I was alluding more to the unpredictable nature of our seasons really. Wenger could either finish fourth again and the whingers will be out in force, or he could actually make the signings we need and go and win it. It will be an interesting season whatever happens, I think the top four will chop and change places, but I don't see any of them being replaced by the chasing pack, Liverpool, Everton or Spurs.
We really need reinforcements to challenge. No way 3 top teams will systematically play **** to gift us the prem. Even spurs might come and suprise us. Also liverpool might cause a fair few problems. Therefore it'll be a big achievement to get 4th with this team again.
The last 5-6 years, maybe more, have been characterised by clubs making big statements in the summer by bringing in big signings, by not standing still, instead taking great leaps forward. Arsenal have been mvoing backwards, to such an extent that we are way behind the likes of United. If it wasn't for the managerial changes at the other 3, no one here would think we'd be challenging. However, gifted this rare opportunity, it would be utter madness not to take advantage. Squads are already back in training, and though there will be much transfer activity an early start in forging new players into the club, new surroundings and team mates is a huge advantage. I will obviously be happy to get Higuain, but we need more, much more.
If you think Spurs and Liverpool have a chance then we do too. I think every team has some serious issues to face and (for once) I don't think Arsenal's are the worst. I agree with whoever it was, that Chelsea seem the best placed right now, but Arsenal are not as far off as everyone seems to want us to be. Yes, Wilshere, Ramsey, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Ox, Walcott etc. need to keep getting better, but they are at the age that players do get better. It needs to be expected of them. Perhaps if everyone showed a bit of belief in them, and, oh I don't know, actually supported them, they might just surprise us.
I don't think anyone on here "wants" Arsenal to do badly. Some just see the limitations better than others. As for support, I'd never boo a player when I'm at a game. In the stadium the team has my entire support. Forums are made for debate, and it makes not one jot of difference if I don't believe in Gervinho on here. As it stands, this season is a great opportunity for Arsenal to make strides forward amidst a climate of uncertainty. And what are we seeing instead? Dithering and uncertainty. It's the same thing year on year. Big statements, big intent, slow to do business, eventually a backtrack. At times it almost seems like a game of "how naf a squad can we get Top4 with?"
Which lunatic thinks Liverpool have a chance? Arsenal have a chance, of course it depends on signings and performances. If people think Jose Mourinho will suddenly close massive gap to United then so can Arsenal.
With our current squad we will be fighting it out for 4th again. I'm a little concerned we have failed with bids for Bender (and probably Higuain.). Either they are the right players to strengthen the team or they are not. It seems we are absolutely terrible at these negotiations these days.
We never negotiated for Bender,we put in a bid,Leverkusen rejected it and have apparently said he not for sale at any price.There is not a lot AFC can do about that.With regards to Higuain there are some many rumours flying about but nobody is 100 % sure what is happening
Higuains dad said it was close with the rumoured price £22. If we add a midfield enforcer who can play a bit as well, Assume Fellani at £23m (I think that was the last figure I heard for his release clause). That's £45m of the £70m we had plus a bit from sales. That leaves £25m for reinforcements in goal to replace Mannone and defence. With the right players and a bit luck we do have a chance to challenge for the title, but only a chance. I think we'll finish ahead of the spuds though.
Much like a lot of our play in last 2 years. On the plus side, we haven't really seen that much transfer activity by the big clubs this summer yet, but that is all the more reason for Arsenal to get their men early.
Chelsea City ------------- big point gap United Us As teams stand right now. We need to make 2/3 top class signings to reach that top tier.
