Bolton 2 – Arsenal 1: “Groundhog Day” as Arsenal Blow It Again (Updated with Player Ratings)

By: Martin | April 24th, 2011

It’s as frustrating as it is predictable.

How many times have we seen the following?:

1. Arsenal concede a late goal to drop points?
2. Arsenal concede a goal from sloppy set piece defending?
3. Arsenal enjoy the lion’s share of possession but unable to convert it into chances?
4. Arsenal unable to convert the few golden chances they are able to create?
5. Arsenal play a great fall and winter to get themselves firmly in the title race, only to crumble in the spring when the pressure mounts?

One season runs into the next, one game runs into the other, but it feels like we’ve seen this over and over again. There was a debate in the comments section the other day about whether we should be optimistic/hopeful or not. I said no because I said there was no indication that this team was capable of winning 5 matches in a row. They certainly proved me right today.

Since beating Stoke on February 23, we are 2-5-4. If you restricted it to matches against teams playing at the top level, that would be 1-5-4, with a -2 goal differential. One of our wins came at home against a third division side, the other came against a team that will likely get relegated. We have drawn against 3 bottom of the table sides, 2 of which came at the Emirates when we couldn’t score. We’ve blown several late leads, and gotten completely dismantled by the two elite sides we have played against.

And we can’t even blame injuries. Diaby was out today, and we’ve certainly missed Vermaelen, but the fact is that we had 10 out of our best choice 11 starting today, and if you can make it to April being intact to that extent, you can’t really have any complaints. We’re healthy. We’re capable. It’s easy to say lack of leadership or lack of mental strength, and maybe that’s it. I really don’t know. But as much as we talk about not winning trophies, what bothers me more is that, watching this team the past few months, this is not a team that deserves trophies. We don’t do the things that champions do. And I don’t know what the answer is.

There will be a time to talk about potential changes to this team. And that’s a discussion definitely worth having. But we’ve still got 4 matches left, including Manchester United next weekend, and right now our focus has to be on those games. The title is gone. But we still have our champions league qualification/league position to worry about. I guess there would be some moral victory in finishing 2nd, but I don’t care much about that. We don’t want to finish 4th if we can help it, though — having to play those two matches just to qualify for the group stages is a pain that early in the season. So Manchester City is 8 points behind, but with 2 matches in hand, so we could really have a battle on our hands for 4th, especially with Manchester United still to play. I don’t want a repeat of last year, when we were in the title race in February and March, then basically just gave up once we got knocked out of it, and ended up having to win the last match of the season just to guarantee finish above Spurs. We’ll see.

From the beginning, it was clear that Bolton were not looking to park the bus. They started Sturridge, Davies, and Elmander, all generally strikers, although they deployed Elmander as a playmaking midfielder. They were going to bring the game to us, which meant our defense needed a good day, but that hopefully there would be gaps in their defense that we could exploit.

And it looked pretty good early. In the 4th minute, Theo took a very good shot from wide that Jaaskelainen could only parry, and an onrunning van Persie just missed the rebound, which eventually fell to Nasri, whose shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Bolton’s defenders. Not too long after that, Theo could have had a penalty when he was taken down on the right side of the box — it was easy to see why it wasn’t, as it did look like the defender had just gotten the ball, but replays showed that it was Theo’s foot that took the ball out wide just before he was taken out by the tackle. And not long after that, it was that man Theo Walcott again making an incisive run deep into Bolton’s area, playing it back to a trailing Cesc, who had an unmarked shot from just outside the box that went well over.

And we kept it up. Hitting them on the counter, Cesc found himself in space and unleashed a beauty of a shot from outside the box — it looked to be headed right at or just inside the post when Jaaskelainen just did get a fingertip on it to tip it wide for a corner. van Persie got a header on net from the ensuing corner, but he was falling away and Jaaskelainen had no trouble holding the looping ball. A few minutes later, Cesc’s chipped pass into the box was taken one time by an off-balance van Persie, but the defender was marking him tight and blocked the shot.

Bolton was definitely looking to impose themselves on the game physically. Fabrice Muamba saw yellow early on for a very physical tackle on Wilshere, Kevin Davies certainly should have seen yellow but instead got away with a warning when he clattered into Song’s legs after Song had played the ball away, and Matthew Taylor got yellow (and could have seen red) for a lunging, studs-up challenge about 20 minutes in. You thought early on that this was the kind of game where someone could suffer a leg injury if they kept that up.

Then, 23 minutes in, we almost got caught. Bolton weren’t trapped by the high line, caught us on the counter with a great through ball to Lee, who had the ball and was past the defenders, but instead of shooting on goal from right around the edge of the box, decided to play a short pass across the box to the oncoming runner. Fortunately, Song, and not Denilson, was playing, as he had run back and was in position to break up the pass and clear the danger. And then we had another dangerous moment a few minutes later, when Djourou basically missed a ball and let it go through, thinking that Wojo would claim it, but he apparently lost track of a guy on that side, who ran onto it and was able to get a good shot away, albeit one that was comfortably saved by Wojo.

After that, the game settled into a pretty uneventful rhythm for about half an hour. Then, about 35 minutes in, after a sustained spell of possession in the Bolton half, Nasri had the ball in plenty of space, but lashed his shot well wide. Then Bolton struck. They very nearly scored off bringing the ball down off the goal kick, as a ball was played in to Lee, who had gotten past the defense in the box, but his one-time shot was well saved by Szczesny, who had come off his line and made himself as big as possible. But then, off the ensuing corner, poor set piece defending cost us again. Big Gary Cahill, a very good header of the ball, got a free header from the edge of the box and headed it just inside the far post. It may very well have crossed the line, but Nasri, who was manning the far post, did get a leg to it and push it out, but he pushed it directly into the path of Daniel Sturridge, who was crashing the box and headed the ball into the back of the net. There may be some debate over which player should get credit for the goal, but it was a goal any way you cut it, and made things 1-0 Bolton.

Cesc very nearly got pulled us even before the break. He took an excellent shot from outside the box when he found himself in space, and Jaaskelainen must have had trouble picking it up, because he could only watch as the ball thudded against the base of the far post. Bolton eventually cleared the ball away. We then had one final chance before the break when Muamba really clattered into Cesc from behind, getting none of the ball. The announcers said, and I agree, that if he hadn’t already been on a yellow, he would have been booked for that one, but the referee let him off. The free kick from outside the box was taken by RvP who, as is his wont lately, put it 20 feet above the goal — at some point we need to think about changing kick-takers, because van Persie has been very poor lately.

And that’s how it would stay going into half-time. 1-0, Bolton.

Half-Time Stats:
Shots (On Target): Bolton 5(4) – Arsenal 10(3)
Duels Won: Bolton 57% – Arsenal 43%
Passing Accuracy Bolton 60% – Arsenal 83%
Possession: Bolton 33% – Arsenal 67%
Corner Kicks: Bolton 1 – Arsenal 3

You hoped we would come out fighting, but it didn’t start off great for us. Less than 30 seconds in, a ball was played into Sturridge on the left side of the box in relatively harmless position. Djourou was defending him tightly, and although there was come contact, I think it was pretty clear that Sturridge dove in going down. The referee pointed to the spot with no hesitation, and it probably looked a lot worse than it was from where he was standing. And you just got the feeling it wasn’t our day. But, as Rasheed Wallace used to say when someone missed a free throw on a b.s. foul in basketball, “ball don’t lie.” Davies stepped up to take the penalty and give Bolton a 2-0 lead, but it was a ridiculously bad penalty, just soft and down the middle. Wojo had started to dive, but reacted well and stuck his legs out in the right position to block the penalty, and Arsenal got it and cleared. Let-off, and it was still 1-0.

