[video=youtube;nlhMHQ8h5LA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UU6AntrWrvbvylHcrIRz8knw&v=nlhMHQ8h5LA[/video]
Funny that the defense started performing better once a dedicated defensive coach was brought in (Bould).
If that was the Scholes interview, it was pretty much spot on. He was a bit too polite in not explicitly mentioning Wenger, obviously, but you could see he just wanted to avoid the headlines. He's the one who never saw fit to replace these characters like Adams, Viera, etc. and filled the midfield with replicas of these short wizard types, and he's ultimately responsible for the tactical naivety he's alluding to.
we needed to add to our squad, we didn't in January when we had the chance to win title, so that would be a no we didn't improve. everyone apart from AW knows we needed to recruit a top striker in the summer and to add others to strengthen strike force, we didn't so thats a no. we may lose a quality player if Sagna goes, so we are still unable to hold on to our best players, so thats a no. we may end up in fourth, but instead of winning the fourth place trophy in the final game, we gave decided to start from first place and play **** and drop to fourth. so again no. have we more money in the bank, according to company we do, so yes we have improved. we still play the Arsenal way, and everyone likes how we play when we beat crap teams, but deride us when we get thrashed by good teams, so no change there. we can't beat Jose, so its another no. we don't know how to win CL tables to avoid big team in last 16, so thats a no. we can't get past last 16 in CL, so thats a no then. we have nice statues outside stadium, a nice paid for stadium, and are debt free, so thats a yes. we are still moaning about the same things as end of last season, so no we haven't improved.
Injury-sticken Arsenal are most likely to bow down in the aggressive approach of Manuel Pellegrini's squad. Based on my observation, their 6-0 loss against Chelsea is a complete reflection of their weak upfront and midfield. Therefore, we are calling out for Arsene Wenger to take action and invest on versatile players who are worth the cash.
Subjectively, lots of people saying you haven't because your title aspirations have evaporated lately. However you had an easy start to the League, dipped when faced with tough fixtures and then bounced back to lead again. However, once the tougher fixtures came again, you dipped. This is same for most of your recent seasons, in that you are poor against the very best teams. A lot depends on when you play them in the season but at the end of 38 games you will probably be 3rd or 4th as is the norm for you lately. So it could be said NO in answer to the original post. However if you look at the detail: In 2012/13, after 31 games you had 56 points and sat 5th, 2 points off 4th. Now you have 63 and sit 4th, 6 clear of 5th Game for game (subbing promoted teams for relegated) you are 3 points better off than 2012/13 In terms of results against the fellow TOP4 teams you are better off than last year with one game left 2012/13 P6 W0 D2 L4 2pts 2013/14 P5 W1 D1 L3 4pts Although that could be offset by the comprehensive manner of the 3 away defeats youv'e suffered this season. Champs league, you made the group stage, came out of it and were beaten by a real contender. No change there. FA cup, you should win it, so that trophy drought should end. I think the answer is YES, albeit slightly.
