Author Archives: Ben Leeder

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Arsenal Fan

The Jack Wilshere conundrum

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Hi all, I hope all is well..

I have a debate for you…

…Is Jack Wilshere already, for one reason or another, guaranteed a starting position in this CURRENT Arsenal XI…

I’m not so sure…

First of all – Jack is a magnificent player and in my opinion IS the future of our football club. He has all the qualities needed to be a magnificent talisman for Arsenal Football Club…

Before his short-term injury a few weeks ago – Which was also the start of our winning run (coincidence? I think not..) I posed a question to Michael Cox. For those of you who don’t know Michael, he is a very talented writer who concentrates on tactics and he runs his own website – Zonal Marking (www.ZonalMarking.net). He also writes for a majority of the of the largest sporting media outlets in this country. If you use twitter and don’t follow him, you must….- @Zonal_Marking

I asked Michael “Is the current Arsenal midfield better without Jack Wilshere in it?”

Michael – “I don’t think so, although they need to find a balance with him in it.”

“In your opinion what is his best position ?”

Michael – “I think for now deeper in the 4-2-3-1. But he can play at the top if needed, in ‘bigger’ games. I don’t think he’s a problem”

He confirmed what I already believed. I just needed to here it from someone else…to confirm my sanity and all that…

My issue with him currently is – He doesn’t really have a set position, role yet. I haven’t decided if it is an issue at all actually – does a player need a label? As we all know, Jack’s style is up and at ‘um. But with a sprinkle of je nai se qua…

Jane Cavendish then posed an equally interesting debate on Twitter – Wilshere and Cazorla cannot play in the same team. Discuss.

Jane is a very talented and intelligent writer I follow on twitter. Please amend if you don’t – @jcav90

Interesting and telling. But very hard to disagree with it. (I’m writing this after the Norwich game) Very harsh because Wilshere has been injured and didn’t look fit enough to start the game. But, What is for sure – Rosicky and Cazorla have a great connection. Very telepathic. Needless to say, both technically very good players, they have no problems interchanging positions at all. This in turn frees up space for each other to let the havoc begin. Something Wilshere doesn’t currently posses in his game. Wilshere will drift out to the left (being predominantly left footed he will, it’s natural) but its very robotic, not as natural and fluid as Santi and Tomas. With Podolski wide left, we play a lot of our football infront of the opposition defence rather than behind it. This Leads to Jack and Santi wanting to take up the same positions, meaning both players eating up each others space.

Currently if you had to pick our Number 10, you would have to say Santi. Jack needs to work on and improve all the things Santi is currently excelling in – Scoring goals and his final ball.

I would be intrigued to see the difference with a natural wide player in the team. Dragging defenders and freeing up space. Both players would benefit from it in my opinion. But I will save that debate for another day…

My interpretation of our formation, 4-2-3-1 and what is key to the whole formation, is that the two players who cover the defence (The ’2′) have very astute positional sense in order to do the job sufficiently. One generally breaks up play and helps regain possession, with the other concentrating on distribution. Think Liverpool under Rafa Benitez – Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. (Who I might add was ridiculed for using this formation). They had an excellent partnership. Mascherano did much of the tackling, breaking up play and winning the ball back. While Xabi Alonso was more offensive. A perfect combination. Both players are now rivalling each other in La Liga for the two Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, so it shows you how good they really were.

Having the two players in front of the back four provides a platform on which the team’s attack begins and the more advanced players can focus on creating chances.

The main strength of the formation is to allow a ‘Trequartista’ the freedom to have free-rain in the opponent’s half (Santi Cazorla or Tomas Rosicky for example). A Trequartista is not an out and out striker; they bring an element of fantasy and invention to a team. It has become fashionable to have more than one – Look at Chelsea, Mata, Hazard and Oscar)…

The main strength of the formation – It allows Arsenal to play the illusive ‘Wenger Ball’. Keeping possession, fill the the centre of the midfield with red shirts, allowing the attacking players to express themselves, toying with the opposition, until the moment arrives to strike.

Now, on to this so called ‘holding midfielder’ or ‘Defensive midfielder’ if you prefer. I might quickly add, Arsene has said on numerous occasions that he doesn’t believe in a defensive midfielder per say, which says a lot and also leads us the Le Professor’s current answer – Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard plays an almost combined role. A role that doesn’t come naturally to him, but he has done very well in my opinion.

We are about to go in full circle in any Arsenal debate you have ever had – Do Arsenal have the correct personnel for the current formation?

In short, I don’t believe we do…

The players you have available, will and should always have a bearing on the tactics/philosophy of the starting XI for the match ahead.

What is for sure, we don’t have a player with the quality of Sergio Busquets. A well disciplined, master of the game, that allows others ‘to go and play’. For whatever reason, Arsene chose not to bring in the correct player needed in the summer to do a job that has stayed vacated since Gilberto Silva left. So we have to find a balance between the players that we currently have available.

Currently the best suitor seems to be Aaron Ramsey. The young Welshman has been the essential link between defence and midfield. Earlier on in the season against Aston Villa, at Villa Park, we where simply atrocious. One of the worst games of football I’ve seen us play – Per Mertesacker would recieve the ball, he would then lay the ball off to Mikel Arteta, who in turn struggled to move the ball on. Simply put, the ball just kept coming back. This continued for 90 minutes of torture. Horrific scenes.

This issue seems to have been solved in recent weeks, a balance has been found. The combination of the discipline and work rate of Aaron Ramsey and the intelligent, well timed driving runs from Tomas Rosicky has given the team a new impetus. Wilshere can play the deeper role and do it very well. But he has previous – leaving Arteta exposed on countless occasions. Something Ramsey doesn’t do as regularly. A major issue and Wilshere’s downfall. As the three attacking midfielders have second natured defending ability (and that’s being polite) It is key to have disciplined ‘holding midfielders’, something Jack currently doesn’t posses.

So on on current form, Aaron would get the nod over Jack to partner Mikel in my opinion.

Does that mean Ramsey is a better player than Wilshere? A better understanding of the game possibly. As we have seen in recent weeks, Ramsey will play anywhere on the park and he looks comfortable, a cultured player. Could Wilshere do the the same? I’m not so sure, but what Wilshere has the that Ramsey doesn’t: Dynamism. That’s something you can’t teach.

A quick thought on Jack and his England career, and deciding on what sort of player he wants to be (If he has too!?), including comparisons with Steven Gerrard. They are both club sweethearts who came through the youth ranks. Gerrard burst onto the scene, marauding around the pitch like a modern day superhero. Since I can remember Gerrard has carried Liverpool. With his, heart, passion and more importantly his massive contribution of Goals and assists. you got the same sort of feeling once Fabregas left the club. To mention another Premier League legend and England player, Frank Lampard. The man is a goal machine. The man made arriving late to the party fashionable. I mentioned all these great players in the same breathe as Wilshere because I believe he can emulate them. he just needs to home his talents. The future’s bright for the future Arsenal and England Captain.

An interesting summer awaits Arsenal Football Club and Jack Wilshere. Will Arsene decide what he believes Jacks best position will be? Will he want him to be our Number 10? Will he sign a Capoue or a Gonalons to help him progress? Or will he finally splash the cash on the some serious attacking talent, signalling a deeper role for Wilshere long term, signing a Mario Gotze or Stevan Jovetic? Questions, questions, questions, but we all can agree, very exciting ones.

Cheers for reading,

Be Happy,

Ben

The need to spend?

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He’s been out of the blogging game on a short sabbatical recently for reasons that I’ll let young Ben elaborate on shortly, so I’ll leave today’s soapbox firmly planted beneath his feet Nd hand the reigns over. Take it away Ben…

Recently becoming a father, I have had time to think, probably too much time to think….So you can blame the sleepless nights and the international break for this…

Will the Increase of TV money make the strong, stronger and the weak, weaker? Or will it even out the playing field?

