I think it's pretty presumptuous for Spurs fans to be judging other teams until they play a real competitive match (and not a match against a rubbish scottish side whose owner has completely ruined them). If you give us a good game on monday then I'd be inclined to agree with the consensus on this thread. If not then I will have to apply the same logic that Spurs fans on this thread are judging Arsenal and Liverpool with onto Spurs.
Re your Wenger quote at the bottom. It's a pity he didn't remember that when those guys started to retire. Instead of replacing them with what he has done. He's right, of course. He had the best back 4 in the business. All he had to do was add some flair.
Obviously the title is a little tongue in cheek. The OP was merely suggesting that they both played pretty poorly in a largely dull game.
He did replace them with a new set that won the league, but after that he forget that you need a STRONG foundation to build from. The sig is just a thing about players who love,study and then defend with detail. Wenger should have learned from those guys and passed it on to his new defenders and look for guys that love to defend.
Arsenal have every season under Wenger I believe. You are right there is nothing indefinite to support that but Liverpool and Arsenal have to much quality at this moment and are mentally tougher.
I didn't realise that Arsene Wenger was a Chelsea fan! Mental toughness? That old chestnut? What has Arsenal's squad done recently that would suggest to you that they're mentally tough, DL?
Wayyy too early to decide who finishes above who, I'd give Arse a chance to get their players back from injury/suspension before writing them off, yes they played awful today but let's be honest, after Koscielny went off they had a 3rd choice defence (apart from Verm). If they don't sign and Spurs do, Spurs will definitely finish above.
As for getting players back from suspension, dicipline is usually a problem for Arsenal whan they are under pressure later on in the season. What does this say about the mood in the camp right now? Unless AW gets his **** together ( and lets face it he changes things by evolution, not revolution, so there are no quick fixes on the cards,) this season could descend into chaos before it's begun. They just don't look together.
Arsenal and mentally tough are hardly synonymous. Which Arsenal team are you watching?? Because it must be a different one from that which the rest of us see.
I agree with most of what you said on your assessment of the game but I feel under Dalglish Liverpool are a different team, they have rediscovered that ability to play poorly and win, something they haven't had since 08/09. Most of their signings have been average, but I feel in Meireles and Suarez they have unearthed some real gems, and when Gerrard comes into the fold and replaces that useless donkey Henderson things will only get better for them, particularly if they strengthen in defence as is being reported. As for Arsenal, they will get whipped at OT next week but the international break will do them the world of good. Wilshere will be back as will Koscielny, Diaby etc in addition to the signings Wenger will inevitably make. I have to me honest with you Ensil my stance on Spurs in the race for 4th is changing, I didn't anticipate Arsenal would be this bad and I would go as far as to say at this moment Spurs have a better squad than them (not starting XI though). I too think Spurs will have a very poor start to the season (not helped by Everton cancellation and the fact they the 2 Manchester clubs next) but I think you guys will be up there for sure with or without Modric
Apart from Chelsea I can't think of any other club that gets anywhere near the criticism Arsenal do. Every year Arsenal are told they won't get top 4 etc and they do, all this despite the superior financial muscle of ourselves, United, Liverpool and now City. When Henry left said everybody thought they wouldn't even get top 6, the only thing that has ever held Arsenal back is their defence which has always been their achilles heal. Wenger inherited a great defence when he came to Arsenal and they haven't been the same since those players left. Despite all the calls to change style etc Wenger and the team have stuck to their guns. The biggest examples of Arsenal's mental strength for me was their result against Barcelona last season
It depends, I personally think their problems are more psychological than physical except for the defence. For all their woes, Arsenal have played 3 difficult games and only conceded two of them. I believe the quality is there, but they are severely lacking in self confidence that was plain for all to see today. RVP has looked a shadow of the player he was at the end of last season, as does Walcott. The only Arsenal players playing with any self confidence are Sagna, Frimpong, Song, Vermaelen, Szesney and Gervinho, 3 of which are suspended. I don't rate 'Arry tactically, but nobody can deny he is a great man manager. When I watch Spurs they have never struck me as a team that lacks belief (unless playing United), Arsenal are more temporamental. 1 to 11, Arsenal are better than Liverpool and Spurs but as it is showing they don't have the depth. Liverpool can bring Meireles and Suarez off the bench etc. Spurs can bring on any one of Palacios, Lennon, Defoe etc
Lehmann IMO was never a good keeper, I didn't rate Lauren too much either but the other 3 were exceptional. Cole came through the academy so in essence he was inherited. Once Vieira left and the leadership was gone, IMO Campbell and Toure were different players
Lehmamn was outstanding in those 2 years, hardly put a foot wrong. Lauren was a very solid RB who did his job and was a rock. Sol and Toure where both Wenger buys and they where great for us. Cole was a winger before Wenger changed him into a world class LB. He lost a good player like GVB and trusted Cole. Wenger has shown he can put an entire back 4 to win the title, so thing about he only ever done it because of Adams and co is wrong.
Sorry thats rubbish. You no longer see us as rivals? I know we are not going to compete for the title but we will be there with you and Liverpool in a fight for a top 4 place. The pressure on Wenger and the board to buy is too much for them to refuse. The Fabregas money can be used and you would hope the injuries and red cards will ease as the season goes on. Spurs have not improved that much from last season to say we are no longer rivals.
