Maybe need to rephrase it. I meant the errors might be gotten rid of with experience. I guess the Arsenal philosophy is young players, so Friedel wouldn't fit in with that. What you do need, is some experienced players so your young guys have someone to learn off. Some people to lead by example
Agree - and I think Friedel would bring some stability to the Arsenal defence too. But I think he would displace Szczesny just at a time when he on the cusp of making the no1 jersey his own. We had our problems at GK, but that was Almunia and Fabianski (the latter came back to be in great form until his shoulder op) As soon as szczesny stepped in, we looked much better between the sticks - it was our outfield defending that was the undoing of our season.
Ah okay, yeah, you're right on your GK front. Will be stronger with Vermaelen, but his injury proves you need more, as without him, it looked rocky, causing you to fall down to 4th, with a potentially tricky CL qualifier
Can't agree with god spurs tattoo about gomes as our no 2,i think Harry should sell him,he's not pl material
Don't you think that the problem with goalkeepers at Arsenal could be down to the coaching and a lack of an experienced role model in that position though, Piskie? All of your keepers seem to display the same lack of command in the box, unsteadiness when challenged and unwillingness to make a claim for crosses that are fairly routine, at times (which also describes Gomes, doesn't it?). Szczesny is less prone to these mistakes than Fabianski or Almunia, but they are still his main weaknesses, from what I've seen. Is this a coincidence or something to do with what they're being taught or perhaps not taught?
If Gomes isn't number 1 he has to be sold, the lad lacks confidence when he is number 1, doesn't seem like the type who would be a reliable number 2.
I can't see Gomes staying now. Friedel wouldn't join to sit on the bench and I can't see the Brazilian staying to do it, either.
Dunne and Collins had poor seasons, in fact the team had a very poor run, a keeper can only do so much when its like that. Everyone harps on about Gomes saves, yeah, he has made some stunning ones...most keepers do at some point...its their job! He's cost us far too many better results in matches, I'd put Friedel in tomorrow.
I feel Friedel is our new number 1, the first few games will shape things but I think Redknapp wants him to prove he still has the ability for the top level, if he does he'll cement his first team position because of the boost he'll give our defence. As for Gomes I can't see us getting the price we want for him unfortunately but this signing spells the end of his time here for me. Gomes isn't a determined character from my observation and I see both his confidence and sharpness being lost if he has to start sitting on bench and used in rotation. I don't see him striving to be a number 1 for a year or two so I can only hope we strike a deal with PSV or a club where we'll get a good deal for the club and the player.
I think that Villa were let down by Houllier, more than anything. He didn't play to the strengths of the players that he had available and fell out with about half of their squad.
I think the lack of confidence in our defence has transfered to the GK. Rather than it being a GK coaching issue, I think it's been an overall defensive coaching issue. Out of the bunch, Szczesny has made the least mistakes. If we can get it right in front of him, I think he'll become of the premier league's best. But I do think we need to bring in a proper defensive coach for this to happen - would love to see Tony Adams back at the club in that role.