But not for long. van Persie and Cesc played a lovely little 1-2 when van Persie found Cesc in the middle of the box with his back to the goal, Cesc immediately laid it back into the path of an onrunning van Persie, and van Persie somehow threaded a low, powerful shot through several Bolton defenders and just inside the near post. Jaaskelainen must have seen it late, as he was slow to react and had no chance. Great goal from Robbie, and we had gone from the probability of going down 2-0 to being tied 1-1 in a matter of minutes. 1-1, game on.

The game then fell into a little bit of a funk for the next couple of minutes — a lot of action in the middle of the pitch but not a lot of end product or chances for either side. The game stayed chippy, although this time it was us picking up yellow cards, with Song and Wilshere both going into the book.

Then, almost 70 minutes in, van Persie, who had dropped deep when Chamakh came on for Song, played an absolutely beautiful over-the-top through ball to Nasri, who had gotten behind Bolton’s backline and was through on goal. Unfortunately, Nasri’s shot was right at Jaaskelainen, and by the time Nasri got to the rebound and tried to shoot from a tough angle, Gary Cahill had gotten back in time and position to block. Big, big opportunity wasted, as all Nasri had to do on the first shot was to put it either side of Jaaskelainen and Arsenal would have been in the lead.

We followed that up with another very good chance, as van Persie played yet another lovely ball over the top, this time to Chamakh, who got up to head it down into the path of Nasri, but he just couldn’t take quite enough off of it, and the ball went just past Nasri’s outstretched leg. Nasri then beat the trap again, but he must not have realized how much time he had, because instead of taking a touch to the inside to improve his angle or smashing a shot, his tame attempted chip-pass to no one in particular was easily claimed by a relieved Jaaskelainen.

And we just could not find a way through. Arshavin was introduced pretty late, and worked hard to make an impact, winning multiple corners, but we couldn’t find a way through. When we needed to create chances the most, we just couldn’t find them.

And then Bolton did it. They very nearly scored when Elmander got by the Arsenal defense off a poor Djourou defensive header, but Wojo made an impressive save. But again, they scored off a corner from crap defending after Wojo bailed us out with a save. This time it was Tamir Cohen who put an inch perfect header inside the near post. It almost seemed to go through Samir Nasri on the near post, who didn’t seem to see it, and Wojo had no chance. It was a nice moment for Cohen, whose father passed away in a car accident earlier this season and who removed his shirt to show an image of his father. Hats off to him — he shouldn’t have been that open, but it was a nice goal. 2-1 Bolton, and that’s how it would stay, as we were unable to create much of anything in injury time.

Full-Time Stats:
Shots (On Target): Bolton 12(7) – Arsenal 19(6)
Duels Won: Bolton 53% – Arsenal 47%
Passing Accuracy Bolton 60% – Arsenal 83%
Possession: Bolton 32% – Arsenal 68%
Corner Kicks: Bolton 3 – Arsenal 9

What else is there to say? It’s tempting to try to sum something up and make a sweeping declaration about this team and this season. But we can save that for another day. I’ll I will say is that this is obviously very disappointing, and not good enough. Try to enjoy the rest of your weekends. Happy Easter.

On to the ratings.

On to the ratings. :

Wojo 8 Man of the Match. You can’t hang this on him — he saved a penalty and made a number of very good saves, and was hung out to dry by his defense on both goals. Firmly entrenched as not only the goalkeeper of the future, but the goalkeeper of the present.

Sagna 6.5 He was fine — comfortable defensively, including some full-bodied headers against much bigger players. Sent in some good crosses that came to nothing because no one was in the box.

Clichy 5.5 Poor match for Gael. He has struggled to deal with Chung-Yong Lee in the past, and he struggled again today. Didn’t offer much of anything going forward.

Djourou 5.5 Looked off today. I can’t fault him too much for the penalty, because I don’t think it was much of a foul. But several other times he had some lapses of judgment which led to Bolton scoring chances. Uncharacteristically sloppy.

Koscielny 6.5 Very much a Koscielny performance. He has this way of letting attackers get space but then closing that space down at the last possible instance. If you watch him once you think he’s a bit of a mess and getting away with something, but if you watch him regularly, you realize that’s his game. And he dealt well with Bolton’s attack today.

Song 6 Not at his best — battled in midfield pretty well, but got caught sleeping on Bolton’s first goal, where his failure to track Cahill’s wrong allowed the big man to get a fantastic header on goal.

Wilshere 6.5 Looked better today than he had in the past few matches. Hounded Bolton players until Arsenal won the ball back, then ran forward with his head up looking to create something. If he ever learns what to do in the final third (and I think he will), he’s going to be an amazing player.

Cesc 7.5 Much better out of him. Took a couple of great shots from long range, assisted well on Arsenal’s goal, and was pulling the strings. That’s the player we need week in, week out.

Theo 7 Tough to rate, and I’m sure a lot of people will say I’ve rated him too high. Fair enough, perhaps. But he did create 3 or 4 excellent scoring chances, which is very worthwhile. The fact that he created them all in the first 15 minutes of the game and then was pretty anonymous argues in favor of rating him lower.

Nasri 6 He worked hard and looked dangerous, but his poor finishing really cost us today — if he had converted that golden one-on-one opportunity, we would have been in the lead with a real chance of winning.

van Persie 7.5 Fantastic goal, the kind that the rest of the team needs to make note of. We don’t always have to pass until someone is unmarked within 10 feet of the goal. Sometimes it pays to just uncork a shot and see what happens, and van Persie did that very well today.

Chamakh 5.5 Poor — his first touch let us down several times, and he tried to head the ball down to Nasri when he should have tried to head for goal.

Arshavin 6.5 Worked hard to try to make some things happen, won a couple of corners, but ultimately couldn’t find a way through.

***************

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Category: Arsenal News, Bolton, Fixtures, Match Review, Premiership

« Bolton – Arsenal Match Thread | Home | Wenger’s Pre-United Press Conference; Verma Back For Reserves Match »

Benjamin Dockter

Vermaelen made it through 90 minutes of the reserve match unscathed and a clean sheet to boot. He was very impressive throughout and I lost count of how many times he got an important block or cut out a pass. I don't think it can be overstated exactly how much we've missed him the whole season.
Perry S.

