true, the table doesn't lie. arsenal finished 19 points from top. i don't care what you say, arsenal last season were a poor side who finished third by default as much as anything. spurs bottled it, chelsea had other things on their minds, newcastle, in my opinion, were deserving of a champions league place far more than arsenal or chelsea, but that doesn't mean arsenal didn't finish where the deserve - its just they were lucky to finish therein the end
Chelsea were in managerial disarray until it was too late to recover, Yes!; but Arsenal were said to be in complete disarray at the start of the season so should be applauded for achieving what they did. Spurs bottled it, Yes!; but Arsenal have regularly been accused of lacking bottle but had the guts and resilience to win through to 3rd. Newcastle "deserved" a Champions League place? No!, they didn't have quite enough; Europa League is where they deserve to be. Only my opinions! <entitled-to-my-[daft]-opinions-emoticon>
i agree with you yellowlittle. they looked like panic buys to me and they still do a year on. big year for wenger - could be his last if they don't see some progress. if they get ganso that might help, but then countered with a loss of van persie... i think they may sneak top four again but they certainly won't be anywhere near the manchester clubs
I think it's difficult to do nowadays because scouting networks are so sophisticated most young players who have a spark are snapped up so young. You might be right, I suppose Wenger has probably done it but Flamini, Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy have just shown no loyalty and been stolen from them. He definitely needs to change his philosophy on not letting these players sign big contracts. That has bitten him too many times Flamini and now RVP are prime example of that.
I've got that in my diary Supers, to re-post next May! As regards Arsenal, any supporters of any club who appreciate the importance of living within the club's means, with the limitations to ambition that that brings, should IMO admire Arsenal for their approach and their belief that over-ambition too often comes at too high a cost. They may not succeed in challenging for the title or win the Champions League, but like us they compete as best they can against the oil money whether it comes from Eastern Russia or the Middle East.
I've really been impressed by Hughton's signings so far, still going for young players when he can. As long as we get a LB, I will be happy!
If we learnt anything form Paul Lambert. Don't hope for big names for big wages and transfer fees, and don't bank on reputation leading to results. We should know as much as anyone, unknown and little known players can turn out to be premiership players. I have nothing negative to say until I see the first few games of the season. On that note, anyone been to see any of the Austria tour? What's the opinion?
I've heard a few reports that Ganso is not ready, i was sure he was one that would be massive, apparently he's over hyped atm. Same for Lucas Moura, better potential but still not up to the hype. I hear Neymar is beyond the real deal, and this Oscar that Chelsea have got is also something very very special, sedcond to Neymar in football in Brazil.
agree about neymar - the kid is explosive, though he can get weighed down by his hair sometimes! only seen brief glimpses of ganso and he looks a major talent but not seen enough to fully assess, so i'll take your word on him that he's not ready yet. i'm not sure oscar should go to chelsea to be honest, i'm not sure he'd get much game time. might set him back a couple of years...
