This is a simplistic way of looking at it admittley but if we are disappointed by our season we have to compare the stats with the top 2 (take their spending prowess out of the equation) and focus on the differences... 1. Scored approx. 20 more goals than us Goals scored is tough to complain about because we've had the leagues top goal scorer in our side but the issue (as was addressed by fans last summer) is the strength and depth in that position. Having Chamakh and Park as your back up strikers is unacceptable...I'd argue that they're the weakest back up strikers in the whole league. There were suggestions that Theo or Gervinhio might be used up top but neither were given the chance. Theo might have been ok but I didn't have much faith in Gervinhio as his finishing is pretty wayward. SOLUTIONS? * Podolski is a start but we cant expect RVP to play a 2nd season injury free so we'll definitely need to add another striker to the ranks. Personally I think we need an experienced striker who'd be happy on the bench...maybe Yakubu as Blackburn are going down anyway. * Another goal scoring midfielder would be a massive help...Dempsey is 29 and expensive but can score a full range of goals 2. Conceded approx. 20 less goals than us Having our full backs out for so many games hurt us big time and once we had a settled back four we appeared to be a lot stronger. Kos has stepped up big time and Sczcenzcy is maturing but there are still key problems with this set up. 1. There's no leader in charge of the back four. Kos and TV dont do enough to control the back line and if its not them it needs to be one of the coaches 2. There not enough protection from the midfield, Song is our only defensive midfielder and he's been more of an attacking player this season 3. Gibbs looks good going forward but is often caught out of position 4. Metersaker, Djourou aren't good enough as back up CB's and Santos is still a liability SOLUTIONS? * Pat Rice leaving might mean we finally have a quality No.2 (no disrespect but Pat is a "Yes" man) and hopefully they can help organize and lead the defensive organization (Steve Bould) * We need more competition at the CB position...Vertonghen sounds like a decent addition and good price * Gibbs isn't the quality needed, he's a decent back up but we need a real quality Left back added to the team (Baines ???) * If M'Villa joins he can sit back more protect but it not Song needs to be more disciplined to protect when needed. Coquelin as looks a good prospect so he needs to be used ahead of Ramsey we always need to play with at least 1 true defensive midfielder
When people try to coach Arsenal from the forum, I just have to laugh. I just love the "Pat is a yes man" type of stuff. Do you know the chap? How do you know this. The daily rags? The internet? "There is not enough protection from the midfield". I suggest we hand out condoms! "Gibbs is too often caught out of position". So were Clichy, Santos, and Vermaelen, when they played LB, any thoughts that perhaps that is the way our LBs are being asked to play? Why would we get "True DM" if the system we play doesnt have a true DM in it now? You are going to have to explain the entire system you want to play with a "True DM" in it, before anyone can consider whether there is any point in buying one. If anyone knows wha a "True DM" is anyway. We dont score enough goals and let too many in. Astonishing Vision! What a triumph of insight. You know what, you should get onto Abramovich as well. They are probably going to be looking for a new manager over there. Chelsea are not doing so well in the league probably for much the same reason. Get in quick and you might be able to take over when RDM leaves! PNawf is a real act as well. No negative post left unsupported. No opportunity to attack Arsenal passed up. I think the players and tactics at Arsenal are fine, we just need better fans.
What a shame we have people passing themselves off as fans, that don't appreciate the effort and committment the team and management put in on their behalf. If we had better support the team would probably do better. An absolute disgrace the booing at the week end at half time. I have no idea how the fans at the Emirates thought that booing the team would encourage the team to play better in the second half. The fact that they managed to rally despite that and then still get criticized for having no heart or mental strength bewilders me. The only people with no heart or mental strength are fans like you. So you are least qualified to lecture anyone else about the team lacking leaders.
Are you for real?! Seriously you must be demented. Every single one of your posts can be boiled down to 'no one should have opinions'. Why exactly do you bother to come here??? I guess its the fans fault we've won nothing for so long
Knock it off guys, you're acting like petulant children today. Can we please keep these thread on topic instead of every one ending in a squabble.
Jan vertonghen....kills three birds with one stone lb cb and dm....yup i really want him at the club!
Verthogen, Defensive Coach (Though I think Bould will help a bit), M'Villa (Song is costing us), New CM/CAM, Keep RvP
Stop the Song bashing, or I will get most argumentative on the end of season awards. Played every game for us since Dec 27th and in tears after the Norwich game. I'm going to come to his defense like a bulldog every opportunity and I'm not going to apologise for it. He covers more ground in a single game than I cover in a month of football.
Song was at fault for the 1st and Partially responsible for the 2nd He is a CDM not a CAM Ramsey has been well off form but a reason is because he has to cover Song who suddenly thinks he's Xavi with M'ill then Song can roam about all he wants (Not saying hes bad at it) but until then eh should stick to his job as a CDM
Those end of season awards are messing with my head. Now I am worried about most repetitive! We play a heavily modified 4-2-3-1, so Song can play a more "wandering" role than in a 4-1-4-1 for example. That second goal was a disaster, you could put that goal on any of 5 people. 1. Song, shouldn't have let the Norwich player turn and play the looping ball over the top. 2. Gibbs, too far up the field for no good reason. 3. Vermaelen, failed to go with the runner. 4. Koscielney, too far from the middle, didn't cover. 5. Sczezney, could have closed down the shot better. Song was really busted by the time that goal went in. I have real sympathy for him, he was being pulled every whichway the whole game and his defensive midfield partner was not helping much.