This is fun: http: / / www dot youtube dot com / watch?v=xubvc7ao1HE&feature=player_embedded
J___V

Only just caught up on this debate of players in & out. Personally I'd change back to 4-4-2 but thats unlikely to happen. I've not watched much football outside the prem this year but the 2 players I'd like are purely complementary to what we've got. Nobody will agree but I'd go for Brunt & Scharner. Both underrated. Both driven, committed, tall, strong, far more composed & technical than credited with. Scharner at cb or dm. Brunt left mid or central. I'd tell song he's a cb or goodbye. Out would go almunia, squizz, fabregas, rosicky, denilson, bendtner, chamakh. Inclined to believe in Gibbs although I've been disappointed in him this year. Frimpong has far more drive & instinct for DM & is natural so won't need too long to establish himself. In a 4-4-2 I'd keep vela otherwise get rid. I'd also be inclined to play Theo up there in a 2 man attack ahead of RVP. if they continue with one man up tops then he needs to be genuine class and I haven't a clue. I'd like to see JET become a part of the squad up tops.
Gigi_man

Third eye, Comment above was supposed to be a reply to you
Gigi_man

On a related note, have you seen that with us and Real, when the ref took out his red card, things slowoly went their way?...just sayin' (but really, because I think Mou had it wrong today, but the ref helped)
third eye

Hum, you are right.

Every time that one of their men were fouled, the ref was surrounded by the whole team. Such thing did not happened when Pepe got fouled by Alves...

Then, the tackle of Pepe on Alves (which was a yellow and all the commentator said it, it was NOT A RED) went to Barcelona's favor. So, Mourinho reposted as expected. Unfortunately, he was sent away. So, with ten men remaining and Messis's main marker out of the game, Barcelona started their ''beautiful football.

What sickens me the most was when Barcelona's supporter said that Real played the famous ''park the bus'' strategy during the Copa del Rey. Real literally dominated the first half and attacked during the second. Real played high pressure which did not let Barcelona play their game. In other word, the two teams that have beaten Barcelona (excluding Hercules) have done so by playing high pressure and by being very effective (effective, but not productive) on counter-attacks. So, in other terms, the only way to play beautifully, it is to pass the ball around and make like 10 passes to your defender a la Barcelona to play beautifully.

No. Barcelona's arrogance has reached a peak where their players believe only they can play beautiful football and if you dare to defend, then you play the park the bus strategy and if it doesn't go their way, then they will act, feint injuries and bark against the ref. They are worst then Italians...

Barcelona will meet their match in Ferguson' men. If I must support *cough* * Manchester United *spit on the floor* then I will do it gladly just to see the demise of the once called humble men of Guardiola... I really hope they loose the UCL because they do not deserve it.
Gigi_man

as much as i hate the situation, i would also have to throw up and cheer Manu. I am really disappointed at Barza.
as much as they beat us fair and square last season (not too much in the UCL final after *cough, cough* a red card to Lehmann), this season was really the ref, its bad for football, because one starts wondering.
I have seen in a few sites the same concern.
So for the sake of a clean game, as much as I hate Evra and Co. I will cheer them if they reach the final vs barza.

Martin?? Sairax?? Mom? Dad?
Georgedb1

"Beautiful" football is what I am a fan of, and I love Arsenal's game. However, "beautiful" football, i.e. multiple passing and generally attacking team formations, should not be mistaken for the ONLY type of legitimate football strategy. Whenever a "beautiful" football side gets beaten by a defense side, the usual strategy is to blame the defending team as if they had done something wrong by not trying to play outside their game and take a graceful shellacking. That makes about as much sense as blaming a person for getting behind cover in a gun fight.

Have no illusions, both ways of playing football are legitimate ways of playing and winning. One is less attractive to the eyes of the fans and more frustrating to the opposite fans, but guess what, you use what you have. In a fight, if you're fat you try to limit the other guy's room to run around you; if you're strong you make sure to use that against a weaker opponent; i.e. you make your strengths count towards the ultimate goal of winning.

The goal is not to beat your opponent at his game (where he has an advantage), but to make them play you on your own terms (where you have the advantage); if you do that and avoid defeat against an arguably "better" side, then good for you. With the amounts of money available to top sides these days and the gaps between top 4 and middle table teams growing (generally) to insurmountable levels - just look at La Liga - this type of game should be encouraged as a way of leveling the playing field as much as possible.
JG

I'll pinch my nose and support United should it be a Barca-United final. Barca's actions today shocked me, which is surprising given how they have been doing it all season and Madrid are no angels themselves.
I just hope the Pea doesn't score.
Benjamin Dockter

Why do you hate the Pea so much? He seems like a fantastic player and hardly the kind of guy you can hate for being a d*ck (like most MU players).

Barca seems to epitomize everything that is good and evil in the beautiful game. The have some of the most talented players in the world and are capable of the most amazing feats, yet they are the worst cheating, diving, evil bitches that have ever played the game. It's a shame. The only player on that team that can hold their head up is Messi.
third eye

I may be tired of Barcelona shenanigans, but surely, Messi is a respectful player even though he deservedly got a yellow card for a free kick interference during la copa del rey and during that game, he constantly barked like his brethren against the ref.

Nonetheless, he is respectful. Well, my anger is without precedent and I will support Real Madrid will all my might.
Gigi_man

Agreed, Messi is a step ahead in terms of talent, and this year in terms of will to win. But that does not deny the rest of the team that I once liked and now kind of hate
Benjamin Dockter

Some people say sarcasm is hard to pull off on the internet without the use of tone or expression, but you sir have masterfully pulled it off.
third eye

And people called me delusional... I once said that only three team could beat Barcelona this season... Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Two of them have proved me right and if Barcelona make it into the finals, then Manchester United will show them what they got (Tactically, Ferguson can easily outplayed Guardiola...)
Georgedb1

um... Bartha beat Manure 2-0 in the CL final back when they had Ronaldo. I hate Barth possibly more than ne1 here but I have to be realistic: 1) I dislike Manure way more and 2) Bartha will spank this painfully mediocre Manure side if they get past Schalke
third eye

Painful? Yes! Nonetheless, they have proven that with old and young player, you get a balanced team and with Rooney and Chicharito, their offensive capacity in the final third is way more dangerous that Barcelona will ever be with and out of form Villa, a diving Pedro and a Messi that will get rightfully marked by the most efficient defensive partnership: Ferdinand and Vidic.
Georgedb1

"the most efficient defensive partnership: Ferdinand and Vidic" - yea, maybe against struggling English sides, including Arsenal. Wait till they get a dose of real European football and without the benefit of the referee letting them play until they win. Villa is out of form? 18 goals so far in la liga alone, but regardless if thats true or not, you cannot count on that guy being "out of form" against you. I will be betting about 500-1K this year against Manure if and when they face either Real or Bartha. It was good money 2 years ago, and I'm more than willing to put my money where my mouth is.
Georgedb1

Any comments on the next chapter of the Fabregas saga? From what I gather the move is imminent this summer; but I've heard that story more than once in the past 4 or so years (if not more).
Apparently AW is willing to sell him for 35 million which I think is RIDICULOUS! Fabregas is for at least 50, and he has a contract well into 2014. No matter what illusions the sore losers as Bartha like to spin, he is forth a lot more than 35 and his value is only increasing at least until 2012.
If we let him go we should not do so for such a paltry sum. In any event, although I like Fab, he's just another Arsenal player and the only thing I care about is the Arsenal. So if Fab is so foolish as to snub us and the captaincy of our great club and move to a team where he is not even going to be a starter then good luck to him, but I'm no Fabregas fan, I'm an Arsenal fan; he might have been loyal for 8 years but he's obviously not an Arsenal man the likes of Adams, Rocastle, Wrightey or even Henry (who has on more than one occasion professed his loyalty).
Gigi_man

