just found your wooden spoon Adam… 😉
Adamant
Not me Rico.
Goonster.
Thanks Kel.
Cech would be great but as much as Mourinho says he’ll let the player choose his own club, think we all know he wouldn’t let us sign him…
I’d forgotten Campbell in my sell list… The way he was, or rather wasn’t used when we had so many injuries makes me think he’s not in the managers plans any more…
🙂 Adam…
I’d take Barkeley, most talented English youngster imo and we could develop him into a monster, he looks a little directionless at Everton. Aren’t City supposedly interested though? Can’t see us willing to outbid them for a youngster, especially considering how much they need homegrown players.
Not sure about Cech. He had got a bit flappy in his last two seasons as first choice. He didn’t score enough goals either.
Adam, give ‘arry the Barca and Bayern squads Pep has had and he’d win plenty lol.
I never said he’s no good, I said he’s yet to prove himself in my humble opinion.
Let’s see when he wanders over to England….then, he will land a gig at Citeh or Chelski so same old, same old 🙂
Taking Fido out now so catch up later…
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Rico – A very timely and provocative article. However, it is difficult to answer your questions as there are currently too many unknowns about our current squad.
Will Walcott and the club be able to negotiate a new contract? Walcott’s primary concern seems to be about playing time and not money. Will Arsene be able to or want to assure/guarantee him regular/sufficient playing time? He is a good player, but with the recent signings not as crucial as he once was and he is injury prone. I’d like him to stay, but he can be replaced.
Will Szczesny want to stay and fight it out with Ospina for the No. 1 shirt or will he request a transfer like his countryman Fabianski so as to play more regularly? Wojciech is a good goalie, but currently not as good as he thinks he is. He has been the architect of his own demise due to a lack of focus and ill discipline. Again, I’d like hime to stay as I think he has the makings of a great goalie, but that will depend on his attitude and the results of his rumoured showdown talks with Arsene. I’d like him to stay, but he can be replaced.
We have a number of senior/veteran players like Arteta, Flamoney and Rosicky who are nearing the end of their contracts and/or careers. Arteta and Rosicky are still good players and true professionals, but no longer capable of being regular first team players. However, they are both versatile and would offer good utility cover in a number of positions and assistance & leadership to the the development of our Young Guns. As long as they are not blocking the advancement of any of our promising Young Guns, both should be offered one year extensions as required. Flamoney is past his sell by date and has definitely been made redundant by Le Coq, so he should be sold/terminated.
Lukas Podolski will probably be returning from loan as it is unlikely his option to buy will be exercised. He is a good player, but he never really has fitted into our team and that is unlikely to change. He should be sold.
Jenkinson may also be returning from loan, but it is more likely that West Ham will try to exercise their option to buy, if they can afford him. Whether there is a place for him, should he return, depends on what happens with Bellerin and Debuchy. Bellerin has been rumoured to be a target for his old club FC Farcelona and there are rumours Debuchy may want to return to France. If both stay Jenks will have to be sold. Shame though as he is a lifelong Arsenal fan.
We have a plethora of young and emerging professionals like Akpom, Bellerin, Campbell, Chambers, Coquelin, Gnabry, Hayden, Sanogo, Silva and Zelalem. Bellerin and Coquelin have amply demonstrated this season that they merit inclusion in next season’s first team squad. Akpom, Chambers, Gnabry, and Zelalem have shown promise, but have not yet earned their place. Of these Chambers seems closest to a regular first team place, but in what position? Does Arsene intend to continue to play him at right back or move him to centre back. In the meantime he is good utility cover in defense.
Whether Akpom, Campbell, Gnabry, Silva and Zelalem earn a first team place or are put out on loan for another season may depend on their performances in the preseason tour in Asia. I think Arsene’s mind is already made up about Campbell and I think he will be sold.
Diaby the eternal crock will either be released or, if the rumours are correct, be offered a pay as you play extension. Arsene still has a soft spot for him.
As for what I think we need, first and foremost another DM to rotate with and play alongside Le Coq. Arteta isn’t capable of playing there weekly and never was a proper DM, but would make a good utility midfielder. Secondly, another outright striker to rotate with and play alongside Giroud. Thirdly, another goalie, if Szczesny decides to move on. Possibly Petr Cech if the Petulant Portuguese Pygmy will sell him to us. Also, possibly another CB, depending on what are Arsene’s plans for young Chambers and the aging and slowing BFG.
