I think we will have a solid squad next season even without too many signings (Podolski would be nice), if we keep the players we want to keep. That is only assuming that Wilshere returns and gets back to his best really fast. My main concern is if the long time away will affect his game significantly, as was the case with Ramsey/Diaby. If he struggles to find form we will have a very thin midfield unless we buy some cover there.
Though our midfield of Rosicky, Arteta, and Song is really very strong. I am hoping we bring in one top class creative midfielder and have a core selection of 3 from : Arteta, Wilshere, Song, Rosicky, A.N Other (Goetze?). Diaby, Eisfeld (who I think will come through), Coquelin and Benayoun (who I hope we also sign) would make up a strong set of alternatives. That's 9 CM's overall! Ramsey to go out on loan and come back the following year. So just one player gives us a very strong central midfield - and even without a signing we have a top midfield. Our weakness - which we do need to address - is that outside RVP we don't have another quality striker, so Podolski would be welcome. The 3rd signing we need to make in my view is in defence - not at FB - but in the centre. We only have 4 CB's (Squillaci doesn't count, and I don't think Miquel is quite ready, and neither is Bartley). Hummels or Vertonghen would be my choices if we could get either. Out wide we have Ryo, Walcott, Gervinho, and OXO - so we are sorted there. FB's we have Santos/ Gibbs and Sagna/Jenkinson so we're sorted there too. In goal I would try and keep Fab as a back up. So in the summer: Striker, CM (but not vital), and a CB. Of course a lot depends on whether we can keep hold of the current top players. I'd like to see all business done before the third week in July when we go on tour to Asia. Then enter the season with a well prepared squad. My only worry at this point for next season is that we don't make the CL.
RVP stays (in form) - Wilshere returns ( in form) - We wave goodbye to the deadwood. We do better than 1 win in first 7 games
Yeah true. As ever you're not far away from being very strong. Keeping your players and a lack of investment has previously hindered you.
Without doing anything it will be stronger with Wilshere, though. Wilshere Arteta Song Rosicky Diaby Coquelin Benayoun Ramsey Eisfeld In that order. Another one top player would be ideal.
I hope Bolton stay up. We can send Eisfeld and Ramsey on loan to them, let Coyle work his magic again. They wouldn't say no to having them.
I've said all season that I think we need a replacement for one of Nasri or Fabreags - and that we need another CB, so that we have a first choice pairing and equally as good back up in both positions. If we get Podolski, it will be great. For the other positions I'd like to see us go all out to get Goetze and Vertonghen (who can play across the back 4) If we strengthen the spine of the team with these players, then I think we could be title challengers next season.
I don't think introducing another CB will do any good for the stability of our defense, problem this season was that we had to play CBs on the sides. Adding a quality LB would be good but I don't think we would pay a decent amount that would be needed for an improvement over Gibbs/Santos. Those 2 are really weak compared to Sagna on the right though, especially defensively. Most of our serious defensive ****-ups have been on the left side this season. (even when Vermaelen was playing there for a few games)
Unreal. Young again. Cheating little prick. Also, worried that Rooney going is to catch and overtake Van Persie as the premier league top scorer by the end of the season, with the amount of pens his team is getting.
Walcott would be perfect for that, but the guy regularly trips on pigeon feathers. ... he sets himself up not to be taken seriously even for legit fouls.
gotze just signed a new contract. I think hes well out of our price range now. Eriksen may be worth a shout though i would love it if we got him considering manu are front runners at present after all the players they beat us too
Yeah, he's only 3 goals back now. RVP needs a couple against Wigan. You just know there is 7/8-0 result coming for Utd, where they get 2-3 pens with the ref giving them everything and sending off opponents. They need goals to tie up the goal difference, and they seem to get an assisted 7 or 8 nil win when needed.
They are all really lucky though. When you think they are getting hacked down in the box every match - but avoid serious injury. Amazing.