Agreed, he was not the same player as last year IMO.
On the other hand, I would be happy to take whatever money is offered because I am sure his "price" went down.
Benjamin Dockter

It's eerily quiet at the Arsenal Offside the last day or so. I know it's been a slow week, but is anyone there?? Martin...Sairax...hello?
Gigi_man

same thoughts here.
Georgedb1

There's really nothing to comment on. I think there should be a separate post on Fabregas soon. An article on The Sun has him pretty much as gone in the summer.
Patoux21

I haven't watched the the game but I've seen highlights and it seems the team wasted many scoring opportunities. Nasri was far from decisive and Chamakh is showing his lack of poor final touch when it comes to either shoot or pass. As the players' rating I know Martin is a big fan of Sagna but how in the world can crosses be any good when there are actually nobody in the box. The minimum would be to look in the box first and cross eventually. Also watching the highlights leading to the penalty call I was watching Sagna heading the ball high to nobody following a throw-in and I was wondering why is he not controlling the ball with his chest when there was no opposition in front of him. That's when you see clever and composed players and he is definitely not.
JG

Any MLS fan hear about ex-Arsenal product, Steve Zakuani? Brutal. Reminds me of the Shawcross on Ramsey hacking a year ago. Hope the guy gets better sooner rather than later, and his attitude has been incredibly hopeful.
Perry S.

Just so everyone is clear on Samba. He is quality and he showed it against us time and time again. He has the most blocked shots in the league this season also, I believe 2nd most last season. He's like having another keeper out on the pitch.
Benjamin Dockter

Just because someone is great a blocking shots does not mean that they are a great defender. He would very quickly be out of his depth at Arsenal.
Perry S.

I have to disagree with you there, but fair enough. I mean, when Clichy is one of our defenders...
Smartrip

Kind of a shame that both Arshavin and Walcott are not 90 minute players.

And it's about time Fabregas took a shot! Man, I was shocked he actually pulled the trigger. We need more players to shoot from outside. Killer instinct has been lacking in pretty much everyone except RVP.
Gigi_man

Kind of off subject:

Sometimes I read that some fans here (myself included) are "glory hunters" or seomthing like that.
My native language isnt English so I let that run for a while after maybe finally understand the meaning.
Well, if that means that I became a gooner because I was amazed by a team that won and beat and firghtened other teams, as well as getting respect from them and being on the medias as a feared squad, and because they had our hearts beating fast by beating big, middle and small teams with such a great football.
Then yes, I am a glory hunter. I like glory and I am not ashamed about it.
I have a framed poster of the 2004 or 05 team, with a legend of the stats and trophies. Yes, one of the most caped, and glorious teams in England (Europe not too much but at the time very promising).
Yes, I like glory.
I was even talking to an old friend, also a gooner, who is 50 something years old, who was put on an Arsenal t shortu before he got breast feeded for the 1st time, who had no choice because he was born in that neoghborhood, but to be a gooner for family tradition. In other (used) words a "true gooner".
Well, he had less patience than me, he s been calling for Aws head and some other players heads for 2 or 3 years now.
I guess that guy is also a glory hunter.
Maybe he deserves to be one more than I am, for the mere fact that he wa born there and I wasnt.
But I give this club as much as any other "true gooner" does.

Give us some glory, Gunners, the mere shirt you wear is plenty of that , even before you wore it.
Smartrip

Regardless of whether you're calling for AW's head or not, the whole "I've been a longer fan than you so my opinion counts more" has no merit with me whatsoever and, frankly, I think it's ridiculous and petulant.
It doesn't take a 50 year vet to tell you the good and bad things happening at the club.
Gigi_man

not to smart, read again, never said what you say I said, so please dont "quote" it, just sayin'...
so, I am not petulant nor ridiculous,
bottom line, are you expecting trophies and glory or not?
TJ

GK- Wojo is the real deal. Period.
CB-I think Djourou is our best defender currently (verms when he's back), sure, he had a shit game, but he is quality, great in the air, good with the ball at his feet, and decent at defending people running at him with the ball. Verms is obviously a starter, with Koscielny as back-up and Bartley/Miquel as young 4th options coming up, I'm not sure we have to buy. But if we do buy, we don't buy a 3rd/4th option, we buy a person who's as good or better than Verms, otherwise I feel it'd be pointless. So maybe, Chiellini, Subotic/Hummels, Mertesacker...anyway, enough with CB's.
RB-set. Sagna, done. Eboue is good enough as a backup.
LB- Fuck. I love Clichy, but damn is he inconsistent, but once again, who can we buy who is definitively better than him, or Gibbs? Baines... ehhh... I can think of two, Evra and Lahm, that's all I got..

Who goes: Squizzy, Almunia (they just suck)
In: Starter World class CB (if anything)

In defense, our CB's are typically together and in sync during the run of play. We have the best RB in the world in my opinion, and for as fast as he gets up and down the field, Clichy doesn't fuck us too hard during the run of play either. I don't think it's purchases we need (unless it's 100% world class player), I think it's an emphasis on set pieces, because that is where we give up our goals. If we can get that sorted out, we'll get perfect, because we have the 3rd-4th best defense in Goals Against the whole year.

In Midfield: I'll start with who has to go, and it's Rosicky and Denilson. Rosicky hasn't been effective since 07-08, Denilson is the most useless player I think I've ever seen. I'll be ecstatic if Barca still want to pay 12 mill. for him. Fuck, I'd love it if they wanted him for 1.2 mill.
CM- Everyone's basically a central midfielder, and I think the "holding" role needs to be reduced to one player, either Song or Wilshere, while they both do have creative qualities, I feel they are too similar to be on the field at the same time. Watching Nasri and Cesc combine like last year against Villa or this year I think against Birmingham in the 3-0 game is phenomenal, but they're skill in tight spaces is more formidable in the center of the park. So I would keep Song, have Cesc in a more withdrawn position, and then Nasri as our attacking CM. Wilshere, Diaby (who I love, actually runs at people, and is aggresive with the ball at his feet) Ramsey, Frimpong. Lansbury, I feel, will be only a fringe player.. So a purchase of a veteran who knows the premier league who can come in when Cesc gets hurt, a player who isn't afraid to shoot from distance either. Overall, we have a good midfield, just a replacement for Rosicky, who can come in and compete with Ramsey and Diaby, and move Nasri central.

Who goes: Rosicky, Denilson
In: Premier League veteran back-up CM

Up front: Strikers: RVP is the stuff. He's staying. He is the perfect player for our role, someone who can finish, but also drop deep and create for the wings and create space in behind him. Chamakh is garbage, period. Played great early, but does not have the skill and finesse to his game needed in our system. Bendtner, while frustrating, has power and a little bit of grace, so I think keeping him around isn't a bad idea. I wouldn't be against selling Chamakh for 5 or so. I say recall Vela, and purchase one more fairly large, but skilled player to come in and challenge Bendtner, who i think is too complacent is his role. Needs to be challenged, but by quality, not Chamakh.