Richard Scudamore (Chief executive of the Premier League) on the effects of the new TV deal “The money is not just put into the hands of the top three or four clubs. The way this money is divided means our smallest clubs are able to compete and, on a match-to-match basis, take on the big clubs. In our league that happens more than anywhere else and as long as we can still have teams in the bottom three beating teams in the top three every season, then we have a compelling competition. And as long as that continues, people will continue to want to invest in buying that content.”

Richard Scudamore seems to think it will level out the playing field but is that the reality of the situation? If you look at the positive side of it, you look at Swansea – Having a manager of Michael Laudrup’s calibre, years of success springs to mind. Maybe that could be the success of Swansea, but perhaps their success is limited until he is grabbed from the clutches of the swans by a so-called…’Big Club’.

Laudrup has been a breathe of fresh air for the league. He has brought a touch of class but combined that with his ruthlessness in the transfer market. Signing the players he has needed to move his and Swansea’s footballing philosophy forward. He has been very clever, and signed players from his own back yard – La Liga (Spain). A place he knows very well. Michael Laudrup’s move to the Premier League is similar to that of Arsene’s when he first arrived in England and his dealings in the transfer markets, i.e. being able to exploit an untouched market…

If a manager can sign players of the ability of Michu and Jonathan De Guzan with a small budget, is sky the limit with an extra £15Million to spend?

Will the influx of cash cause a domino effect in management casualties? Some clubs seem happier than others to splash the cash – Having so-called, ‘faith in the manager’. Take West Ham for example. Will clubs want ‘modern football’ with a philosophy? Will a club like Stoke want to lose the stigma of the ‘cavemen football’? We’re already seeing evidence of this by the fact tjat even some of the Stoke fans are now turning on Pulis. If a newly prompted team (For example, Cardiff) have the windfall off the Premier League distributed funds, will they want to continue with the work of the current manager or seek a Roberto Martinez (assuming Wigan are relegated) type character? The divide between the Championship and the Premier League will get larger and larger. Finically and technically. It will be a very exciting, but scary for a lot of managers and aspiring Championship clubs…

The current finical climate has had a huge say in what has been spent in the last few years. Varying from the fees paid for players and the current fashionable leagues to shop. Spain and Portugal are the current hotspots, because of the state the country’s finances. (The perfect timing for Laudrup’s move).

During the summer transfer window the total spend of the Premier League was £262.55m. By previous transfer windows standards the growth wasn’t as large as expected. £250m was spent in 2012. 2011: £180m; 2010: £200m; 2009: £85m; 2008: £215m; 2007: £240m. (Figures from Deloitte)

The Biggest spenders where Chelsea – Spending a eye watering £81m. (The Champions League winners money was the majority of it, would of been interesting to see what they would have spent, if they didn’t win it)

The top five most expensive purchases of the summer transfer window, as follows -

Eden Hazard (Lille to Chelsea) £32m
Oscar (Internacional to Chelsea) £25m
Robin van Persie (Arsenal to Man Utd) £24m
Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund to Man Utd) £17m
Javi Garcia (Benfica to Man City) £16m

Chelsea winning the Champions League last season (I don’t like to keep mentioning it, sorry..) was the only reason for the large figure. With clubs having a an extra £10-15million to spend, will that force clubs to spend? For example, will newly prompted clubs spend spend spend, or will it force neighbouring clubs to spend because of each others transfer movements? Will an ‘almost’ club like Everton be propelled into a lucrative top four position? Lots of exciting and unanswerable questions… But only positive signs for Premier League as a brand in my opinion.

A late night, and the transfer of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel from Sporting Lisbon to Norwich sparked this all off for me. The canaries have splashed out £8.5 million for the Dutchman for a 4-year deal, starting from the 1st of July. The fee is nearly double what Sporting paid to buy Van Wolfswinkel from Utrecht in 2011, but they will receive only 35 per cent of the income due to a third-party arrangement. Exploitation at its finest..

It took me a few minutes to process the transfer. What it meant, especially for Norwich. A swing in the divide? Sounds mad, but he is a very technically gifted player, he would of been a great signing for a majority of teams in the division. Maybe Scudamore is right?

Van Gaal on Ricky van Wolfswinkel: “He’s a potential international, he makes a good choice, the English league is higher than Portugal’s”

Looking at the fee itself it’s huge for Norwich. Considering the most they have ever spent on a player is £5.5m on Sebastien Bassong at the beginning of the season. The largest fee they, as a club have dealt with is the £7.5Million they received for Dean Ashton 2006. At the beginning of the season Norwich spent a very similar fee, £9.5m on -

- Mark Bunn
- Alex Tettey
- Sebastain Bassong
- Michael Turner
- Robert Snodgrass
- Steven Whittaker

Good players. Players, with the correct management and ‘know how’, can get the job required done. For Norwich, staying in the Premier League was the only objective…

I’m a big fan of Chris Hughton. The work he has done at Norwich and especially with his previous clubs, he has a very positive record. He is the sort of manager I would like to see with some disposable income. With these next figures he maybe writing his cheques as we speak.

These next set of figures I’ve taken from the very talented – The Swiss Ramble – Regarding Norwich’s finances. Norwich got paid roughly £45 Million of the Premier League distribution funds at the beginning of the season. The estimated growth between the 2014-16 season for Norwich City will be roughly £17 Million. Giving them a future grand total of £62 Million. Impressive to say the least.

With that extra (lets assume disposable) income. Hughton could take Norwich to a new level. Start a new philosophy for Norwich. Really make something of the club. If Chris Hughton went back to Sporting and said “I’ll take, Eric Dier, Diego Capel, Bruma and Jeffren” (unrealistic I know, just an example) you would see a very, very different Norwich. A completely different style of play. A force to be reckoned with.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel may have opened his mouth a little to soon. The Dutchman has spilled the beans on Chris Hughtons future plans…

“The intention is that the club in the coming months will also capture an attacking midfielder and two wide players. I recently went to see things for three days in Norwich and the conversations I had with the manager and what the technical director claimed were decisive.”

Exciting for any football fan. Especially for the Norwich supporters..

When it comes to finances and Arsenal football club, it is a touchy subject for many of the fans. It’s a debate we could all talk about for hours and hours and still not come to any agreement. These next set of figures will add even more petrol for the fire (if money isn’t spend in the summer).

The estimated Premier League distribution money for 2014-16 for Arsenal will be *drum roll please* …£80.1m. That is only for domestic fee. Previously we were paid £56m. Quite a difference, and a welcomed one for the Arsenal board and Arsene Wenger.

If you believe reports we had – £60m available for the January transfer window to spend (remember the cost of wages are included in that price). So if you where to add season ticket renewals plus the extra tv money, also the remaining property money, you have quite a kitty. Saying all that, it must be remembered that if we were not to make the Champions League, that would make a big difference with the money available. So, to put all those figures into my magic Suburban Gooners calculator…..Roughly, £90m to spend? I’m not a finical expert at all and I’m not going to pretend I am… I understand the very basics, but even I can work out we have enough to make the adjustments to the team…

The last two seasons have been poor for Arsenal football. An unbalanced team on the field and a disjointed board off it all tied together with a strange transfer policy has lead to many fans calling for the managers head – Never has it been so prominent…Which isn’t good for all aspects of the club.

I personally believe this will be the summer to spend. Not just because the money is bulging out of the chastity belt of the club. The stadium debt at an all time low (Keep in mind we wouldn’t pay it off the stadium debt – The penalties for early repayment, won’t be worth it), players will be leaving, freeing up squad places. The majority of the possible candidates, their contracts are expiring, so there wages can be used for possible new players. Having ‘better’ players will obviously improve the team but also give Arsenal the weight when it comes to renewing expiring deals, the kit manufacturers for example.

