Not sure the Suarez thing is over yet, unless Suarez says he wants to stay and stops his fussing, we are still in for a real shout. I just think Liverpool are playing mind games and are holding out for around £50m. As for the rest, I agree with you. The problem is, we just sold Gervinho, who needs replacing. Just over the years, we haven't replaced, RVP or Song. Suarez and Gustavo will do that, but we'll need another for Gerv. Outside out first 11, we really don't have much quality on the bench.
I think 1. City vs Chelsea 2. 3. Utd - Comfortably 3rd (not really in the hunt) 4. Arsenal vs Spurs (will depend on how quickly our new players bed in and start to add value to our squad and assuming Bale stays) For me this season is a big unkown How will city shape up, will they be more attacking than Mancini's teams. Will utd struggle if a few results don't go as expected Will Chelsea revert back to same old solid Mourinho or will he keep their flare players playing interesting football Will Arsenal strengthen, and can they maintain that amazing end of season form - or do they need to be provoked by Spurs (yet again) Will Tottenhams new players hit the ground running, with lloris starting, better strength in depth etc be able to fight in the league and on Thursday nights.....can Ade possibly be as **** as last year?? Chance for a very interesting season!
I know Arteta has done a good job in there, but we have sorely missed a DM and we haven't really had a proper one in there since Gilberto and Vieira left. We had one good season from Flamini and whilst Song did some good work, he was too often caught out of position up with the attackers. I'd argue that a good solid DM could be more important than signing a striker this window.
The last time we had a team that was challenging was back in 2008, when we had Flamini as a dedicated DM. Our midfield had the perfect balance and it was no surprise that we were close to major honours. Although Arteta has been good, he isn't the solution to that position. Gustavo would be a great addition and would give our back four more protection. Add to that, allow Wilshere and Cazorla more scope to roam forward.
Felt this deserved a bump, now that we can analyse the summer as whole. OK, my original prediction for the top 5 was; 1.Chelsea 2.Citeh 3.Spurs 4.ManUre 5.Arsenal 6.Swansea After the transfer window, my amended prediction is: 1. Chelsea - Have the best manager, best squad, best individuals, so they'll win 2. City - Most money, 2nd best squad, and a good manager, but not consistent enough 3. Spurs - When their squad gels, they'll be a serious threat, Lamela will be awesome when he's settled 4. Arsenal - Signed the best player of all the top sides, but pathetically small squad, iffy manager and loser mentality will hurt us. 5. United - Same squad that won the league, massively inferior manager. 6. Liverpool - Not sure their signings are good enough, untalented manager at the helm.
Hans are such a pessimist!! 1. Chelsea. Most talent in depth. Moureen knows how to win too. 2. Arsenal. I think we will just fall short but do better than expected. 3. City. Im not convinced they have signed the right type of players. Will play some good football under Pellegrino though. 4. United. Moyes is tactically a dinosaur. 5. Tottenham. I think the gap between Tottenham, City, Liverpool and United will be paper thin. Good squad but lack any genuine World Class individuals.
1. Chelsea - 85 - Have as much depth as the Mariana Trench, good quality players too. Mourinho Factor. 2. Arsenal - 80 - A small squad but a strong team capable of out smarting every defence in the league. Big strides forward but will fall short. 3. Manchester City - 78 - Great squad but defence won't be up to scratch. 4. Manchester United - 75 - David Moyes. The Red Evertons United. Robin van Persie in the Anichebe role. 5. Tottenham - 68 - No more Bale, no more wonder goals to pull in as many points. 6. Liverpool - 65 - Not a strong enough team to go any higher.
OK - I'll play 1. Arsenal - 85 - Not nearly as weak as everyone makes out. Ozil takes them from top 4 to contenders overnight. Tight knit group of players that are sick of being counted out. If it is about who wants it most... 2. Chelsea - 80 - Very dependent on Luiz. Very lightweight in midfield, and seem to lose it mentally too often, either collectively or individually, still as Zlatan says, they have the Mourinho Factor. 3. Manchester City - 78 - Still way to reliant on Kompany and Yaya Toure. 4. Liverpool - 75 - I despise Liverpool's attitude, and Roger's is a clown, but they are playing with a chip on their shoulder and they have a good balance in their team. Hard work will get you a long way. 5. Manchester United - 70 - David Moyes, too conservative, knows he has a pass this year. Too many players living on their reputation that will use him as an excuse not to put in a shift. 6. Tottenham - 68 - AVB just hasn't got it right. There are too many players that all have to come good for this to work. I think it is going to be a train wreck.
Of course, I just can't see the enjoyment in supporting a team and then gloomily expecting them to fail. I think Wenger and the guys will shock a few people now that we feel we can compete financially, If we are still in it come January and have some holes to plug, don't be surprised to see some more new faces.
I can very well see this. Maybe that's why Wenger didn't commit in the summer but wanted to make a statement more than anything. The January window may bring a few much needed reinforcements. Maybe a Suarez revisit maybe on the cards should things turn sour with him and Brenda?
Gustavo has already signed for Wolfsburg and I think Liverpool have made it clear that Suarez wont be joining Arsenal.
Im sticking by what I said, its stupid to write Tottenham off because of one bad performance, I still think they have the squad depth to finish 4th Suarez isn't an option anymore (if he ever was), and I'm pretty sure we won't see a real big name striker in January, we'll have to wait until next summer for that
I said that a while ago, but Suarez was always a long shot. But since then we've signed Ozil and Flamini on a free. On paper we aren't strong enough to challenge but we are significantly boosted by Ozil's signing. I think Flamini's signing was a shrewd move and will give us much needed cover in the DM position and overall stability and experience. But the Ozil signing could bring a few more big players this coming Jan window. If certain top class players don't get much joy with their existing clubs, they may want a move away, especially during the World cup year. Arsenal may well benefit out of this and boost our final standing in the season.
I agree about Spurs, there is a lot more we haven't seen from them. I saw the positives from them on Sundays game and with the creativity of Eriksen and Holtby, they will be a much better force. The players still need time to play together.