Wingers: Walcott, I think, has the right wing held down pretty solidly, his pace is menacing, and his crossing is slowly improving, and his finishing is great from the right side. On the left, I think we need to buy a player that can provide service, but more importantly can cut in and shoot. Alexis Sanchez is that guy for me, 22 chilean from Udinese, has crazy pace, skill out the wazoo, and can finish (12 goals in 27 league games for Udinese, who also has Di Natale getting 26 goals) so he can score some goals from the wing position. We'll probably have to pay 20+ for him, because I've always had a thing for him, and looked up who wanted him, and Man City are willing to pay 30+... so we have to bid EARLY for him. Arshavin is a great super sub these days, but not consistent enough. I feel we don't have enough true wingers, other than Walcott and Arshavin it's Nasri, Bendtner, and sometimes Eboue? No thanks. We may have to sell Arshavin to fund the purchase, but considering he's 30 and Sanchez 22, it's a good deal. With Ryo (and maybe JET) presumably in the first team next year, he can provide a back-up winger to come in and run at people like Sanchez and Walcott do (if Arshavin is sold)

Out: Chamkah, maybe Arshavin
In: Sanchez, skilled, veteran striker

Team:
Perry S.

1.) Arshavin isn't going anywhere.
2.) Perfectly suitable and very skilled veteran CB - Pers Mertesacker (agile, skilled on set pieces - both defending and scoring)
3.) LB - Pablo Armero
4. If we can get the 40+ million for Fabregas, we should take it and purchase Gourcuff for the 22 mill buyout...he's an excellent replacement and IMO will probably work out better for us. Take the extra $$ and invest it into a world class striker.
Lorient

No! Not Gourcuff! The most overrated player ever! I used to keep an eye on him and all he has done was to choke whenever big games arrived. Plus, he is not mentally strong...
Perry S.

Lorient -- I just feel the time is right to sell him if we get the right $$ for him. You can see now that his desire is fading with Arsenal and I think after going through the motions this season, he has some belief that Arsenal will not win a trophy for a few more years.

With that said, why not cash in on him and sell high without taking any risk. (*knock on wood*) Imagine if he sustained a major injury that caused long-term damage, or if he just starts to drop out of form...his value would drastically decrease. I honestly don't feel his value will rise any higher being with Arsenal.

I feel if we can get the right kind of $$ for him with having a summer where there are some very good replacement options out there + sign a solid goal scorer, then I feel this summer is the right time to pull the trigger. I think a little shakeup at that level might put some fire in our remaining players' hearts that this team is serious about winning next season.

To me, that definitely is taking strides in the right direction to correct our goal scoring problems by allowing us to purchase another out-and-out striker. There is obviously defensive issues we still would need to resolve, but its a start...

If not Gourcuff, who would you like to see replace Cesc if you could have your way?
Lorient

Well, Nasri can do the trick in short term. Personally, after seeing Wilshere's performances, I believe that he can become Fabregas's replacement. Arsenal do not need to invest on a type of player (creative player with great vision) that they already own (Wilshere, Ramsey). The way Wilshere has played was way more superior to any given performance shown by Gourcuff this season.

Nonetheless, I do agree that Fabregas may leave in order to reconstruct the team.
Benjamin Dockter

Mertesacker is a good defender, but I would hardly call him agile.
Perry S.

For his size, he's pretty damn incredible and someone I think all of our defenders can learn from...he knows how to defend very, very well whilst keeping a clean record.

*By incredible, I mean he's great on his feet, moves quickly, and handles his opposition very well.
Orion_saidwiseguy

Wolfsburg are currently in the relegation zone.. things might be looking up for us. what with a player of his calibre would definitely moot for a transfer for a Champions League side. My main worry is TV5 not returning to his best, and Wenger will probably assume that he will return to his high standards, which is a downright risky gamble imo.
Perry S.

110% agree. He wouldn't be a very expensive buy either. 18-22 mill range should do it.
Benjamin Dockter

What you call "not very expensive" Wenger will call highway robbery.
Orion_saidwiseguy

Yeah and further down in the comment section, someone said that if we sell Cesc to Barca we might get 40+m and use said money to bring in Gourcouff by buying him out from that release clause he had. It's 22 million; I can't see it happening.
Perry S.

Well more than likely that is true, but as I said in a previous post to Martin, I feel its make or break this summer for Wenger. I think he will take into consideration 1.) the sale of some disposable players 2.) a larger kitty available for the transfer window. I am going to make myself believe he will spend around 35-40 million this summer to bring in 3-4 recruitments, its the only way I can get over the heartbreak as it stands now.
Benjamin Dockter

I agree that he's going to have to spend a good chunk of money to keep the fans happy, but I don't think he'll spend more than 15 mil. on one player. More than likely it will be two 15 mil players and two 5 mil players or something similar.
Perry S.

I actually am in alignment with what Orion said up there about Mertesacker (although he doesn't play for Wolfsburg, rather Werder Bremen, but still a club with no UCL aspirations currently). I've got to imagine we could get him at somewhat of a discount. In January, the price tag on him was 18 mill, so I think with the situation as it stands, we might be able to land him for 16 now. He's also expressed interest in coming to Arsenal. Here's to hoping!

Edit: Scratch that 16 million, I'm reading many reports that state his value will be in the 10-14 mill range due to Werder's problems this season and his desire to leave.
TJ

Cavani for the striker purchase.
Perry S.

Cavani cannot and will not be purchased. He is on loan currently to Napoli and his contract is slated as a purchase this summer for 16 mill. They are not about to let their #1 player go and he has no inclination to leave. (Napoli is a favourite team of mine, 2nd to Arsenal)
JG

Perry, you too? I want them to win Serie A so bad, but unfortunately can only watch a few of their games if any at all. But they really are like Arsenal-Italy version down there. Tell me, you think Hamsik would be wanting to go anywhere? Probably not considering he has CL football next season.
Perry S.

JG, they're drinking out of the same well of water Arsenal is...its like they are clones of each other, especially this season! They had it in their reach and let it slip, yesterday was such a tough pill to swallow being both an Arsenal and Napoli supporter.

I think the trio we've got there in Hamsik, Lavezzi, and Cavani will be the foundation to build around for at least a few solid years!
JG

Not to mention a beast at right wing in Maggio, and some pretty solid CM's in Gargano and Piazenza. I hope the squad stays intact and add some other good players in the off-season, where they could legitimately become a stronger force in Italian football (or at least perform to the level they're playing right now).
Gigi_man

Oh and a CF to back up is must needed IMO as well.
Gigi_man

I think AW got it all wrong by letting some players do the ...talking?
1. His project is very good and has worked for other big clubs, but he thought his project had no flaws/ no room for big or at least more experienced names.
2. He had no back up plan,

and then the players, not without a big responsibility from AW:
1. dont seem to follow the game (there is little to no rebound or following the ball, if a ball is lost most of the time you see no red shorts appearing on that side of the pitch, maybe thinking that they d be interfeering in X or Y "labour on the pitch".
2. seem to follow exactly what AW says with no initiative.

But thats AW's fault. His project maybe did not allow it.

And AWs fault (also another reson in my mind of the debacle) is that he doesnt get to feel who is mentally strong for this type of situations where we lack of mental power, then you cant tell this type of player to go and solve a situation, because they will always stick to the script.

And I am talking about some talented players we have, but they need one or two Tony Adamses on the pitch, as well as maybe a Titi Henry, nit in terms of the game, but of his intelligence in reading how to unluck when a game that was figured out by the opponent.