Others teams near us will able to spend and won’t hesitate in the way we have in the past. Tottenham may be able to buy that world class striker they have longed for, Everton, could improve the quality of their squad, The Manchester clubs could double the already gaping chasm between the teams. Alarm bells anyone?

Surely we’ll buy now?! Surely….

I personally believe the ‘Bigger teams’ will still blow the others out of the water, but the gap will slightly shrink and with improvement for football will be fantastic. The issue will be for the promoted teams from the Championship trying to play catch up -a huge ask. It makes me lean towards the ability of the manger and the bottle of the board…

All makes for an exciting League next season…

I’d like to personally thank The Swiss Ramble for letting me and The Suburban Gooners use the figures from his blog. Please, if you’re not already, check out him out on Twitter – @swissramble and his website -http://swissramble.blogspot.co.uk/ – Very, very talented writer.

If you would like a more in depth look at the figures used, check out -
In The Premier League, The Sun Always Shines On TV – http://swissramble.blogspot.ch/2012/06/in-premier-league-sun-always-shines-on.html

Cheers for reading,

Be Happy,

Ben

NLD Aftermath

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Spurs 2-1 Arsenal – Doesn’t make for pretty reading does it..

A very strange game of football, where we eventually came out second best to the enemy. On chances created alone, we should of lost. But on the pattern of play, we where very much in the game. We just didn’t take the chances that did arise for us. The game turned out to be a battle of high lines, and whom ever played the right passes in behind would be victorious.. There is not exactly any major differences between the teams, mind you. they have a seven point lead and have a high flying Gareth Bale..

The game started off very cagey. The nerves where very clear to see on both sides. We dominated the very early stages and things looked promising. We created a very early chance (By our standards anyway) 10 minutes in, Giroud was put through and was bearing down on goal. With a lovely ball over the top of the Spurs defence. But the very impressive Jan Vertonghen caught him and the chance went begging. It was to be Spurs who broke the deadlock 36 minutes in. Bale, with a well timed run and a very acute finish. Adebayor dragged the Arsenal defence leaving space for Bale to exploit. Sidgurdson was left with the simple task of finding the unmarked Bale. Diabolical Defending. 1-0. Shamefully, it only took Spurs three minutes to double their lead. With an almost identical goal. Lennon was slide in, rounds the very lonely figure in Chesney. 2-0. Halftime couldn’t come quick enough.

The second half begins, very similar to the first, Arsenal possession, not leading to much penetration of the spurs back line. We managed to get our goal five minutes into the second half. A Bale own goal. I could give it to Mertesacker but a Bale OG just sounds better. After some very tenacious work from Ramsey to win a free-kick right in the spurs half, near the corner flag. Walcott swung in the eventuall free kick. Mertesacker with the flick on, straight onto Bale’s head with the ball ending up in the Spurs net. 2-1. Game on. Or so we thought. A few minutes later the ball broke to Monreal who was free at the edge of the box. The Spaniard shanked his left footed shot into the White Hart Lane crowd. We continued to attack the Spurs end. Jenkinson broke down the right-hand side and just before reaching the by-line. He swung in a beautiful cross. But the very impressive Lloris intercepted and gathered perfectly. But to then only spill the ball…unfortunately our frenchman was caught napping and too engrossed in his usual ‘celebration’ of disappointment. 59 minutes in, Bale should of made it 3-1. A well timed crossed ball from Sidgursgon before Bale skied it. A let off. Again Spurs should of finished the game. Sidgursgon through on goal and unselfishly tries to play in the again unmarked Bale, only for Mertesacker to intercept. A minute later Defoe drags a half chance wide of the goal. Another let off. The 80th minute was our next major, and final chance. Ramsey was slide in, the welshman was on the corner of the box. But with a very tame effort, he misses the target. FT. Spurs win the bragging rights, for now..

It’s really difficult to analyse and understand why we where defensively an absolute shambles.
To quote Arsene Wenger

“We were not efficent in the zones where it mattered (At either end). We were not dominated. it was a strange game to lose”.

We where in the game. We just didn’t have enough on the day. A boring and dull cliche, but true. We just couldn’t answer the question that where asked of the team. The game was very similar to our previous encounters with an AVB team – Chelsea (5-3) springs to mind. High lines and defence splitting passes. As I mentioned before individuals let us down, not the pattern of play. What has been a very worrying about this team this season – Every big game this season we have thrown away. It points to lack of quality, as well as the dreaded, ‘mental strength’. Too many poor displays from the major pieces of the ongoing Arsenal puzzle. The better players on the day have to carry to team. You can’t conceed goals like we do and expect a miraculous come back – Im surprised we don’t get more back injuries…

Personally Im very, very bored of seeing the same mistakes never being resolved and the surprise of the club, when they resurface. We are very poor (By Arsenal AND Arsene’s standards) where it really matters. Arsene seems to be really struggling with everything – Team Selections, tactics, substitutions. If you look at the enemy. Firslty, our decline is their gain. But credit is due because they have taken advantage of that. Im not saying Spurs have a Champions League place wrapped up, but ive seen enough enough of Spurs this season to tell me the managerial change was the correct decision.

The Board. The Manager AND the current approach isn’t working. This can’t continue much longer because the tend is backwards…

Cheers for reading,

try and enjoy your week,

As usual – Be Happy,

Ben

The North London Derby

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Morning Gooners,

I not sure if you knew, but we have a game today.. Its only the biggest North London derby in recent history..

Possible Starting Line-ups

As it stands, Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs are definitely out. Abou Diaby is rated at 50:50 to play, no sleep lost over that news. Whilst Spurs number first choice striker, Jermain Defoe, ‘has a chance’ of being available for the game, probably coming off the bench. Also the American international Clint Dempsey remains out with a calf strain.

Arsenal – Szczesny – Jenkinson Mertesacker Vermaelen (C) Monreal – Arteta Wilshere – Ramsey Cazorla Podolski – Walcott (4-2-3-1)

Spurs – Lloris – Walker Caulker Vertonghen Assou-Ekotto – Parker Dembele – Lennon Bale Holtby – Abebayor (4-2-3-1)

Previous encounters

What a day the 17th of November was…To jog your memory, incase you forgot, we won 5-2 against the 10 men of Spurs. The scoreline doesn’t tell the whole truth about what actually went on that day. Some of the press / fans, built up our attacking prowess. Our closing down and our work rate, but theses are things I expect in every game, let alone the North London Derby. Spurs dominated possession in the early stages and created a very early chance and they SHOULD of scored. The pressure eventually lead to the early Spurs opener. Chesney palmed Defeo’s shot into the path of Adebayor whom broke the deadlock – His 100th club goal. A dream start for AVB’s men… Well, until hero Adebayor turned from hero to vilian within seconds. With an x-rated challenge on Cazorla. The Togolese striker gave the referee no option. From that moment on, Spurs where always going to have an uphill batlle. We then went on to put five past spurs, with five different goal scorers taking the spoils – Mertesacker, Podolski, Giroud, Cazorla, Walcott. Totteham’s second scored by Bale was the most worrying – A sign of things to come today ? …Bale galloped through our midfield to finish with a fantastic strike, he drove the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Team Analysis

To continue with Bale for the moment – He played on the left-wing during the previous encounter. Granted he had one of his ‘off’ days, but he still showed flashes of brilliance. (That sentence can sum up his season in my opinion) Later on in the game, once it was psychologically over.  AVB changed his role, he sat just off the striker. Taking a more central role. A free role if you will. This was just a little offering of things to come from the Welshman. Personally, I don’t believe his future is for the conventional number 10 role, even tho he has been very impressive. Currently he is Spurs’s match winner and using a school yard mind-set it makes sense to give him (your best player) free rain. The ability he has striking the ball is out of this world. As we have seen in recent weeks, his goals have been the difference between one and three points. Also the difference between 4th and 5th. That’s why I believe he has been given the role of a so-called number 10 – Goals.

