Yes, it looks like we're paying the price for not getting the cheque book out soon enough. This new side will take time to gel. It's not rocket science, but is it a crisis? Is Wenger's job hanging by a thread following a defeat by bottom-of-the-table Blackburn? Is Wenger going mad? The French boss said we scored 'six goals'. I heard him on TV. Is he including the two own goals? That still only makes five! I'm confused, but perhaps he is too.
Make no mistake, losing to the Venky's-owned team is a disaster. Only 3 points would have done today as Rovers are virtually dead certs for the drop. Even 1 point would have shown how far Arsenal have slipped.
It's hard to put a positive spin on no points and 4 conceded against the relegation favourites but there were some good individual performances:
Santos is going to be good but lacks match fitness.
Chamakh scored for the first time in ages.
Arteta got his first goal in an Arsenal shirt.
But what about the negatives?
The defence was as porous as ever with Szczeny having a rare bad day at the office. It's going to happen if you trust to youth: you will get great days followed by a bad one. That's why it's a risky policy. Szczeny is a great-to-be but he's not there yet.
This defeat is unacceptable. It's far worse than losing to Manchester United. Yet it's just one game. We can turn our season around.
I felt there was no margin for error today yet here we were scoring own goals! Wenger is not to blame for our tough start to the season. Blame the football calendar for that. But if we have indeed decided to switch to zonal marking I'd like to know who's responsible? However, rather than 'zonal' it looked like no marking at all and no one taking responsibility for their actions or inaction.
Irresponsibility seems to be the new culture of the club. Maybe I should look it up in Latin and make a motto of it! Anyway, it's just one result so we shouldn't get too carried away. Yet this defeat fills me with more despondency than any of the previous games.
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Rice's Arsenal can take the sting out of games
The 'new' Arsenal can take the sting out of games, it seems, judging by the away performance at Borussia Dortmund. Buzzing about in yellow shirts, the waspish German side lost their ability to sting for much of the game until Perisic's late equaliser, anyway.
Much of the credit for that has to go to the management team. There's been doubt and scorn thrown at Arsenal legend Pat Rice and he was Wenger-less for this game. Rice has been portrayed as a 'yes' man, so the question is how did he manage without Arsene?
As Kevin Whitcher pointed out on the Gooner Podcast, Rice did a good job as a caretaker boss in the past and, I have to add, based on this performance against Dortmund he's not lost whatever ability he had back then. Although, Arsenal looked decidedly shaky early on, they looked comfortable for most of the game. Flair was sacrificed for the sake of a result, what was required with this new side needing time to gel together.
The game was characterised by some poor deadballs from a number of Arsenal players, but on the plus side it was good to see Arsenal play 'boring' football. Why? Because it took the wind out of Dortmund's sails.
And just when I least expected it, Robin van Persie won the ball in the Dortmund third. The ball found Theo Walcott, who played a well-measured pass for the Dutchman to run onto. And the finish? Well, van Persie made up for his earlier profligacy in front of goal.
All round, I'm impressed with Arsenal's performance. It's true that I yawned a lot during this game, but I'm pleased my prediction came true. A draw against the German champions away. In salesman-talk, I'd like to ask Arsenal fans this rhetorical question: 'Surely, a draw can't be bad?' Especially, as most other Gooners I spoke to expected defeat.
Big up, Pat Rice!
Much of the credit for that has to go to the management team. There's been doubt and scorn thrown at Arsenal legend Pat Rice and he was Wenger-less for this game. Rice has been portrayed as a 'yes' man, so the question is how did he manage without Arsene?
As Kevin Whitcher pointed out on the Gooner Podcast, Rice did a good job as a caretaker boss in the past and, I have to add, based on this performance against Dortmund he's not lost whatever ability he had back then. Although, Arsenal looked decidedly shaky early on, they looked comfortable for most of the game. Flair was sacrificed for the sake of a result, what was required with this new side needing time to gel together.
The game was characterised by some poor deadballs from a number of Arsenal players, but on the plus side it was good to see Arsenal play 'boring' football. Why? Because it took the wind out of Dortmund's sails.
And just when I least expected it, Robin van Persie won the ball in the Dortmund third. The ball found Theo Walcott, who played a well-measured pass for the Dutchman to run onto. And the finish? Well, van Persie made up for his earlier profligacy in front of goal.
