I find Wenger's comments unfair, in the early years of his reign we soon learnt that he and his scouting network were able to discover top draw players who at the time were unknown to most (or in the case of some like Kanu, Overmars, etc he was resurrecting their careers) For example after creating Henry and Anelka as top strikers we were willing to put faith that these players were going to be good enough to achieve success for the club even if there were some duds in the mix. The problem is the is no longer the same ability for find or create those players and we don't know why. Not including the summer signings as its only been half a season Wenger has struggled to bring in players anywhere near the caliber of the invincible team. Arsenal fans aren't expecting to see Lionel Messi we want is another Pires, Henry, Gilberto, Ljungberg, Sol Campbell, etc... when what we've had of late is the likes of Chamakh, Park, Gervinhio, Squillaci.
It's comments like this that irritate me about Wenger. They're designed to deflect criticism for his baffling inertia during transfer windows. Like the horseshit he spoonfed us about Giroud and Podolski not being replacements for RVP. It is clear that the current squad is not good enough to compete at a level that has come to be expected from Arsenal fans. The football world expects meaningful reinforcement this January Mr. Wenger, I really hope you don't **** the dog on this one.
To be fair, the 'horseshit' about Giroud and Podolski was said before Van Persie came out with his statement of intent to leave. Whether or not he knew of VP's decision by then we can only speculate.
Trouble is that back in the day when Wenger was able to snaffle up players like Vieira, Henry, Overmars, Petit etc, it was when other teams weren't aware of the talent buried across Europe, so Wenger could pluck them out with very little competition. Also the wages then were affordable, so we were able to buy these players and take the time to develop them into world beaters. Nowdays, not only has everybody else switched onto Wenger's style of scouting, but both transfers and wages have gone through the roof. Look at Eden Hazard, 15 years ago he would have been snapped up by us for £3-£4m on 35k per week, but instead Chelsea paid £32m for him and he's probably on the best part of £200k per week
If he didn't think RVP was leaving when he brought in Poldi and Giroud then why didn't he bring in another striker after the prick came out with his statement?
Easier said than done mate. RVP left it pretty late in the day to say that he wasn't going to sign. If Wenger had gone out and bought any old Joe, people would have been accusing him of panic buying again.
I agree, very much so. The problem is bringing someone in with the required experience and ability, but maybe buying an out-and-out striker would have been better than trying Gervinho out up there.
It wasn't that late in the day, it was the 5th of July! That's nearly two months to bring in another player. I remember the palpable sense of disappointment on this board on transfer deadline day at the end of August when we all expected something and got nothing. In my view, Wenger decided to 'make do' with an insufficient squad as he has done many times before, at the expense of the team progressing.
Yeah maybe. Do we really need another striker though ? We've got Walcott, Giroud and Podolski who can play through the middle. I'd rather see us bring in another left sided attacking player.
I still think Walcott can't be expected to fulfil the role of our sole striker in his first season in that position. I would be delighted to see Villa in an Arsenal shirt, I think he has the guile, skill and experience to be a real asset to our attacking play. As mentioned in the January transfer rumour thread, Villa and M'Villa would be an excellent January.
I dont think anyone counts Podolski as a striker anymore and Giroud is yet to convince. I think we definately need another one
I agree I'd love to see Villa at Arsenal. Personally, I think Walcott is better on the right, although he does make a good claim for a CF. I'd rather see us buy sombody like Sissoko than M'Vila, who seems to be more of a mobile box to box midfielder than a DM
Well I do want to see Lionel Messi. He's the best player in the world. I want players of that calibre cause that's we used to get. Remember the days when a world XI would be chock-a-block with Arsenal players? Henry used to be the best player in the world. I want that again.
Wenger is actually unfair with these comments. The Club are regularly selling our best players, all the while Wenger is unwilling to spend the money we do have available. The fans expect progression not slow decline.
Gazidis says Arsenal can compete now the new deals are coming in. The squad isn't challenging for the title, thus needs strengthening. Ba would have been a step up, they've missed out on him. Failure to strengthen in this window is unforgivable in my opinion. Fans don't want Messi, they want Theo, a DM & a striker who can play central or wide.