So my wish list and sale list, which I will comment on in answers to some comments, will be based on this.
ASDF

Read this quote from Wenger somewhere...."If we do not deliver in one or two years I will be responsible. It is the most important moment in the life of this club" - Arsene Wenger, 16 May 2009
Gigi_man

well he definitely seems to remember judging from his attitude on the bench on Sunday, and maybe he renderd a resignation letter, post dated and conditioned...
Moscos Omollo

It is the same perpetual problem......we have a thin squad of "good" players - meaning Denilson, Bentner, Rosicky etc etc are NOT brilliant players - This means that our best crop is OVERWORKED - thus the reason for the dismal performances towards the end of the season EVERY season - we are a good team when we have rested and have had a break - This is a proven point now for the past 5 years - Hope we can invest in at least 3-4 GOOD creative players - No team will be able to touch Arsenal then - The philosophy of Wenger is good – but he needs to pay market prices and fill the vacuum.
Zain Cannon

Arsenal do not have many irreplaceable players....Pretty much the whole first team can be replaced.

This team has shown to be mentally suspect so I expect Wenger to start shifting most of them.

Id start at the back. Buy not one but two solid CBs. Find a beast to start alongside Vermaelen. Koscielney and Djorou should be backup. Bin Squillaci and find competition for Clichy.

Buy a holding player that can actually tackle, Song is a backup DM for me. Bin Denilson. Rosicky brings little as well.

Upfront find a proper CF, physical and quick. Knows the goal and scores for fun.
Gigi_man

comenting on your changes:

Agree on finding a pair to Vermaelen, with equal to greater mental skills. Clichy is fine, but not good enough IMO. Too clumsy at times, too shaky at others, and not really smart when the "what to do with the ball" moment comes.

For HMF I d stick with Song, but definitely would look for a back up. Denilson should definitely be sold.. or given for free I dont know. I like the guy but lacks judgement, mental and is not thaaaat talented. Rosicky should also be sold, has talent, but really well hidden in this time of his career.

And totally agree on the CF, been saying this for a while, but as great and super talented as RVP is, and as much as he scores when he is fit...he is not walys fit..
Zain Cannon

As much as I love Rosicky, Bentner and Denislon...I love the club more and want to see trophies. We need to get something for them and add that to the overall funds available. I have no issues with Song but he needs an older head to challenge him and that will even help his game.
Lorient

AS much as your idealization of Arsenal is delightful to read, it cannot and will not be achieved. Realistically, Arsenal will not spend large sum of money on one single player (a center half let's say) and with the market's inflation, with the money that Wenger is allowed to spend, he might end up buying one center back with funds that would normally buy two to three of them... Plus, if he starts to buy cheap, you will not get the quality. Finally, in the current market, there are not a lot of world class defenders available and willing to play for a team that have not won a trophy for 6 years... So, one center half is good and developing the ones we have is great too. Djourou is a formidable center half and has proved us that he can be a great defender he just needs to be more consistent now and less injury prone too.

I do agree that Song is quite suspect. Whenever he gets injured and comes back, it takes him some time to get to a respectable level. In some games, he is absolutely amazing with his dribbling and drilling slalom that cuts right through the opposing defense. Unfortunately, there are games where he vanishes completely (as in the game agaisnt Barcelona). Nonetheless, I would still go with him because Arsenal developed him and it is always a pleasure to go and entrust a player that you have nurtured so that the younger ones can see how to do it. Plus, if Barcelona play constantly with Busquets, Liverpool with Lucas, I would not see why Song cannot be our regular holding midfielder. However, this would not exclude the arrival of another holding midfielder to threat Song and replace him whenever he is injured instead of using Denilson...

''Upfront find a proper CF, physical and quick. Knows the goal and scores for fun.'' Wasn't that supposed to be Chamakh? Well, because of M.Wenger's faith in Van Persie (which is not a bad thing either, but sometimes...) buying a complete CF is pointless unless that CF is versatile and willing to play as a winger and, as I proposed earlier, willing to play alongside Walcott sometimes in an interchangeable position.
Zain Cannon

But thats the thing...You dont need to spend large bucks to bring quality. However, if the player is world class and totally worth it then its wise to pay that extra million or two. He could be the difference between a trophy or nothing. See it as an investment.

There are a lot of quality CBs around but if the club will not pay the fees (especially the wages), they will not come. I say get rid of the players that are contributing little, get them off the books and use the money to bring in quality that will perform and deserve every penny.

Nothing wrong with Djourou but, he had a serious injury last year, relying on him as we've done is pretty risky. Anyways, we need a rugged old school stopper who eats up any brute we come against. We getting killed on set-pieces...With Djorou!

On the strikers, Chamakh was never the 25-30 man...He was bought to be like Wiltord - contribute double figures. Arsenal need someone like Eto'o, someone who finds the back of the net with ease and offers more at the same time.
Chris

"You dont need to spend large bucks to bring quality". Case in point being Hernandez and Van der Vaart. Neither cost much, relatively speaking (and VdV was an amazing buy, considering he was coming off the back of a strong World Cup performance). But both have had a very powerful impact on their respective teams.
Alexinho

Hey all, been a long time. Though I seldom post anymore, I often enjoy reading the new entries from Martin, Sairax, and the regular commenters. Keep it up!

There's a question I've been meaning to ask this board since I read an interview of Xavi a month or two ago. Xavi had said that if Barca doesn't win in anything for two years, "everything must change..." the style doesn't change, but the personnel certainly does.

First of all, I apologize for bringing up Barca. My question is this: If Arsenal had to eliminate fully half of the roster--who goes, and who stays?

I have my own list, but I'd like to hear what everyone else has to say, particularly the regular-posters. Thanks everyone-
Alexinho

Thanks for so many great responses, everyone. Every player that I feel has to go has been brought up once or twice, and there are some great suggestions as to who should come in--especially Coentrao, who is simply perfect for the situation. Nesta is a great idea, and Puyol (the latter will never happen). van Bommel...totally don't see and don't really want to see...there is a line and he's too dirty of a player technically.

One thing I'd like to add that hasn't already been mentioned is Song. If you can only keep half the team, there have to be some tough cuts, and I think Song would be one of them. Yes, he had a very good season last year, but even then, I recall a conversation on this board about how he was not yet world class. This year, definitively, he is not world class, and he never looked close to it prior to last season--with three games left in the season, he has certainly regressed. I think dying his hair has fried his brains or something. At his best this season, he has been a great partner for Wilshere. But last season he didn't need Wilshere, he could play the back of the midfield all on his own. Throughout the first part of the season he moved further and further forward, more and more often, and though he does not attack as much as he did then, he has never been as good on defense as he was last season, when he could convincingly fill in at center-half. What could have been...this time last year, I thought if they had just converted him into a full-time center-half, gotten him a few more reps, it would've been Song and Vermaelen at the back...now, he's been reduced to nothing more than a mediocre, not-quite-attacking, not-quite-defending, not-really-box-to-box midfielder with the faintest trace of a left foot.

I reserve similar comments for Diaby. I don't think he's the thickest of players on the team, and I think he gets more criticism than he deserves, but, like Rosicky, he's certainly been around the team for far too long to have such a season that he's had, regardless of injuries. He is much more firmly in the "cuts" category. But like Song, the way that he played last season, it makes this such a shame, especially because he won't really be missed...even by me.