All round, I'm impressed with Arsenal's performance. It's true that I yawned a lot during this game, but I'm pleased my prediction came true. A draw against the German champions away. In salesman-talk, I'd like to ask Arsenal fans this rhetorical question: 'Surely, a draw can't be bad?' Especially, as most other Gooners I spoke to expected defeat.
Big up, Pat Rice!
The predictions of Arsene Wenger/Noah/Nostradamus
Europe's heading for a huge financial crisis in the next 3 weeks to 3 months says Arsene 'Nostradamus' Wenger.
However, with £50m in the kitty still Arsenal in good shape to weather the coming economic storm. Wow! It's like we've got Noah at the helm and we're finally recruiting players 'two by two hurrah'.
Arsene's going to look pretty silly if football survives unscathed if there's another major economic downturn and even sillier of there's no imminent financial danger. It's pessimism like Wenger's that causes crises in confidence.
It's parsimony on the transfer front that results in less finance flowing through the game. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy if everyone plays the same game. But they don't. I predict more egg on Wenger's face and, if so, I hope he sticks to predicting football tactics in future. Or is he trying to tell us he's better qualified to be an economist than a football manager?
However, with £50m in the kitty still Arsenal in good shape to weather the coming economic storm. Wow! It's like we've got Noah at the helm and we're finally recruiting players 'two by two hurrah'.
Arsene's going to look pretty silly if football survives unscathed if there's another major economic downturn and even sillier of there's no imminent financial danger. It's pessimism like Wenger's that causes crises in confidence.
It's parsimony on the transfer front that results in less finance flowing through the game. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy if everyone plays the same game. But they don't. I predict more egg on Wenger's face and, if so, I hope he sticks to predicting football tactics in future. Or is he trying to tell us he's better qualified to be an economist than a football manager?
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Stagnant Wenger?
Has a long reign made Wenger reactionary? I'm not sure. He was certainly revolutionary when he arrived, changing training methods at the club, but perhaps he's stagnated.
You could argue that the last-minute buys were forced on him by the fans he'd love to ignore.
On the other hand, the opposite could be the case. Perhaps, the financial state of the club means we can't buy until we sell. Gone are the days of buying early.
That second argument is a little unconvincing unfortunately as the club keeps saying it's in rude health. From the manager's perpective, it can't be fun selling before buying. What sane manager would choose that route?
But is Wenger sane? Persisting with certain players suggests not, yet again his recent transfer business tells me the opposite: Wenger does indeed have his wits about him and has finally addressed problems in the squad that were obvious for all to see. Maybe an 8-2 reverse at Old Trafford helped him to see it too. That's why I still want him at the club. I'm for stability when it comes to football. Evolution as opposed to revolution. I believe the new listening Wenger could be an improvement on the Wenger we've known over these trophyless years.
These issues are discussed on the latest Gooner Podcast hosted by David Oudout. Make sure you have a listen and
!
You could argue that the last-minute buys were forced on him by the fans he'd love to ignore.
On the other hand, the opposite could be the case. Perhaps, the financial state of the club means we can't buy until we sell. Gone are the days of buying early.
That second argument is a little unconvincing unfortunately as the club keeps saying it's in rude health. From the manager's perpective, it can't be fun selling before buying. What sane manager would choose that route?
But is Wenger sane? Persisting with certain players suggests not, yet again his recent transfer business tells me the opposite: Wenger does indeed have his wits about him and has finally addressed problems in the squad that were obvious for all to see. Maybe an 8-2 reverse at Old Trafford helped him to see it too. That's why I still want him at the club. I'm for stability when it comes to football. Evolution as opposed to revolution. I believe the new listening Wenger could be an improvement on the Wenger we've known over these trophyless years.
These issues are discussed on the latest Gooner Podcast hosted by David Oudout. Make sure you have a listen and
!
Monday, 12 September 2011
Forward?
I just want to thank GunnerTalk( http://www.gunnertalk.com/ ) for giving me the chance on Saturday to interview the fans for GunnerTalk TV. It was great hearing from the fans directly on the subject of Arsenal's transfer deals. The general consensus was that all the summer signings represent good business. Big things are expected of Gervinho and Arteta, especially. Benayoun is considered too lightweight by some fans and Jenkinson might not be ready now, but has potential to be a star in the future.