I’m really caught in two minds if Ramsey will start this afternoon. In previous big games, Arsene has opted for the Welshman, to help with possession and recycle the ball. But, when has he ever gone with the trend. Spurs have two very good attacking Full-Backs in Kyle Walker and Assou-Ekotto – Defensively is both their downfall and our golden ticket. Neither Podolski or Cazorla have been known for their defensive play, which leads me to think Ramsey may start.

Another possibility, may be the ‘usual line-up’ – Because of Theo’s lack of build up and hold up play as a central striker, which leads to a lot of pressure on our already shaky midfield. Putting Cazorla central will allow (hopefully) Arsenal to pass around the Spurs midfield. If we can get in behind Scott Parker (Spurs last man in midfield), the mayhem should begin..

Arteta will be key in what happens today – He will be tasked with his usual ‘defensive role’ – The space between the lines will need to be very limited. If he can keep his game simple and sniffs out all the danger – Keeping Dembele and Bale as quiet as possible, We may just grab ourselves three points today *squeezes arsenal shirt*.

What ever happens with the starting XI, the main thing is we start quickly – As a unit. Preventing an early goal for ‘them’. Hopefully we can break the trend, the ‘Arsenal way’ of conceding early goals in big the games… See you on the other side.

COME ON YOU ARSENAL, GIVE THEM HELL !!

Cheers for reading,

Be Happy

Ben

Nacho Monreal – Stability is his middle name…

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Gooners, I hope all is well…

My thoughts and ramblings about our new Spanish acquisition..

Nacho Monreal, the deadline day signing from Malaga made his debut on Saturday against Stoke and to say I was impressed is an understatement. The Spanish international was solid, a dependable reassuring presence. I personally felt very comfortable when he had the ball at his feet. His positioning was fantastic; spreading and squeezing the play when we had the ball. He made his debut look effortless.

Arsene on Monreal’s debut “I am happy that we didn’t conceded and the defence looked solid. Nacho had a good start. he got stronger and stronger.”

“There is no better culture shock than Stoke when you come from Spain! They had a very physical game and I think he dealt well with it.”

He is a typical Arsene signing, in regards of being relatively unknown, a fantastic technician and very intelligent player. His arrival gave some fan’s, ‘that buzz’. Other’s just gave them a sigh of relief something was eventually done. If you haven’t seen him play before, sit back, enjoy the ride. I’ve been thinking this for a while, but has our transfer policy has been tweaked? In year’s gone by, Arsene would have went for younger, less experienced talent – Usually just to fend off the ‘European Big Guns’. Like our other incomings this season, Monreal, 26, is coming into his ‘best years’. Has Arsene just realised his mistakes from previous years, or is he just exploiting the current finanical climate?

Nacho played in La Liga now for many years and is a very experienced footballer. He came through the youth ranks with Osasuna. He made his debut for his hometown club, Osasuna at Valencia CF, on October 22nd 2006. The following season he became Osasuna’s first-choice left back. Later on that year he was also selected for the Spanish U-21′s. His steady rise with Los Rojillos secured him a move to big spending Malaga in 2011, where he went on to sign a five-year contract. The transfer was a blessing in disguise for Arsenal – Due to financial problems, owing Osasuna the majority of his transfer fee. They had to sell…

Pelligrini on the sale of the Spaniard – “Monreal’s exit is a very sad moment for the team. It deprives us of a very important player who performed to the highest standards. Unfortunately, the reality of the club is what it is, and there is no way of hiding it. It was an option that came up at the last-minute, and the club thought it was appropriate. I understand they have to try to balance the books, because the pressure is on us from all sides, and we have received punishments. It is a major loss to us in sporting terms.”

For me, the most promising thing about Nacho Monreal – He is actual full-back. NOT a converted winger. Like the fantastic Jordi Alba. It’s no surprise then that he has very strong defensive skills. All the key ingredients. He’s physical (As Jonathan Walters discovered), tactically and positionally astute, and his ability to read the game and the necessary tackle is great. He also has fantastic speed to allow ‘recovery’ incase of any errors made. As we saw on Saturday, Monreal is very good going forward. He can link up well with the attack and once he gains the confidence of his team mates he will excel and be a fine player for Arsenal.

Im not usually a fan of stats because I feel they can cloud your judgement and prevent you from creating your own opinion on a subject, and generally I feel they don’t tell the whole story… But, these make for some great reading and back up my points.

Nacho Monreal’s: Stats against Stoke: 85% pass completion, 3 aerial duels won (+ 1 bludgeoned Walters), 1 keypass, 2 interceptions, 5 clearances, 1 dribble, 3 crosses and a final match rating of 7.33 (Via WhoScored)

Plus – 34% of our attacks went down our left hand-side and as expected he spent most of his time ‘hanging around’ the half way line. Exciting stuff considering it was just his debut..

His intelligence and all round play was the most impressive. He seemed very calm and calculated when under pressure. He made very ‘quick-witted’ runs, a lot inside as well as overlapping, which was very interesting and encouraging. His one touch passing, Keeping it short and simple mentality is something we have longed for, for such a long time. It was very refreshing to watch. One of my ‘bugbears’ with the Arsenal team in the last two years is our inability to keep hold of the ball and dominate possession. Something we’ve lacked since Nasri was sold. Having that man out wide to help recycle the ball. Nacho gave us a kick in the right direction also helping dominate possession and help fill the void. Very encouraging and an enjoyable to watch at points when we had possession of the football. He managed three crosses during the game, very dangerous and equally precise. Very accomplished technician. You could see the whites of Giroud’s eyes light up! Very beneficial – Having that option to play to the frenchman’s strengths is something most gooners would welcome with open arms.

Nacho Monreal on his style of play “Arsenal like to keep the ball, which is beneficial for me and I like this part of the team’s game. I love playing with the ball at my feet, short, sharp touches, and good movement.

I think Arsenal do have certain elements of Spanish football philosophy. The Spanish people know that there are players of great quality in this team and I hope we can play good football.”

As seen on Saturday, Monreal will/did fit easily into Arsenal’s style of football. As like Santi, he has seemed to make the transition look very easy. It was Partly down to Stoke’s negative approach – He wasn’t put under constant pressure like he will be against better attacking units – but still impressive, when called upon.

He’ll be fine competition for Kieron Gibbs and I hope his arrival will put pressure on Kieran to improve his game and ease the pressure off him also. If Nacho can build up a relationship with Podolski, as Gibbs already has, we are in for some serious combination play. We have two very good left backs….

Cheers For reading,

Be happy,

Ben

Arsenal vs Manchester City

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How do anyone, I hope all is well..

The Premier League champions are coming to town.. But, do we have enough to eclipses the blue moon today. City are weakened today but that does not mean our inconsistent team can take them lightly. The Arsenal team news is as follows..

Everyone is fit from last weekend apart from Olivier Giroud. He has not been practising because of the cut on the knee he got at Swansea. We’ll have
a final test on Saturday to see if he is involved against Man City. It is a 50:50. We’ll see. (Arsene Wenger – Arsenal.com)

Likely team line-ups -

Arsenal – Szczesny – Sagna Mertesacker Vermaelen (C) Gibbs – Arteta Wilshere – Ramsey Cazorla Podolski – Walcott (4-2-3-1)

Man City – Hart – Zabaleta Kompany Nastasic Clichy – Silva Barry Garcia Milner – Tevez – Dzeko (4-4-1-1)

Previous encounters at the emirates -

Manchester City haven’t had the best of results at the emirates in recent times. The last two league fixtures, they where unable to breach our defence and score. Partly down to the defensive style of play Mancini opted for – Will Roberto go for the jugular this year considering our inconsistency ? or will the Italian try to settle for a point… Mikel Arteta won us the three points with a wonderstrike last year. What a moment that was. More of the same this year would be absolutely fantastic. I not bothered who does it by the way..