I don’t think Arsene’s mind is fully made up on a number of players and much will depend on their performances during the preseason training and the Asia tour. In the meantime he is keeping his cards close to his chest.
Hiya CG.
Arsene always keeps things close to his chest 🙂
Hello Scott, we haven’t talked for a while. How are things in The Land of Wonder.
As for Arsene, as long as it is not your wife don’t worry, everything is under control (his control of course).
CG, things are good thanks…..hope you and yours are the same.
Arsene hardly seems the womanising type to me 🙂
Scott – We’re well thank you. How is Sean and his game?
I’m sure Arsene’s wife knows the other woman in his life is Arsenal FC.
This is specially for Adam, taken from the BBC Sportsday web site:
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers flashes his teeth as he takes his seat at the top table….
Need I say more?
I’m off to read the Rico’s pearls of wisdo.
Afternoon all.
Offload Cazorla, Arteta and Podolski to make room for a proper defensive midfielder who can close down, win the ball and get forward and score. Ramsay does this but we have lost the title because he was unfit for too much of the season. There are many physios who think Ramsey, the Ox and Wilshire have had to do too much of Cazorla’s work load- hence the injuries! We need another Ramsey clone- perhaps a little bit more defensive minded. Then we have a nap hand and can, perhaps, keep[ our key players fit. With fit players we can match anybody in Europe. With the usual injury list- the Prem and Champion’s League will always be out of reach.
*wisdo = wisdom….obviously!
Good hit Rico.
For what it’s worth, I think we’re pretty well stocked with players, at least two or three for all positions…..except DM. There’s always one missing. Who ever, and how ever many have already suggested him, my pick would be Schneiderlin. No one else, just him. I wonder if mammon talks down Soton way? If it does then I suspect we may buy him, maybe there is already an agreement in place, but I wonder if theSaints would let him go? I think he is crucial to their success. It was noticeable that he was absent for all the games they failed to win during their poor spell recently and how much improvement they have made since his return. Perhaps they will let him go if they cannot satisfy his European ‘dreams’? A good bargaining chip for us, I think.
Yes, he would do very nicely!
Afternoon Cg and all…
I think I’ve probably missed you now Cg but a great comment, one which I wish you had emailed me, then it could have replaced today’s post….
As I said in the post, I think this summer will be more of a case of replacing who goes, apart from CDM I hope – that position added surely has to be a must.
AW has said he hopes both Rosicky and Arteta stay and that will be discussed in the summer. Call me an old cynic but history suggests that often means they could go.
As you say, there are lots of if’s and but’s and until AW knows the answer to all of them, we can only guess.
But I do hope this summer brings us the final pieces of our jigsaw and Arsene Wenger get’s to win the PL one more time before he leaves….
Afternoon Wavy, thanks.
Him and Wanyama have formed a pretty good pairing haven’t they and they sure missed Morgan when he was injured/banned.
Twivil – sorry you were stuck in moderation.
Don’t agree re Santi Cazorla really. He’s been tracking back and doing a lot of defending this year. Sell him? I wouldn’t personally but like a few others, he is no spring chicken so who knows…
Wavy. Thanks for that. Nobody believed me about Brenda’s teeth or Moyes’ Botox. Although I do believe that Rico noted the incredible tautness of his skin during a harshly-lit close-up. 🙂
🙂 Adam, I believed you on all accounts…. Lol
I don’t believe you Rico. 🙂
Oh yes you do Adam…. 😉
Sorry, wrong time of year….. 🙂
Rico – Thank you.
As for Arteta and Rosicky, I think a lot depends on what they want to do and what alternative offers they may or may not have on the table. If they and their families are settled in London, I haven’t heard one way or the other about either of them, they may opt to stay. I’m not aware of either having expressed an interest in returning to a childhood or former club and I don’t think either one of them will get a mega money offer to play in the MLS or other such league. So, there is a good chance one or both may still be with us next season.