Of course, had Arsenal not bought a load of players on transfer deadline day, it would have been a very different story. A huge black poster asking the question 'Forward?' stared accusingly at Arsenal's main shop 'The Armoury'. It was set up for around £800, by a committed group of fans who have set up a website called 'Where Has Our Arsenal Gone':(WHOAG) http://www.wherehasourarsenalgone.webeden.co.uk/
By calling off a protest march and electing to put all their efforts behind supporting the team for now, WHOAG proved they're in tune with most fans. Judging by the people I interviewed though, WHOAG are wrong to call the summer transfer business 'less than satisfactory'. Personally though, I can see WHOAG's point. We already had a transfer kitty of £30m, which never seems to increase despite not being touched by Wenger during most transfer windows, and then we sell Fabregas for around £30m, Nasri for more than £20m, Clichy and Eboue for about £10m in total. That makes £90m.
We've spent about £15m on Oxlade-Chamberlain, £9m on Gervinho, £10m on Arteta, £5m on Park, £8m on Mertesacke, £1m on Jenkinson, £6m on Santos and about £5m on Joel Campbell. By my reckoning that's about £61m. Therefore, the £30m war chest has remained untouched. That's all very well if the club intend to spend it during the next transfer window, if required.
Only time will tell if we really are moving forward.
Of course, had Arsenal not bought a load of players on transfer deadline day, it would have been a very different story. A huge black poster asking the question 'Forward?' stared accusingly at Arsenal's main shop 'The Armoury'. It was set up for around £800, by a committed group of fans who have set up a website called 'Where Has Our Arsenal Gone':(WHOAG) http://www.wherehasourarsenalgone.webeden.co.uk/
By calling off a protest march and electing to put all their efforts behind supporting the team for now, WHOAG proved they're in tune with most fans. Judging by the people I interviewed though, WHOAG are wrong to call the summer transfer business 'less than satisfactory'. Personally though, I can see WHOAG's point. We already had a transfer kitty of £30m, which never seems to increase despite not being touched by Wenger during most transfer windows, and then we sell Fabregas for around £30m, Nasri for more than £20m, Clichy and Eboue for about £10m in total. That makes £90m.
We've spent about £15m on Oxlade-Chamberlain, £9m on Gervinho, £10m on Arteta, £5m on Park, £8m on Mertesacke, £1m on Jenkinson, £6m on Santos and about £5m on Joel Campbell. By my reckoning that's about £61m. Therefore, the £30m war chest has remained untouched. That's all very well if the club intend to spend it during the next transfer window, if required.
Only time will tell if we really are moving forward.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Don't compare Arsenal's meerkat to the new otter at the Emirates
Comparethemarket.com have been enjoying brisk business thanks to their promotion which states: 'Get rewarded with an exclusive meerkat soft toy when you buy insurance.' Likewise, Arsenal have also been rewarded for buying on the transfer market. However, instead of a soft toy, Arsenal were rewarded with a soft winning goal against Swansea. And that goal was taken with aplomb by Arsenal's very own incomparable meerkat, Andrey Arshavin.
Poor Arshavin has had more than his fair share of detractors, who decry his workrate. Yet, the Russian is a man or meerkat for a big occasion, so when a chance falls to him you can expect him to take it. Even from an extremely acute angle, Arshavin - a consummate professional - made the conversion of the chance look easy. That's why he's a class above most of the Arsenal team. Unlike them, he won't choke when the pressure's on.
Yet, Arshavin's not the most popular with the fans. One supporter told me: 'Arshavin's let me down'. Scoring four at Anfield may get your name written on the inside of one of the walls of the Emirates Stadium, but that's not such an achievement when people remind you that Julio 'The Beast' Baptista did the same (albeit in the Carling Cup).
Anyway, I'm hopeful now that our meerkat will become just as loved as those little critters on the TV commercials. Like Alexander Meerkat, Arshavin seems to care about the poor pups of Meer London Colney-kovo. I saw him putting his arm around Emmanuel Frimpong at half-time and he even offered words of advice to Bacari Sagna, who's no pup at the age of 28. But Arshavin's the skipper of Russia. He's a chess master on the pitch for his country and maybe, just maybe, we'll see him deliver on a regular basis for Arsenal now...
Now that the meerkat has competition, in the form of an otter! Okay, I mean Arteta. Arsenal took 'the Mikel' out of Everton with a successful £10m bid on transfer deadline day and the Spanish midfield general dictated play against Swansea in a way Arsenal fans haven't seen at all this season. He proved what a much-needed signing he was in just 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt.
At the back, fellow signing Per Mertesacke also did well, and seemed to bring out the best in his defensive Laurent Koscielny. Even Keiran Gibbs looked less shaky than he has recently, although he was put through his paces by Swansea's Scott Sinclair.