Team analysis -

A massive positive for the Arsenal is that Yaya Toure is away at the African Cup of Nations, Sergio Augero is likely to miss out because of a tear to his Hamstring and Samir Nasri is suspended.

We should win the midfield battle today – Instead of the Ivorian steam train – Yaya Toure marauding forward. The midfield will consist of the ‘yet to impress’ Javi Garcia, the ‘hard working’ James Milner and Gareth Barry. Very defensive indeed. But im leaving the best to last - David Silva. The final member of the quartet. The Spaniard will drift around the pitch linking up with Carlos Tevez. Thus changing Cities 4-4-1-1 to a 4-3-3 in an instance. Very dangerous and Arteta will need to know his whereabouts at all times. Scott Sinclair is someone who in my opinion who could cause us havoc, with his direct play and his eye for goal. Sagna can ‘take a sigh of relief’ if he doesn’t start. Sinclair has been criminally under used this season. A simply ridiculous move for him. I will put down the worlds smallest violin for a second…I hope his dry spell continues today…

The City defence will be well-drilled and hard-working as usual. Yet in my opinion could be our way in. The game will be tight and considering the possible line-up, plus a very defensive set-up, a single goal could be the difference. Like Thomas Vermaelen, Kompany can be prone to go into areas he doesn’t need to and also be reckless. If we can catch them on the counter and isolate Kompany, it could be our golden ticket. Kompany is similar to John Terry in certain aspects. He is powerful and will win the majority if not every aerial battle in enters. The Arsenal / Chelsea game earlier on in season we played into Terry’s hands (his strengths) and there was only ever going to be one winner. Lets not make Kompany man of the match today…

Will the conundrum of our midfield be solved this afternoon ? I very much doubt it. Tevez will drop deep and hustle Arteta and make sure he doesn’t have a minute to breathe. If Jack gives him the support he needs, we will dominate but that is yet to be seen. I personally would prefer to see Rosicky in midfield. He would be perfect for a game like this. He can run at the Man City Midfield/Defence. Instantly injecting pace and dynamism into the team. He doesn’t shy away from a challenge either, so being the perfect foil for Arteta. Thus Moving Jack further forward and Santi to the right hand-side, but I suspect Ramsey will get the nod. But we will see…

Man City’s fullbacks will play a major part in their game plan this afternoon. We all know what Clichy can do, but we also know his weaknesses. Pablo Zabaleta on the other-hand (Who is criminally underrated in my opinion) offers superb offensive play as well as his very strong defensive ability. Teams usually have a focus of play, either the left or right hand-side of the pitch. Similar to us, both of City’s fullbacks are very gun-ho. Having Zabaleta, he offers both. a very talented player.

Prediction -

I have strange feeling – I think we have a great chance ! Not sure if it’s City’s depleted side (Not really depleted, but you know what I mean) Or my love for Arsenal is blocking the reality of what could potentially happen. Three points would be a huge, huge result and hopefully give us the kick up the backside we need. Over to you boys do us proud.

COME ON YOU ARSENAL !

Cheers for reading,

Be Happy

Ben

(Follow me on twitter @BenLeeder)

A slight change?

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Happy New Year to everybody. I hope everyone is well.

Our inconsistent form sadly continues into 2013…

(Seven) 7 – 3. Aren’t brackets fantastic… Against Newcastle covered up our defensive frailties for a brief second. But against Southampton we were slapped across the face with them like a wet fish – We were passive, embarrassingly so, and it brought back horrific memories of other terrible games we have played this season (Insert fixture of choice that doesn’t cause so much pain to ease your woes).

The strangest thing is the amount of individual errors we as a team seem to commit. Every goal we have conceded in the last two fixtures has been preventable – All down to basic errors. What is it down to? The lack of defensive training? ‘Being Jaded’? Or just tactical errors? I believe to a certain extent it is tactical. Asking players to do jobs they don’t find comfortable, natural. Errors will occur, sadly they will continue to unless changes are made.

If you look at Newcastle’s first goal, it was a deflected free-kick from Demba Ba. His shot hit Jack, who turned away. The ball spun past a stranded Chesney into the net. This could have all been prevented. Sagna didn’t need to dive in and give away a pointless foul. Jack didn’t need to stand where he positioned himself – No mans land.

Newcastle’s second came from a pin point cross field pass from Bigirimana to Obertan, who was free on the left-hand side, but before he did that he jinked past Sagna with ease. Then he passes the ball across the six years box where an unmarked Marveaux taps in? Again, this could have been prevented. Basics to our defending seem to have disappeared. Sagna gets taken for a ride, then allows the cross. Koscienly is then afraid to stick a leg out in case he knocks the ball into his own net. Gibbs isn’t even looking over his shoulder to see if the right-sided midfielder is there. Bang, 2-2.

Newcastle’s final goal was scored by the very impressive Ba – His second of the match. Vermaelen pushes out to challenge Ba for a header that can’t be won (Intrigued to know if he was asked to mark Ba, or if it was a rush of blood) The ball is then flicked on towards Marveaux, who drives into the space vacated by Vermaelen. Marveaux turns on six pence, and with a beautiful pass, finds Ba at the back post for a tap in. Gibbs went to sleep again and let Ba slip in to make it 3-3.

Our full backs were poor defensively against Newcastle. Simple mistakes that shouldn’t happen, happened. Vermaelen’s poor defensive positioning should not be ignored. His obsession of charging into areas he should not be in to make a challenge is always very costly. It allows teams to get into dangerous areas and exploit us.

As for Southampton, their goal was something out of a slap stick comedy – Podolski runs back into trouble, misplaced a pass to Koscienly, who in-turn is unable to clear the ball. Which leads to the ball bouncing around our box like in a pin ball machine, because Gibbs and Sagna fail to deal with it.

We can’t ignore the simple fact that we are conceding sloppy goals – All down to basic errors. With the lack of a focal point in our attack and the quality of our football servely dipping – We can’t hold onto the ball for long periods like we used to. leading to even more pressure on our leaky defence. Against Southampton and Aston Villa (sticks in my mind the most) Our distribution was very, very poor. We seemed unable at times to move the ball from defence to attack. We are struggling to create from deep areas.

I think a slight adjustment to the spine of the team would make a massive difference. What is clear, we need players to add to the starting XI and the squad.

My hope for the transfer window would be a defensive midfielder and a striker.

A defensive midfielder would tactically improve us massively – He could be used for close man marking – for opposition playmaker/support striker instead of using Vermaelen and exposing the defence.

Arteta has done the job well, but Jack and Santi leave him very exposed at times. Arteta does read the game very, very well. He makes countless tackles and interceptions. Whilst we play Walcott as our loan striker he stretches the play – Leaving acres of space for Arteta to cover. His lack of pace seems to be his downfall at times. I think he is more effective high up the pitch. He has been struggling with his build up play/distribution – Partly due to movement from the rest of the players. Pushing him further up the pitch would get the best out of him.

My solution…

I have mentioned him previously, but Etienne Capoue, of Toulouse would be my choice. The 6 ft 2 defensive midfielder has represented France at all levels. He would instantly add height and power, that key ingredient, missing from our midfield. He is the type of player that puts out a fire before it starts. He sits very deep at times, almost a third centre back deep. Some of his key attributes are his ability to intercept, his concentration levels, regaining possession and his ‘keep it simple’ passing. Impressively Etienne Capoue won the most duels in Ligue 1 in 2012. But what puts the bow on top of the present is his distribution, as i’ve said, something we seem to be missing. To compare him to Diaby (People like a comparison) – Technically isn’t in the same league as Diaby but his other attributes gives him the potential to be a better option. Capoue, like Diaby, can and will ‘carry the ball’. Someone we are missing currently. A scary thought would be having both of them in there. Petit and Vieiria anyone? Capoue ‘sitting’ would offer that missing protection for the back four, allowing other players into the team do what to they do best…and what they find most natural…attack. In-turn hopefully pinning Vermaelen back and making him an all-round better defender.