As for Fabregas. I think he will absolutely go if Wenger shows a hint of wanting to let him go. Barca will not put up 30 mil for him like they did last season, but I think they will make an offer. The real determining factor is what Wenger does. The economist (hustler, pimp) that he has proven himself to be, he could accept any conceivable value Barca might offer and make a ridiculous profit, and this is likely more important to him than any one player. Does he do the deed? Fabregas is firmly in the "keep" half of the roster, but surely...surely...the next year must hold major changes for Arsenal.
Lorient

Song is not world class and might never reach that level: true. Nonetheless, if you create a partnership with someone competent that has an enormous potential (Wilshere) or a lot of experience (Additional holding midfielder), you can keep him.

If Chelsea are still with Obi Mikel, Barcelona constantly fields Busquets and Liverpool are with Lucas, then Arsenal can certainly benefit from Song... Song has shown already what he is capable of and has delivered performances far better than any before mentioned players by providing us crucial goals, assists and vital tackles.

However, his performances are oscillating and you never know whether he is going to be his great day or another anonymous performance. So, I would keep him, but adding another holding midfielder is primordial.
Lorient

Well, obliviously, players that don't have any necessity in the club's future should go. As such, fodder players that have generic attributes and only serve as 3rd choice back-up should be sold.

The first to come into my mind would be Bendtner. As much as Martin might respect him, I despite him. The man did prove us wrong sometime, I said sometimes, but you need more than sometimes... I would not even send him on loan because he wouldn't come back afterward. He is arrogant and thinks highly of himself and wouldn't take it if he was loaned.

Rosicky was an outstanding player, but his time has come too and with the eminence of young midfielder popping out from nowhere (Wilshere, Ramsey if he ever gets to his past form, etc) he won't be needed anymore. Experience? The man has won nothing in his career so much about experience. Furthermore, the yougsters coming out of the academy are more versatile and are more used to the role of box-to-box midfielder which is something Arsenal really need to work upon because of their defense deficiency. Rosicky doe not provide defensive coverage and his once incredible vision of the game has left him as mere shadow of his former self.

Denilson should go due to the lack progression and the emergence of young talented midfielders coming through the academy. Frimpong has shown more potential that Denilson already and Wilshere does Denislon and Fabregas's job wonderfully well. Ramsey played like wilshere before his injury. Coquelin is another too to keep an eye on. Hum, and please don't talk about Eastmond, I really don't see the hype about the guy he makes me remember about Sergio Busquets...

Surprinsingly, I would have kept Sol Campbell rather than to buy this Squizz guy. However, we are trapped with him. In the defense area, it isn't an easy matter. Arsenal have to keep all of their reminding defender and hope for the best. In other words, Vermealen needs to come back, Djourou stays 100% fit for the season and Kos should be deputizing his place (Djourou) whenever the opportunity shows up. So, another center half would not do any harm or take someone from the academy and develop him super fast by playing all unimportant games (Carling cup, F.A. cup and Pre-season) could also be a solution.

Another Holding midfielder should be added to the team as Song is not the most consistent of player on the field and Diaby is too injury prone. Once that additional holding midfielder is well implemented in the squad, Diaby should be sold too. (Same as earlier--> promising midfielder and less injury prone too...)

Walcott should be use à la Messi by forcing to cut more inside and try to shoot fro God's sake. Then, try to find a young striker in the making (not necessarily great) as example, take back Vela if he ever shows good sign of development and use him occasionally (like the proposed 5th center half) in the wing as Walcott takes Van Persi's place in the center and Van Persi sits and watch quietly. That ''striker'' doesn't need to be a typical fox of the box type of striker. He could be a winger that constantly interchange places with Walcott and creates disarray in the opposing defense. In a way, this would emulate more Barcelona... No need for a real striker as long as anyone tries and the person who is the nearest, takes the shot. Of course, sometimes, they have the help of their little magical, clinical android also known as ''Messi'', but then, if with time Walcott, Vela or someone else develops a little bit their finish, then offensively, Arsenal will look dangerous.

Now, if Fabregas goes, I would go with Nasri to replace him (as Wilshere needs to develop more into the role of deep play maker) and introduce someone more creative and more clinical than Nasri on the left wing.

As for Arshavin, well, the man can as well be leaving...
Perry S.

Putting my Arshavin bias aside, can you tell me why you feel he should be leaving considering he's had a pretty solid season overall.
Bertrand

Thing is Arshavins had 11 assists and 10 goals.

To put that in perspective, Bale has only scored 7 goals and assisted once.
Bertrand

Fabregas should go, his heart isn't at the club anymore. Bendtner should go, what a total tool. Denilson, Rosicky, Almunia, Squillaci, Eboue, Clichy should all leave.

I'd keep Walcott, Nasri, Wilshire, Djourou, Vermaelen, RVP..Chamakh did really well at the beginning of the season, he should be kept as backup. Koscielny hasn't done badly either. Arshavin is getting older, he has experience, and has the stats to back it up, he should be kept, but only as a squad member.

I'd bring in Hulk from Porto as an alternative to Van Persie, as Robin is guaranteed to miss at least half the season through injury. He can play on the left, and has scored 24 goals in 25 games for Porto. As a top striker, he is also way cheaper than most other strikers of that caliber.
In defence, I would bring in Nesta and Coentrao. Nesta is injury prone, but he is a proven winner. As an elite defender, he would bring both the experience and the mentality to the club, and he is also guaranteed to miss half the season. As such, Vermalaen/Nesta would be first choice, whilst Djourou will serve as capable backups. Nesta should not be too expensive, as he is already 34 and AC Milan are trying to balance their books. Coentrao can replace Clichy on the left side of defence, with Gibbs as backup.

In the midfield, someone with attitude and the right mentality would be ideal. Gilberto should never have been let go. I'm thinking someone like Van Bommel.

So the first team would be:
Wojo
Sagna Verm Nesta/Djourou Coentrao
Song
Wilshere Ramsey
Walcott Nasri
Van Persie

Bench:
Fabianski, Van Bommel, Gibbs, Hulk, Chamakh, Diaby, Arshavin, Koscielny

What do you guys think?
Gigi_man

Mostly agree.
But a huge thing is to find a back up for Wojo, Lehmann is fine now, but he will be 43 next year. Almunia is a great guy but should definitely go.
I d say find another CB, not taht Djourou is bad, but his injury record keeps me nervous, someone with a Verma-type mental would be glorious. Clichy should go.
A back up for Song should be found.
Fabregas, I agree, is not the last season Fabregas. If he wants to leave, just let him do so, enough of the dependance. But to replace him we need someone mentally stronger.
Dont get me wrong, but he is far from a Verma-mental-state. And Nasri isnt there either.

We should go for guys that have a Verma/ Wojo/ Adams / Lehmann look in the eye.
Perry S.