Wojciech Szczeny continued his incredible start to the season with another clean sheet, but he had a flap at the end of the game and Swansea almost equalised with one of the last kicks of the game.
Many people will say Arsenal's performance was less than convincing, but you can't knock three points. Even the black 'Forward?' poster set up for around £800 opposite the ground could not quell the sense of optimism at the Emirates. Three points against Swansea at home could be a giant step for meerkat-kind, if Arshavin continues to impress. In fact, Arshavin might decide he's going to be our best signing of all. About time too, some might say.
Poor Arshavin has had more than his fair share of detractors, who decry his workrate. Yet, the Russian is a man or meerkat for a big occasion, so when a chance falls to him you can expect him to take it. Even from an extremely acute angle, Arshavin - a consummate professional - made the conversion of the chance look easy. That's why he's a class above most of the Arsenal team. Unlike them, he won't choke when the pressure's on.
Yet, Arshavin's not the most popular with the fans. One supporter told me: 'Arshavin's let me down'. Scoring four at Anfield may get your name written on the inside of one of the walls of the Emirates Stadium, but that's not such an achievement when people remind you that Julio 'The Beast' Baptista did the same (albeit in the Carling Cup).
Anyway, I'm hopeful now that our meerkat will become just as loved as those little critters on the TV commercials. Like Alexander Meerkat, Arshavin seems to care about the poor pups of Meer London Colney-kovo. I saw him putting his arm around Emmanuel Frimpong at half-time and he even offered words of advice to Bacari Sagna, who's no pup at the age of 28. But Arshavin's the skipper of Russia. He's a chess master on the pitch for his country and maybe, just maybe, we'll see him deliver on a regular basis for Arsenal now...
Now that the meerkat has competition, in the form of an otter! Okay, I mean Arteta. Arsenal took 'the Mikel' out of Everton with a successful £10m bid on transfer deadline day and the Spanish midfield general dictated play against Swansea in a way Arsenal fans haven't seen at all this season. He proved what a much-needed signing he was in just 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt.
At the back, fellow signing Per Mertesacke also did well, and seemed to bring out the best in his defensive Laurent Koscielny. Even Keiran Gibbs looked less shaky than he has recently, although he was put through his paces by Swansea's Scott Sinclair.
Wojciech Szczeny continued his incredible start to the season with another clean sheet, but he had a flap at the end of the game and Swansea almost equalised with one of the last kicks of the game.
Many people will say Arsenal's performance was less than convincing, but you can't knock three points. Even the black 'Forward?' poster set up for around £800 opposite the ground could not quell the sense of optimism at the Emirates. Three points against Swansea at home could be a giant step for meerkat-kind, if Arshavin continues to impress. In fact, Arshavin might decide he's going to be our best signing of all. About time too, some might say.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
International-break curse strikes Arsenal again
Bad news on the injury front is always expected during the international break and this time it's no exception with news that Thomas Vermaelen will be out for 6 weeks and Jack Wilshere missing for 2 months.
It's a good job we were busy on the transfer front last month, eh? Nevertheless, that's two nailed-on first-teamers out of the picture for a while and I maintain that the initial prognosis is traditionally optimistic with Arsenal players.
Wilshere has been over-played and not rested when medical tests indicated he needed a break, and perhaps his injury problems could have been avoided had we added to the squad last January. But I think he'll be back, perhaps even on schedule.
Vermaelen, I'm more worried about. Persistent injury problems could dog his career, we're hearing.
Most worrying of all is the club's inability to keep enough players fit and fresh to mount a title challenge. I believe we could win a cup this year with our new additions, but only an eternal optimist would say we'll be up there challenging for the league.
Anyway, the club should analyse the problem and try to determine the reason for it. It could be any of the following:
1) we over-play certain players;
2) we don't conduct stingent-enough medicals prior to making new signings;
3) our medical treatment is ineffective;
4) our training methods need changing.
The pre-match warm-ups I've seen at all levels at Arsenal make me think we could improve our training methods and I think we all know certain players, like Wilshere, have played too many games at a young age. Even the FA recognise this is dangerous for young players, but Le Prof, known for the appliance of science, seemingly refuses to recognise this.
I find this strange, given our boss introduced a scientific approach to sports nutrition and sports psychology in football. We have to thank him for being an innovator and his success at Arsenal was built on substances like creatine and his logical demeanour. He was a breath of fresh air.