4-2-3-1 seems to be our formation for the foreseeable future. Capoue Could allow us to change to 3-4-3 or 3-3-3-1 when in possession

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As always, please share your thoughts..

Cheers for reading,

Be happy,

Ben

Quick fixes…What about long term?

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How is everybody feeling?

A question: If you were in charge – how many of this current Arsenal squad would you keep? If you’re being true to yourself, I bet it isn’t many. I had eight – let me know who makes your cut.

I found myself scrolling through our first team squad on Arsenal.com and feeling very glum. Then I wondered how Arsene really feels when he comes into training on Monday morning…Sorry *shakes head* I will continue.

Lets solve this problem! Suburban Gooner style!!!

In my opinion, the main problem with this team – We switch off.

Is it a lack of confidence in their own ability? Or is it just because the players are not good enough? Is it the pressure of fans and the media’s influence? Do do we miss a leader to grab the team round the scruff of the neck? They are all small problems that add up to what we currently have. I think the standout issue is players being played out of position. Players are being asked to do things they don’t find natural. If you look at it as individuals – Every player in a squad has a ‘issue’ why maybe they shouldn’t be at Arsenal or do the job they are being asked to do…

For example,

  • Gibbs – Our first choice left back, can’t stay fit. Needs to work on his final ball
  • Vermaelen – The captaincy ‘seems’ to be too much for him
  • Gervinho – Inconsistent, not at the level required
  • Wilshere – Lacks goals / composure in-front of goal. Currently doing a job not suited to him because of the players in the team. Better players will improve him and take the pressure off his already heavy shoulders
  • Giroud – Lack of pace. Takes things to heart
  • Chesney – No proper competition. Poor distribution

Just examples, many more, just wanted to make a point and not pick on the usual culprits.

Yes the quality is not good enough, but in my opinion the balance is off. It’s a midfield problem. A slight adjustment could improve us massively. Putting Walcott central for example could be a masterstroke by Arsene. Unintentionally, Walcott could save this team when the going gets tough.

If you look at Theo as an Individual – I don’t think he currently has the attributes to be our lone striker. In time maybe. But I’m very sceptical to say the least. I can’t really understand his ‘obsession’ to play centrally, especially with the formation we play – three strikers. His first touch isn’t sharp enough. His hold up play hasn’t been good enough but It is very harsh to judge him only after two proper games. With his back to goal again he wasn’t the most impressive, but his pace got him out of jail.

Now lets chuck all of that out of the window…..

‘Feo’ will score goals. He will scare the living daylights out of defenders. If he sits on the shoulder of the last defender they will drop deeper and deeper as the game goes on. Leaving acres of space for our key players to exploit. He obviously will be used as more of an out-ball, firstly to counter attack and secondly to quickly ease the pressure when needed.
In my opinion Theo thinks he’s a striker. Let’s let him think he is untill we find the answer. It will benefit all parties. Him playing central isn’t the answer for the team long term BUT saying that this current crop desperately need Walcott. Even if he doesn’t realise it himself.
Giving him a run of games will A) Improve him as a player B) Improve the team. Win win for me.

We have spells of possession, not Arsenal of old possession, but we do still keep the ball. The team lacks a focal point, so a lot of our attacks break down. Due to individual mistakes, a lack of quality, poor deliveries and positive passes. Also, the lack of runners, movement, is a major problem. Some of them are so very robotic in there movement, they are just easily read.

Diaby is our most natural, followed by Rosicky ‘carrier’ of the ball. They can drive past players into space, eliminating 1-2 off the opposition in the process, allowing others to come into play in more effective areas of the pitch. Leading to more devastating results. The balance in our midfield is off. We lack, and miss, runners. A few adjustments / Players coming in – and we would be a force to be reckoned with. Sadly, this is the story of Arsenal of recent times…

I have thought about this for a while. Shifting Santi out wide. Moving him to the left or right of the ‘three’ (4-2-3-1). When we have possession, instead of running on and beyond a player to create space or driving into space created by someone else. He gets sucked to the ball. Its natural, its his instinct. He wants to conduct his orchestra. That’s his game.

Moving him out wide, I believe, would see the best of him. Think Iniesta for Barcelona; an exceptional player and one of the best central midfielders in the world, but placed out wide because he has the attributes to suit a system. Santi is like Iniesta: he has the ability to beat a man. He has a great strike on him. He is an amazing crosser of the ball. Very clearly both footed which is unreal. (Yet seems such a basic attribute). Also he would improve our possession which eases pressure off the defence.

Teams are setting up just to stifle him and Arteta out of the game. Against tactically astute teams he was / is less affective. Against Reading (tactically shocking – Got it all wrong on the night) he was left to his own devices and showed us what he was really about. In the long run, I think moving him out wide would give him the time and space create his magic. Thus also creating a space in midfield for the very dynamic Rosicky – as we all know, Rosicky has more than enough ability, but he can’t be relied on, sadly, due to his reoccurring injuries…

As I mentioned in my ‘Fanuary transfer window feature’ two options that I think would enhance and push our team forward, that illusive word, forward. Toulouse’ Etienne Capoue and Montpeiller’ Younes Belhanda.

Etienne Capoue is a – 6 ft 2 defensive midfielder. He has represented France at all levels. He would instantly add height and power, that key ingredient missing from our midfield. He is the type of player that puts out a fire before it even gets going. The missing link in my opinion. He sits very deep at times, almost a third centre back deep. Some of his key attributes are interceptions, his concentration levels, regaining possession and his ‘keep it simple’ passing. Don’t be fooled, he also has an excellent range of long and short passes. He technically isn’t in the same league as Diaby but his other attributes gives him the potential to be a better option. Capoue, like Diaby, can and will ‘carry the ball’. Someone we are missing currently. A scary thought would be having both of them in there. Petit and Vieiria anyone? Capoue ‘sitting’ would offer that missing protection for the back four, allowing other players into the team do what to they do best..and what they find most natural…attack. Gibbs and Sagna would also benefit. Giving them the confidence to push on into Dani Alves territory. Sounds exciting doesn’t it?! Plus, it will give Vermaelen the freedom to the odd gut busting run. *peeps through his fingers*…

Younes Belhanda – He is a 22 year-old Moroccan international who hopefully isn’t in love with the Shisha pipe. Younes is an attacking midfielder-come-winger. He plays as a number 10 for Montpellier and had a formidable partnership with Oliver Giroud, Which main help us get the best out of our newest frontman. Montpellier manager, Rene Girard has compared Belhanda to Robert Pires, which will certainly get the Arsenal fans pulses racing. The Morrocan possesses great vision, technique. A very intelligent footballer. He has all the components to be a fantastic player for us. He would give us major options in our attacking areas. His direct play and fantastic dribbling ability makes him a option for our number 10 role and out wide.

We need players to come in…even with everyone fully fit, we will run it very close to the wire for that essential forth spot. A few additions, and a trophy could be ours for the taking…

Up the Arsenal!

