After Arsenal’s transfer deadline day disappointment, we can now accurately assess the state of the Gunner’s squad. Robin Van Persie, arguably the world’s best out-and-out striker has left. Alex Song has followed suit. Lukas Podolski a German international and a mean finisher has been brought in. So has Olivier Giroud, Ligue 1’s leading scorer last season.
Then there’s Santi Cazorla, a truly great addition to this Arsenal side. He’s got great movement, and can spray the ball about with ease. He’s good with both his feet and seems to have the ability to make his mark in the Premier League. He more than makes up for Alex Song’s sale, even though the two are hardly comparable players.
But I’m not sure that Giroud and Podolski are capable of replacing RVP between them. They’re two proven goal scorers, but they’re both new additions to the Premier League and need time to settle in. It’s a big ask to expect them to score 40 or so goals between them, but that’s what Arsenal will need if they’re to finish towards the top of the table. Indeed, a top four finish may be difficult as things stand.
There is one saving grace, however. I also think that Tottenham and Liverpool have also struggled this summer and ended up a little worse off than they were before the start of the summer. Even Newcastle, another top four contender, may struggle as a result of strikers Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba failing to find their rhythm. Arsenal may well be able to achieve a fourth place finish by rote. But that’s hardly a satisfying position for fans to be in.
All Arsenal fans want to see is their club competing for silverware. They’re sick of seeing the club making a profit during each transfer window and refusing to re-reimburse it into the squad. It looks like the ambition’s all gone.
If this year results in yet another trophyless season for the North London side, then you’d hope that changes will be made at a board-room level. Unfortunately there’s an established order now and these individuals are considerably more interested in running the club as a business rather than as a competitive unit out on the pitch. I’m not here to judge the financial merits of that, or even whether it’s the right strategy for Arsenal to adapt.
It is, however, difficult for fans to watch. Arsene Wenger now has a massive challenge ahead of him. He has to change this group of players into title-challengers. I won’t be holding my breath.
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Rubbish article !
Yeh but you forget to mention one player that is like a new signing and I think will make our season Diaby! He could be the difference and Wilshere is close to a return and he looks to have turned his body fat into muscle since he’s been out!
not worse
We are actualy getting Wilshere,Podolski,Giroud,Carzola,Eisfeld and Mannone(set a record for clean sheets at HULL last season).We lost Van Purse-strings,Song,Park, and Almunia from last season’s squad.Pretty good business if I may say so and not forgeting the best signing of all “BOULD!!!”.
I feel Diaby still need to pass the ball quicker near our penalty box area, certain times he kept possession of the ball which were unnessessary. Losing the ball especially in our own half is a hazard.
Diaby had a superb game and everyone is overjoyed. But can he consistantly produce that level? I don remember him being good in few games in a row. Do you?
What a shite-headed article Mr.Cloke! There are soooo many rehashed and recycled BS myths taken off the net and regurgitated in order to get cheap AAA hits, as follows:
1)¨But I’m not sure that Giroud and Podolski are capable of replacing RVP between them.¨ I’m sure they weren’t brought in to replace RVP and his 40 goals you cretin….we have 5 other strikers to rely on and a great attacking midfield that can also score…all these two need to do is score a few in crucial games and we’ll be fine.
2)¨Indeed, a top four finish may be difficult as things stand.¨….what a stupid comment 3 games into the season….A top 4 finish is NOT Wenger’s aim…he wants 1st place,always has and will also strike for a trophy this year…the team can do it and will,based on what they’ve done so far.
3)¨ refusing to re-reimburse it into the squad. It looks like the ambition’s all gone.¨ Another cretin claiming that AFC have no ambition….this is sheer BS. They just spent 35m sterling and have the best squad since the Invincibles and it is clear that every player and Wenger has one sole ambition…to win the League. You have no ambition writing crap like this article!
4)¨ I won’t be holding my breath.¨ ..No you’ll be holding your tiny dick while you whack off writing more ignorant, glory-hunting offal like this article! Pease hold your breath until you pass out and expire from too much shit on the brain!
I totally agree Diaby is selfish or too slow in the penalty area.He rarely pass the ball and too slow.He must release the ball with precision before loosing it.