http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/szczesny-bould-impact-has-been-immediate Hopefully the impact of Steve Bould will tighten up our defence and in turn, improve our fortunes.
Yeah, if we reduce the number of goals conceded while still maintaining our attacking threat we could have a good season.
This bodes well. I think we were all saying that our defensive strategy needed addressing last season, we shipped way too many goals. We were really unfortunate with injuries too, and the hope would be that we wouldn't be cut down again with the same bad luck. If we can keep RVP and sure up the defence, then I think we could be realistic title challengers.
Sure, if we can concede 10-15 league goals less than last Season - we could even challenge. Would love to see Vermaelen given the Captaincy should RVP get sold.
The same defensive problems have been there since 2006, i see no reason to think this is the season they finally go away
This is not really true. For example in 2006 we had severe goalkeeping issues that have definitely gone away. Even in 2010/11 we allowed fewest shots on target and fewest shots overall, in the league. The main problem our defence has faced has been injuries, two-years ago to our centre-backs and last year to our full backs. I am not sure why you think those problems will not go away.
As 12 of those goals were given up early in the season in two games when we had a very extensive injury list, I don't think that 10-15 goals is a big ask, to be honest. Edit: Actually, if I am Steve Bould (and Wenger), I am pretty happy. This is not a huge task. Bould gets a chance to make a mark early in his tenure, establish himself as a 1st Class coach and hit it off with fans straight away.
The addition of bould may provide a balance for the team, we are an attacking team and maintain possession very well and as a result our defence is likely to be more open to counter attacks when compared with other teams however bould's natural instinct is to defend well and solidly while also maintaining our philosophy to move the ball out from the back and i think it will bode well for us this season.