Cheers for reading,

Be happy,

Ben

Fanuary Transfer Window Scotty Davis has the last word

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Welcome one and all to our final instalment of our ‘Fanuary’ Transfer Window update. We’ve loved bringing you some of the thoughts of some of the top Arsenal fans that we follow and regularly engage with. There’s been some interesting thoughts and perspectives, and what’s been so intriguing to us is how although most gooners differ slightly, there seems to be a real correlation in thinking of the types of players we all want. Today we bring to you a champion of what Chris calls the ‘extend-o-tweet’ in Scott Davis. A logical thinker, with some very compelling arguments on issues such as Theo playing up top, we’re really pleased that Scott took the time to pen some thoughts for us to regurgitate on to our blog. Better known through his Twitter handle as @ScottyDavisAFC – Scott has a marvellous way with words. He is mainly a guest writer but In my opinion, he should be so much more than that. A quality, quality bloke. Enjoy…

Do you honestly think we are going to sign a number of players in January despite similar promises in previous seasons?

History suggests that Arsene hasn’t always been afraid to spend in January. Far from it in fact. The most recent acquisition that made an immediate impact was that of Andrey Arshavin in January of 2009. We were in a similar position in December 2008 that we are now with 4th place looking like some task and the signing of Arshavin was both the big name and possessed the quality we required in order to push us over the line.

A few years before Arshavin; Walcott, Diaby and Adebayor were all signed in the same window whilst if you were to go back further than that, Jose Antonio Reyes was too a January window signing. So the evidence is there that Wenger isn’t afraid to spend mid-season if necessary.

The only stumbling block now compared to when we signed the mentioned players is that right now, I do believe we need more than just the extra one or two to guarantee (if there is such thing) a top four finish. So, will we do that? Judging from Wenger’s recent interviews I’ve seen and read he has on a number of occasions now mentioned about regrouping now until January and how we must pick up till January. Personally I think that’s a slight indication that he wants to do business in January. My gut feeling is that we will buy but will we buy enough? I can’t see more than two permanent signings coming in if I’m totally honest and I think perhaps that’s the best we can offer – on top of perhaps the Thierry Henry loan deal. In recent years we’ve seen the influx of loan returns; Henry, Lehmann, and Sol Campbell for example and they’ve all been far from a disaster as perhaps they were originally anticipated.

With regards to Henry, whilst I think it’s far from the solution, providing he’s brought in on top of a permanent forward signing I see no wrong with making this deal happen or a second time. He showed this time last year that if the ball is played in to feet he knows exactly where the goals is and with the games coming thick and fast in and around Christmas, the FA Cup 3rd round starting as well as potential League Cup Semi-finals all accompanying the Champions League restart, we’ll need as many bodies as we can.

Do you feel Wenger needs to buy a ‘big’ player in January in order to make a statement to the fans or just make the right acquisitions?

It’s not a name I personally crave for, it’s that little bit of quality, sharpness in and around the box. Don’t get me wrong if our club dared to go out and make Cavani or Lewandowski happens at all costs then obviously I’d be excited, but I don’t think it’s all down to big name signings at all, no. Whilst the Arshavin deal was seen as a big coup at the time he was still untried outside of the Russian league, it was still a gamble. There is no guarantee that if we spend £30m on a player he’ll come in and make an immediate impact – all you have to do is look at the likes of Shevchenko or more recently Torres at Chelsea to prove that.

So yes, whilst I’d obviously be over the moon if we signed a Falcao etc I don’t think it’s essential, no. It’s more about making the right acquisitions which have the quality, drive and determination to fit into a system the manager believes will work.

I’m not particularly fussed if I’ve heard of the player/s or not. The main thing is that we want Arsene to go out and make a few signings, providing he does that, regardless of whether or not they were our individual preferences is irrelevant; we wanted him to buy, he’s made his purchases, he therefore

believes these players would be enough to reach our minimum requirement (4th) so it would then be our job as supporters to get behind the new signings.

Which position needs the most strengthening and which player would you sign to improve this area?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one position specifically because we need a player in a few different positions. In terms of challenging for the title, I believe we’re a keeper short, a centre back short, a left back, a central midfielder and a striker short as well. I don’t think we need quite as many as that for 4th, but I suppose the one we need the most would be a striker. When Giroud starts we’ve often gone into games without a forward on the bench. The likes of Chamakh just aren’t in Arsene’s mind during proper games. Yes we’ve played both Podolski and Gervinho in a more advanced position, rotating with the likes of Walcott perhaps in essentially what is the modern-day false 9 system, but this won’t work long-term. So I think a forward is needed. Who though? As I said in the previous, I don’t care too much just as long as we bring one in whom Arsene believes is ready to do a job now. We’ve been linked with the likes of Huntelaar and Llorente, whether or not it will be as recognised a name as those I’m unsure, but either way, I wouldn’t grumble at either.

Are we still in a situation of where we need to sell before we can buy?

Absolutely not, no.

At the clubs last AGM meeting the board were challenged with questions containing assumptions of outstanding capital just sitting there, and not once did any board member deny the amount being suggested by fans. I’ve read we could have as much as £70m, whilst I’m sceptical it’s as much as that, there is money there. All you have to do is look at the players we’ve seen sold in the last 2/3 years and how much we’ve generated from those sales compared to the outlay we’ve made in bringing players in.

Do we need to sign replacements for potential summer outgoings in this transfer window?

I don’t believe so, no.

We have problems which need addressing now and therefore they should be concentrated on now.

Theo Walcott, yes he’s out of contract in the summer but we can’t afford to dwell on that now. We need him for the remainder of this season, he’s our top scorer and he should be planned and thought about as a player who is very much in our hands for the next 6 months. If he does leave, he leaves. We’ll worry about that then, but full concentration should be made on acquiring the right types of players we need now who will integrate and settle as quickly as possible into this squad.

Would you like to add anything ?

Arsene Wenger is a very loyal manager. He’s loyal to the club, the players, and everything to do with Arsenal Football Club. In today’s game it’s rare you see someone so devoted to a club as passionately as he is but at times, when it’s came to personnel I believe it’s been his downfall.

Its 2012 and we’re relying heavily on the likes of Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky being fit. Whilst I rate the latter highly when it comes to the combination of work rate and technically, and the foremost is rated highly within the game, to have been told in 2009 that in 2012 these two players would be an integral part of your first team selection, I would have honestly thought that neither would have been contracted to the club by then.

Both have been thought and planned around as if they’re going to churn out a 40 game season each when in reality it’s not going to happen. Regardless of how highly Arsene Wenger rates the pair of

them, expecting both to be fit and ready to be called upon freely throughout a season is mismanagement.

This is by no means an attack on either of the players or Arsene himself, it’s merely an observation which I believe is costing us now and has been costing us for a few years.

Arsene has chosen not to go out, spend, and bring in players due to having both Diaby and Rosicky in his squad. As manager, it is Arsene Wenger’s job to make decisions which benefit Arsenal Football Club – NOT individual players and hanging on to the likes of Diaby and Rosicky and making them a focal part of your team’s plans doesn’t benefit Arsenal Football Club. It benefits Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky only.

If he doesn’t want to sell them in the hope one or the other eventually gets over his injury problems then that’s fair enough but what he should be doing is treating the rare occasion of either being available as nothing more than a bonus. We should be going into matches, into seasons, writing the pair of them off subsequently bringing in players who can do the jobs of which both would be asked to do when fit. If they are fit, then great; that benefits Arsenal Football Club. It means we’ll have more choice, more options and the match day squad will look healthier and if either are as good as Arsene obviously rates them, they’ll find their way back into the first team regardless of how many other options are available.

But one of the main reasons we are struggling now and have failed to last the distance in recent seasons is the reliance on constant injury-prone (injured) players – which in turn mean’s the squad has never been big enough.

It’s something of which we really need to shift and I personally feel, Arsene Wenger really needs to be reminded about.

The Suburban Gooners would like to thank Scott for his time and effort, its much appreciated. As usual, some compelling comments from a top man and hopefully we’ll be able to drag him back into Suburban Gooner land for some more thoughts in future.