Also, I was thinking that Arsene’s reluctance about playing Walcott on the right wing. It may be linked with Walcott contract renewal, but I was wondering if it was more to do with his unwillingness or inability to track back and help out in defence. That puts added pressure onto the young and relatively inexperienced, but quickly developing and improving, Bellerin behind him at right back. With Debuchy returning and maybe starting against Reading, might Theo not also start or at least get an extended cameo?
If so, that may help out in the upcoming contract negotiations.
Cg, to be honest, I don’t see either featuring too much next season. Tomas has been fit most of the season, yet he’s not played.
Surely both want to play regular football, well as much as their bodies will allow at their age so perhaps they will want to leave. It would be sad if they did but thinking of Arsenal alone, their wages could be paid to one, maybe two younger players in a key area.. No doubt Arsene will just let them leave for little, nothing if they go as he did with Gilberto…
Re Theo, I think it’s his lack of defensive work keeping him out, we needed every player to work for the team to get us into the top four and they have done.
I’d start him tomorrow though.. Lol
I see we are not the only ones questioning their team’s medical staff. Although things have come to a head at Bayern;
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2015/04/17/bayern-munich-medical-staff-resign-amid-row-with-pep-guardiola/202269/
However, he situation at Arsenal seem to be improving.
I’m off for the day and off to bed. Have a great everyone and here’s hoping tomorrow we’ll earn a return to Wembley for the FA Cup final.
Keep The Faith!
All has gone horribly wrong over there Cg, too bad eh….
Night Cg, catch up soon. Sleep well….
I see I’m misspelling by dropping letters and missing words, so it is not before time.
That’s true Rico. 🙂
Off to ignite the bbq, catch up shortly….
Too cold for one here Rico. Even if I had one. 🙂
Breezy here Adam, but warm…
Not nom, all gone… 😉
All quiet so I’m off..
Night all.
Wow…is this for real? An arsenal blog where the comment section isnt full of trolls and negativity towards the club we all support?!!???
Sorry im late guys but it looks like I found my new home.
😀
Game day is here!
CG, Sorry…..I drifted off to sleep lol.
Sean’s going well.
He’s on school holidays at present but does have a game this morning.
He’s loving life and that’s all that matters, as his football will take care of itself.
Morning all.
Anyone awake??
Morning Scott and all…
Welcome Vegas Goon, sorry you were stuck in moderation overnight…
Hi Rico…..3-1 and Aaron to nail them all?
What odds will you give me 🙂
Hi Vegas , The comments are not all negative or 100% positive but they are objective and people tend to back up their comments with their reasons which makes it good for discussion.
100-1 Scott… 😉
Potter – I also think that most people here respect others views, even though they may not agree with them. Whereas on so many other blogs/forums, ridicule and rudeness seems to be the way…
I’ll have a pound on it, Rico 🙂
Vegas, it’s the only blog worth reading bud.
I tried them all….this is the best by a mile.
Morning Rico, Potter and all.
I would too Scott… 😉 Thanks by the way…
Morning Adam…
Morning All
Morning Rico…
Hi Vegas, wait till Wath comes on, he can moan for Britain… 😀
The dentist did fine work…your smiley looks perfect 🙂
Kev, Wath is one miserable bastard, that’s for certain hahahahahaha
Are we fired up, guys?
We just need a professional display to win comfortably.
Anything less will be a disappointment, even though Reading will be fired up.
Mourinho will have been on the ‘Dog n Bone’ to Steve Clarke, with all sorts of negative ideas on how to disrupt Arsenals flow.
Rotational fouling will be high on the agenda.
Also, try and injure some of our players and put them out of the Chav game next Sunday.
Paranoid?
Maybe, but I wouldn’t put anything past that Portugese Scumbag….
Morning Adam…
Wembley wembley we re the famous arsenal and we re going to wembley. Come on you gunners.
Morning h house been up since 3.15am I can’t stay still. So excited. The anticipation is killing me. Come on arsenal. Come on.
Portugese Scumbag……..Kev, you over rate the grub.
Morning Kev..
🙂 Scott… False teeth always look good… lol
Hahahahahahahahahabaha
Morning goonster..
Kev, rotational fouling? That’s not the Reading way… 😉
New post up now….
Morning all! (Super early for me!) Thanks for the welcomes and I appreciate the honesty as well. Thanks Rico and Scott I can tell…I’ve wasted too much time reading other nonsense.