We now need the appliance of science in the physiology department too. Please Mr Wenger, address this problem, just like you did the recent lack of experienced personnel in our squad. If you do, you will make us great again.
It's a good job we were busy on the transfer front last month, eh? Nevertheless, that's two nailed-on first-teamers out of the picture for a while and I maintain that the initial prognosis is traditionally optimistic with Arsenal players.
Wilshere has been over-played and not rested when medical tests indicated he needed a break, and perhaps his injury problems could have been avoided had we added to the squad last January. But I think he'll be back, perhaps even on schedule.
Vermaelen, I'm more worried about. Persistent injury problems could dog his career, we're hearing.
Most worrying of all is the club's inability to keep enough players fit and fresh to mount a title challenge. I believe we could win a cup this year with our new additions, but only an eternal optimist would say we'll be up there challenging for the league.
Anyway, the club should analyse the problem and try to determine the reason for it. It could be any of the following:
1) we over-play certain players;
2) we don't conduct stingent-enough medicals prior to making new signings;
3) our medical treatment is ineffective;
4) our training methods need changing.
The pre-match warm-ups I've seen at all levels at Arsenal make me think we could improve our training methods and I think we all know certain players, like Wilshere, have played too many games at a young age. Even the FA recognise this is dangerous for young players, but Le Prof, known for the appliance of science, seemingly refuses to recognise this.
I find this strange, given our boss introduced a scientific approach to sports nutrition and sports psychology in football. We have to thank him for being an innovator and his success at Arsenal was built on substances like creatine and his logical demeanour. He was a breath of fresh air.
We now need the appliance of science in the physiology department too. Please Mr Wenger, address this problem, just like you did the recent lack of experienced personnel in our squad. If you do, you will make us great again.
Monday, 5 September 2011
A minor trophy this season is not out of the question for Arsenal
Infuriating Barca claim they only spent 29m euros on Cesc. That's £25.5m! There we were thinking the club raked in another £10m. Quite timely given some questions raised by fans who are demanding to know where the kitty of £30m plus £7m for Clichy, £3m for Eboue, £20m or so on Nasri and the ever-declining Cesc money has gone.
The Cesc debacle may make the club look stupid in not demanding the original 60m euros asking price or £52.5m, but players will join us knowing we will not keep them against their will a la Modric at Spurs. For short-term financial gain Tottenham's policy is evidently best but long-term only time will tell.
However, time isn't a commodity that Arsene Wenger has a lot of right now hence what some have dubbed as his uncharacteristic panic buys. The transfer business wasn't proactive it was reactive, yet I'd prefer that to no reaction at all.
I've got a feeling it's all going to come good for Arsenal this season despite what appears to be gross mismanagement from the top. Not saying we'll win the league, but a minor trophy is not out of the question now.
The Cesc debacle may make the club look stupid in not demanding the original 60m euros asking price or £52.5m, but players will join us knowing we will not keep them against their will a la Modric at Spurs. For short-term financial gain Tottenham's policy is evidently best but long-term only time will tell.
However, time isn't a commodity that Arsene Wenger has a lot of right now hence what some have dubbed as his uncharacteristic panic buys. The transfer business wasn't proactive it was reactive, yet I'd prefer that to no reaction at all.
I've got a feeling it's all going to come good for Arsenal this season despite what appears to be gross mismanagement from the top. Not saying we'll win the league, but a minor trophy is not out of the question now.
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Arsenal's reasons to be cheerful
We have two reasons to be cheerful: 1) transfer deadline day and 2) the international break.
I never thought I'd say it, but transfer deadline day was busy for Arsenal. Better late than never. Better early than late though and maybe we could have chalked up 6 points instead of 1 by this stage of the season.
So delay has cost us at least 5 points. If we win the league then no one can moan. If those 5 points would have made the difference between finishing fourth and finishing fifth I think we have the right to demand an inquest. Of course we won't get one but the club should explain itself. Very little of what it's done on the transfer front makes sense apart from the signings just before the transfer deadline.
The question is why the delay? Was it really to keep the wage bill down for as long as possible? I can see it's a safety first approach but when it comes to finances we have been careful to the point that it's actually damaged the team. Hence players that are not really ready for first team action have been thrust into the limelight too early.
Anyway it looks like the club and Arsene Wenger have listened to the fans finally. So all credit to them for that. Let's hope the new signings can save our season.