Cheers for reading,

Be Happy,

Ben

‘Fanuary’ – from the SuburbanGooners

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We’ve decided that given that it’s our blog, both Ben and I would put some of our own thoughts into our ‘Fanuary’ feature, so today’s installment is a SuburbanGooner only affair on what we think we need for kicking the Arsenal team on next year.

First up, it’s Ben. Over to you sir!

Do you honestly think we are going to sign a number of players in January despite similar promises in previous seasons?

I HOPE we do. This hasn’t been an enjoyable season thus far. It’s hard to be sensible, show prospective with some of the results we have had and the real lack of quality in our football / Squad. As I write this we are 15 points off the top. In my opinion, that isn’t acceptable. Players are needed to close the gap.

Do you feel Wenger needs to buy a ‘big’ player in January in order to make a statement to the fans or just make the right acquisitions?

I’m 50/50 on this. Part of me thinks, imagine (For conversations sake – It isn’t going to happen, so don’t be silly) We sign Falcao. Imagine the lift in the dressing room. ‘The Buzz’ would be back – The team, The fans, the excitement to watch the team, the scramble for tickets…Remember when Arshavin rocked up, What a night that was. “I’m a gooner”, rang through my ears all week… I was there when he scored his first goal for the club against Blackburn. Just WOW. Imagine if we signed someone ‘bigger’ than him. Doesn’t bear thinking about does it. BUT, here it comes…I think this team needs more than Bert from Mary Poppins. I’d personally much rather Arsene went and spread the money across the team to do the job needed until the summer – So we can try to get some value for money. As we know January is Harrods prices, for Primark Players (Soz Primani).

Which position needs the most strengthening and which player would you sign to improve this area of the team?

I believe we need three players in January. In my opinion the team lacks a focal point. We attack, it breaks down, which leads to even more pressure on our defence. Which can’t / doesn’t cope. It all depends on what you believe our problem is, Personally, I believe we just ‘switch off’. So I would go down the route of improving the spine of the team.

A defensive midfielder – Etienne Capoue. Someone that will sit and hold, to allow Arteta to play further forward where he is more comfortable. Thus allowing Jack/Santi the chance to really express themselves.

A Striker – Hunterlaar. Hunterlaar isn’t the type of striker that will get involved in the build up play. He does all of his damage in the box. He would stretch the lines giving more time and space for Santi/Jack. What Walcott did against Reading, but with a purpose.

My final signing would be Younes Belhanda. An attacking midfielder. He is fast, direct, skillful and technically perfect for us. Another player to help improve our possession (Do some YouTube scouting if you haven’t seen much of him, tip-top player). He has the ability to beat a man. He could be played as a wing forward, off the striker, or even sit Midfield and be one of those runners we have missed. He would give us massive options.

Are we still in a situation of where we need to sell before we can buy?

It would help to clear the wage bill a little, but no. Needs must.

Do we need to sign replacements for potential summer outgoings in this transfer window?

This question is aimed at Walcott and Sagna - Both situations are completely different. Sagna has reached the age where we only offer year extensions. Theo wants a huge pay-rise. I do hope, they eventually end up staying but I wont be heartbroken if they where to leave…But I would hope after seeing signings come in, ‘Feo’ and Sagna would want to continue with the club. Even though in my opinion Walcott has his bags packed… If five of the british contingent can do it, No bending the true now. shows you what he really wants..

Would you like to add anything ?

As a fan, it’s currently very hard to be positive/show perspective when we as a team are playing so poorly. Concentrating on the playing side – We have far to many players at the club, that shouldn’t be, it’s as simple as that. Arsene has a way of playing, and rightly or wrongly, he will stick to it. Leaving him with many square pegs for round holes.

Our stubborn manager has a very strange dream – To be able to win titles, beating other teams with huge spending power by not using his ‘cash reserves’. So he can be seen to be taking the moral high ground and be regarded as a great. I can see where he is coming from, but he needs to be realistic, gaps in the team need to be plugged not brushed over. Questions always need to be asked of Arsene. To stop the rot. That’s partly the problem, he hasn’t been questioned = Current state.

We must always remember, He revolutionised us. We are, what we are, because of him. We could have the pick of any manager we wanted. Who wouldn’t want to come to a team that is self-sufficiently run, with cash to spend ? I personally believe Arsene deserves the chance to bear his fruit in 2014…

But January needs to be a success..Serious QUESTIONS need to be asked of the football club if its isn’t.

COME ON YOU RIP ROARING REDS !!

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Do you honestly think we are going to sign a number of players in January despite similar promises in previous seasons?

I am always optimistic that the squad will be added to during every transfer window. Striving for greatness is something every team should be looking to do and I don’t think – even during the Invincibles era – there wasn’t areas that we couldn’t have improved upon. It was an amazing time for Arsenal, but we never quite managed that Champions League trophy or an amazing treble. But that wasn’t the question! I think Arsene will make some signings – he’d surely be mad not too. I’m not an advocate of signings to appease the fans, but when you look at some of the clear frailties that have been exposed at times this season, it’s clear that fresh blood is needed. Let’s also not forget that a new signing can act as a catalyst for the team to improve – just look at how much of an impact Arshavin made.

Do you feel Wenger needs to buy a ‘big’ player in January in order to make a statement to the fans or just make the right acquisitions?

I think the right player that can play to our system is essential before a big name. Arsene isn’t going to change the system or the way we play – you know it, I know it. I know there are a few people who advocate us changing to a 4-4-2 and I can certainly see the merits of it, but I doubt he’ll change in mid-season. Therefore, we need to get players in that are technically gifted and can play ‘The Arsenal Way’, but in some areas I think we need to have a little more sacrifice in technical competency for a bit of steel. I said above that a marquee signing like Arshavin could have an impact, but I’m not sure whether or not there are those types of signings that are available in January. I’m not convinced that we’re really after, or will get Huntelaar (I’ll expect his signature confirmed over Christmas now I’ve said that) and some of the other names I’ve heard (e.g. Demba Ba) are hardly the marquee signing that Arshavin was – bearing in mind he came off the back of a fantastic European Championship.

Which position needs the most strengthening and which player would you sign to improve this area of the team?

I actually think we need a proper dribbling winger before anything else. If we’re talking about Theo playing up top, and I am actually becoming a convert of this idea, then why not buy a player that will get out wide and take on full backs? I can’t profess to know enough about Zaha, but he seems like that sort of player, but again it will all come down to the price with Arsenal – it always does.

Are we still in a situation of where we need to sell before we can buy?

I don’t think so. I don’t have any inner mole, secret passage way through to Highbury House or any insider knowledge on the clubs finances, but if you look at some of the pretty accurate guestimations of supporters groups like the AST, there is certainly a surplus of cash that is available. My real question would be whether or not it’s prudent to spunk all of that cash in January, or save it for the summer. Unlike some other teams, if we rinse the £70million odd that we’re supposed to have in January, I doubt there will be much in the way of player acquisitions in the summer, which really is the time for a proper reflection of the squad and where we need to strengthen.

Do we need to sign replacements for potential summer outgoings in this transfer window?

If you’re talking about Park, Squillaci, Denilson, Bendtner and Djourou, then good grief no. They haven’t been anywhere near the first team and so would be no real loss. However, if the ominous signs are that Theo is offski (which I believe he is) and the club want to cash in, then we absolutely must sign a replacement for him, possibly two.

Would you like to add anything ?

This January window may end up being a frustrating one. Teams don’t want to sell their players halfway through the season and so you’re always going to pay a premium. That word ‘premium’ is not quite in the vocab of the Arsenal board, so I can’t really see us picking up any bargains. I think we’ll probably bring in one attacking player, perhaps a defensive midfielder as back up to Arteta, but I’m becoming cynical in my old age, so it wwouldn’t surprise me if no deals were done.

What do you think? Give us your thoughts and thanks for reading