For years I've heard it said Arsenal are too easy to exploit due to our lack of a proper muscular DM (like a Yaya Toure, Vieira type character). Our midfield this season has collapsed several times due to a) Arteta's lack of mobility and b) Flamini's lack of positioning. Been shown up at the Etihad, Anfield and now SB and against smaller clubs such as Everton and Southampton. We lack a player with both the ability to lead, and to effectively deal with the opposition attacks. IMO we need at least two of these players, as I think Arteta will be gone either next season or soon after. The opposition tactic is easy to spot, press the defensive midfielders, don't allow them to pass out from the back and force them into rash or hurried clearances, thereby ceding possession. This is particularly dangerous when faced with explosive wingers like Hazard, Robben, etc. The midfield will collapse and is therefore easy to exploit. Today we were simply cut open on the break, too too open and easy for Chelsea to pass through and this is not something that is a recent trend, we've struggled against Jose's sides since time immemorial and today was no different. I also believe it's not only a problem at DM that needs to be rectified, but mentally we look completely lost against any kind of top level opposition. Can't remember when we've gone into a match against a big side confident of a win and delivered. I put this down to the manager's inability to motivate and refusal to change his tried and trusted methods to suit the opposition. I'm not sure why this keeps happening (apart from the options I've mentioned) and why it is not rectified by Bould and co. We've gone backwards in terms of our ability to beat the top sides since RVP left (that year we defeated Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City).
Said it on a couple of other threads, I think we should go for Lars Bender again in the summer. And let's just spend the money to get him, not fanny about waiting until the last day of the window.
Although I agree with the sentiment for me its not down to the players. We will NEVER have another Vieira. He just does'nt exist. It's down the manager. Look at Arsene in these big games. He obviously cares but he looks petrified. The man just ISNT a fighter. It's not his fault it's just his nature. Fergie used to growl, he looked aggressive, assertive and barked his orders at the team. If the team failed to perform they knew he would be at their throats at half time. Mourinho is simular - Not as aggressive but he always comes across as confident. If players dont perform they get axed. Immediately. He reacts to situations and is always assertive. As you may or may not know I train some athletes in S&C. Most of these guys are combat athletes. Boxers, Judo and Wrestling guys and MMA fighters. It's a big deal to these guys who they surround themselves with. Any seeds of doubt you may have in your mind you dont want reinforced by your coaches nervous disposition. You want people who give you confidence, who have your back and make you believe you are good enough to win. In fact you HAVE to win.
I don't think Arsene inspires confidence when the chips are down. It transmits to the players. Confidence is key in football and we were on polar opposites to Chelsea today. No belief running through this squad.
I was obviously being facetious, but I did say a few weeks ago that we need to cleanse ourselves from these uber beta male types, starting from the man at the helm. Always about being 'measured', respectful, complimentary of even those who publicly mock you, etc, etc. Honestly I didn't think the man could build a team of winners for a long time, but I was at least hoping he'd leave a strong team to the person that comes next.
United won the league by 11 points with a midfield of Scholes, Carrick and Cleverly last season... Just saying...
Arsenal has a team of show ponies, Arsene gets praise for the work of Graham and Rioch, once their players either retired, or left, you've not won a single trophy. Arsene doesn't like a 'clumper', so I doubt wenger would've bought the likes of Adams, Bould Keown, Winterburn, Dixon or Viera.
Wenger bought both Vieira and Campbell, both "clumpers" as you put it. Also Mertesacker, Sagna, Song, Flamini and others so not really sure what your point is. The point I was trying to make earlier is that we lack leadership and strength. Arteta has leadership in abundance but not the ability to execute on the pitch. Flamini possesses the physical but not technical ability or leadership, nor the discipline required to play the holding role. Alex Song was the same. We need players that possess all these qualities which is what we currently lack. Ramsey is an awesome and ideal midfield player both defensively and offensively. His injury has definitely negatively impacted on the team.
Lehman Lauren Toure Campbell Cole Ljungberg Vieira Gilberto Pires Bergkamp Henry Bar Bergkamp, those are all players Wenger brought. Now **** off.
so that's the team that last won something in arsenal colours, and containing a Rioch player because, as I said, when the last of the Graham/Rioch players left, and Wenger finally had an all Wenger team, you have won sweet FA, and that doesn't mean the cup.l.
I would say Flamini has leadership on the defensive capabilities. In terms of defending, it's not just 1 man but the team. Aside from the City match (who hasnt lost there apart from Chelsea) that Flamini played it, you mentioned yesterday against Chelsea which Flamini did not play and you mentioned the Anfield game which Flamini was suspended for, so i'm not sure why you have mentioned flamini
There have been some pretty dumb comments on this board over the last day, but this one beats the lot. Take a bow son
Flamini played against Southampton and we were absolutely terrible in that game. He does not have the defensive discipline to play the holding role. I understand Wenger prefers players who can win the ball rather than out and out DM's but sometimes you need someone who will sit deep in the midfield and protect the back 4, yesterday we were totally exposed. Yes the whole team as to defend as a unit but certain players are designated for certain roles so not sure what your point is. We don't possess the kind of player to play that role.
I honestly dont think we need any midfielders. I mean I would take a Lars Bender or a Paul Pogba but I do believe we match the best EPL teams in midfield. But we play a high line , have an attacking system.. In other words the whole team is set up to create goals but our spearhead is f**king blunt. Giroud is NOW on 0.10 conversion rate. That means on average he needs 10 shots for every goal he scores. 10 f**king shots! He work hards blah blah blah... but f**k it. If Wenger cant see it he HAS to go. There was a big moment in that game against Chelsea when Giroud went through three minutes into the game and should have scored but he didn't and Eto'o went and scored up the other end. That is symptomatic of Arsenal's problems. Giroud is unable to produce in big matches and thats when our defensive frailties come to the forefront. If we cant score and keep pressing further and further up the pitch of course we are going to concede. BTW - this was meant for another thread. (but it still kinda works here.)
Doesnt help when your £42m number 10, cant score many goals as well. Look how many Oscar and Hazard got playing in that position, or Yaya Toure.
I think he will add goals. Plus look how many we get from Walcott and Ramsey.(when fit) For me the issue is the donkey up front with the hipster haircut.