The international break has come at the right time for the club. It's a time to regroup and our new signings seem to be chomping at the bit: judging by our new number nine, Chu Young Park banging in a hat-trick for South Korea. Check out the goals, all out of the top drawer!
The old boys are doing it too: Robin van Persie scoring four for Holland and Aaron Ramsey scoring the winner for Wales. Suddenly international football feels purposeful! I've always seen it as an unwelcome distraction until now! Now it's suddenly welcome into our football calendar, as I get the feeling we're going to get maximum points this month.
I can't help but feel optimistic now. Per Mertesacker, our new number 4, is rated as one of the best in the world in his position and we got him for around £8m. Well done Arsenal!
Our new number 8, Mikel Arteta is a top quality Premier League midfielder and now we've got him. At £10m, some will say he's overpriced. I'm not so sure. He takes a better free kick than Cesc Fabregas, but in every other department he's inferior, it's true...except one! He wants to be here. Of course, we mustn't compare him to Cesc, but Arteta will thrive at our club, I feel sure of it. He's an excellent passer of the ball and will add experience to our midfield. My only fear is his work rate. I've never been that impressed with that side of his game, but maybe he just needed a change of club. Playing alongside better players should inspire him. So £10m could be a snip for a player we've long been linked with.
The loan signing of Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea, though, came straight out of the left field. What inspired Wenger to sign our new number 30? I'm not sure, but he'll be an asset. I see him as a decent replacement for Samir Nasri. Benayoun is more consistent, but on his day Nasri is completely unplayable, and I'm not sure the same applies to Yossi. Anyway, I think he'll do well for us.
Finally, there's Andre Santos our new number 11. Why do we have to give 'attacking' numbers to our defenders. I blame William Gallas! He started acting like a petulant number 10 once he got that number, let's hope a similar fate doesn't befall Santos, our new left back!
I never thought I'd say it, but transfer deadline day was busy for Arsenal. Better late than never. Better early than late though and maybe we could have chalked up 6 points instead of 1 by this stage of the season.
So delay has cost us at least 5 points. If we win the league then no one can moan. If those 5 points would have made the difference between finishing fourth and finishing fifth I think we have the right to demand an inquest. Of course we won't get one but the club should explain itself. Very little of what it's done on the transfer front makes sense apart from the signings just before the transfer deadline.
The question is why the delay? Was it really to keep the wage bill down for as long as possible? I can see it's a safety first approach but when it comes to finances we have been careful to the point that it's actually damaged the team. Hence players that are not really ready for first team action have been thrust into the limelight too early.
Anyway it looks like the club and Arsene Wenger have listened to the fans finally. So all credit to them for that. Let's hope the new signings can save our season.
The international break has come at the right time for the club. It's a time to regroup and our new signings seem to be chomping at the bit: judging by our new number nine, Chu Young Park banging in a hat-trick for South Korea. Check out the goals, all out of the top drawer!
The old boys are doing it too: Robin van Persie scoring four for Holland and Aaron Ramsey scoring the winner for Wales. Suddenly international football feels purposeful! I've always seen it as an unwelcome distraction until now! Now it's suddenly welcome into our football calendar, as I get the feeling we're going to get maximum points this month.
I can't help but feel optimistic now. Per Mertesacker, our new number 4, is rated as one of the best in the world in his position and we got him for around £8m. Well done Arsenal!
Our new number 8, Mikel Arteta is a top quality Premier League midfielder and now we've got him. At £10m, some will say he's overpriced. I'm not so sure. He takes a better free kick than Cesc Fabregas, but in every other department he's inferior, it's true...except one! He wants to be here. Of course, we mustn't compare him to Cesc, but Arteta will thrive at our club, I feel sure of it. He's an excellent passer of the ball and will add experience to our midfield. My only fear is his work rate. I've never been that impressed with that side of his game, but maybe he just needed a change of club. Playing alongside better players should inspire him. So £10m could be a snip for a player we've long been linked with.
The loan signing of Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea, though, came straight out of the left field. What inspired Wenger to sign our new number 30? I'm not sure, but he'll be an asset. I see him as a decent replacement for Samir Nasri. Benayoun is more consistent, but on his day Nasri is completely unplayable, and I'm not sure the same applies to Yossi. Anyway, I think he'll do well for us.
Finally, there's Andre Santos our new number 11. Why do we have to give 'attacking' numbers to our defenders. I blame William Gallas! He started acting like a petulant number 10 once he got that number, let's hope a similar fate doesn't befall Santos, our new left back!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)