Gigi -- Have you forgotten about Fabianski as a backup for Wojo? I think he's a suitable backup since we now have our legitimate starter in goal...no?
Gigi_man

Oh God, u r right. Actually I meant a back up to replace Almunia, since Flaps is still injured, so, basically a 3rd keeper , regardless of the order.
Delta1

I think we should go for puyol..has won everything there is to win, his experience at barca of being the caveman among the cavaliers around will serve him well at arsenal..plus i think puyol is everything arsenal lacks..he has been a man mountain for barca..more integral then all the tiki-taka-ists people keep referring to..
puyol has been even better tha nesta, and wenger should use all his powers to bring him here..it would be massive, trust me!!
Benjamin Dockter

Puyol is the type of player Arsenal needs, but there is no way that he would ever leave Barca for Arsenal. He'll play there till he retires.
JG

You forget that Nesta will likely only leave Milan for Lazio, his hometown club, where he has repeatedly stated it's the club where he wants to retire in. I'd rather we go for Thiago Silva, his partner in crime in Milan right now. Younger, but not too young (26). Has experience with his NT and will have won the Serie A medal come this summer. A must-buy for me.
Bertrand

People will say all kinds of rubbish. Didn't Torres also say he'd never leave Liverpool for another Premier League club?

Silva is good..but he will cost way more than Nesta. Probably even more than Luiz. And he doesn't have the experience Nesta does. Say what you want about him, but hes nothing if not a winner.
RedCapedWonder

So we get him for say 8 or 10 mill and we get at best 2 seasons out of him, while Silva could give us at least 4.
Bertrand

Van Bommel would be free, Hulk would cost 20 mil pounds at most, Nesta would cost ~5 mil pounds and Coentrao is worth around 10 mil pounds.
If we can sell Bendtner for 10 mil pounds, Denilson for 5, Squizz for 1, Almunia for 1, Clichy for 5 and Eboue for 5..that would bring 27 mil in.

Which means a net spend of 7 mil.
Not bad at all.
Marloneious

Wenger, you have 40million for the summer right? So you sell Rosicky,Denilson,and Almunia,put Bendtner and Squizz on loan,and buy Reina, Samba, and Eden Hazard. If that happens, shitty results like this wont happen again.
Benjamin Dockter

There do need to be some changes in the dressing room, but you're picking the wrong people to bring in. Hazard would be a welcome addition to the team, but the others not so much. Reina would have been great to sign any time in the last 3 years when we were desperate for a good goalkeeper, but now Wojo pretty much has that position tied down. Would you want to sign someone to take over for Jack after the season he's had? He's shown he has what it takes and is top class. He needs to be given his chance. I would agree that we need a new central defender. Samba has the attitude that we need, but is completely lacking in skill, pace or the right type of experience. We want "winners, who know how to win something." What has Samba ever won.

We need to get someone like Lucio when he went from Bayern to Inter. He was around 30, had already won many things as a player, had tons of experience and still very skilled. We have young guys galore. We don't need more prodigy's. We need a few older guys that can come in, play maybe 20 games a year and really carry the team and be an example of how to force it and get things done on your off days. If we'd had one or two more guys like Sol last year, we could have gone all the way. I remember watching a couple games thinking "Sol may be old and not as skilled as the other guys, but he single handedly kept us in this game and kept everyone from slacking".
JG

Kinda like a Carvalho to Madrid transfer, right?
Right now, the name that pops into my head is Thiago Silva. The man is a beast, better than David Luiz even. If Wenger is serious, then he should pay whatever it takes to get him.
Benjamin Dockter

Exactly like Carvalho. He may be going towards the end of his career, but those are the types of players we desperately need. Someone to come in for 2-3 years, give their knowledge and expertise to the younger players and step aside when the younger players are ready to take over. We need GK, CB, DM and maybe a central striker (maybe not). In the case of GK and Striker, they wouldn't be bought to take over for our younger players, but to help improve them by handing down knowledge and pushing them. For instance, Jack has done amazing this year, but if we had an older reliable player to come in and give Jack a rest for maybe 5-10 games, I think it could only make him better.
Benjamin Dockter

I also think this is why Chelsea have been so hit-or miss the last couple years. They have a great squad, but their players are all older. They don't have many younger players that can come in a take the load off the older guys for 10-20 games. Neither 30 yr olds nor 20 yr olds can play every game in an entire season. You need a mix to share the load so you're always fielding experienced players with younger guys, whether it's your best 11 or your squad players.
Marloneious

It doesnt matter who we buy, as long as we buy
Benjamin Dockter

I hope you're joking. Who we buy matters a lot. Otherwise we'll be stuck with a team full of denilsons and squilachis
Marloneious

I was referring to the player's we had mentioned before.
Guest

Samba is pure shit.
Get Sakho and Cahill.
Gigi_man

Cahill is a good choice.
HAs anyone seen the top Ligue one scorer? I forgot the name but was impressive, even for Ligue 1 standards.
Perry S.

Really, Samba is pure shit? Guy has the most blocked shots in the league, he's about as close as you can come to being a 2nd keeper on the pitch. He's a damn good defender built for the EPL.
Guest

this team is ridiculous.

Why pay losers so much?
Shirish K.

we have only second place to play for. the best finish after 2005
Gigi_man

I hate when I am right about something I care so much, but I said it a while ago. I hope they prove me wrong on the "fighting for the 4th spot" part at least-
RandomRambler

I have pity.
Brentonwalters

In the middle of an election campaign I have a few minutes to check on Arsenal's progress, and this is what I get? Shitty losses and 3rd place? F@#k me. I'll be less bitter in a while, and happy enough with 3rd place, but I'm bitter right now, and comfortable saying this: This team sucks.
FredJacob

you suck also Brentonwalters
Brentonwalters

Thanks for that. Are you 12?
colombian-gunner

"You hoped we would come out fighting"
I´ve been waiting for that for a long time, not just the second half of today´s game
I think that´s what arsenal completely lacks
Every team knows our game by now, we make it easy for them, we give them time to prepare for us, we lack the attacking mentality that we once had...you dont wait until you´re down on the score, or until the 85th minute to win a game...you go out fighting as martin said, you never get tired of attacking or scoring. We havent showed any of that, we dont deserve to be on top of any thing playing like that. I love the players, I love the coach, I just think they need a copy of the "49 the complete unbeaten season" in order to click again and show what THEOVANNASREGAS and the whole team is made of
Damien

If cannot win it this season I doubt if we ever can win it under Wenger....
Our home form is what costs us - Losses to west brom, NUFC and Spurs + dropped points against sunderland n blackburn - 13 points dropped
lest we forget the games such as 4 4 NUFC, 3 3 spurs, 1 1 pool - 6 points there. In total 20 easy points dropped.

Had we even taken 60 - 70% of these points we would be leading at the moment......

Hey, look at the bright side at least we learnt our lesson this time, lets breed the young-ins

We are the BEST TEAM IN EUROPE (in terms of finance) and in the long run, may be on my death bed, we will win the coveted Champions League....
Mike Howells

I guess the tough question is, was the first half or the second half of the season the aberration?
Orion_saidwiseguy

The fact that for most of the season, we actually thought we might win the damn thing.
JG

This has been mentioned several times already, but had we won the Carling Cup, we would be sitting 2nd, neck and neck with United, or comfortably in first. That match knocked the stuffing out of us, making us a little too hesitant, too afraid, too much like 08-09 Arsenal in some ways. Go die in a hole, Ben Foster.
That being said, I expect nothing but a warrior display against United. If, God forbid, the stupid Pea scores, I think I will have a minor breakdown. God forbid it being a winning goal. I might just follow Deportivo Tachirita of Colombia, who have gone winless in 29 matches.