The most disappointing team performance of the season so far? It has to be the Gunners’ showing against Norwich City last Saturday. No disrespect to Norwich, who have a good side, worked hard and can beat anybody on their day, but Arsenal really should have been able to turn over the Canaries.
Instead, they looked second best throughout the game. Despite their possession, they didn’t use the ball half as well as Norwich. The passing wasn’t as quick, the movement wasn’t as fluid and the finishing wasn’t as sharp. They deserved the 1-0 loss.
At the time of writing, I’m unaware of the Schalke score, but whatever the result, it’s clear to me that this Arsenal side needs reinforcements if they’re to earn a top four finish, let alone challenge for the title. There’s a lot of work to be done.
Talking of Schalke (seamless segway) Arsenal have been linked strongly to their talented young midfielder, Lewis Holtby. The 22-year-old is a German International with a Liverpudlian father. It may be this that drives his desire to play in the Premier League. Check out these quotes:
“For me, it was always a dream to play in the Premier League and it was always a team like Arsenal that I would like to play for. Now I play for Schalke and I am happy to be here.” (Source: IBTimes)
It’s intriguing to see him name-check Arsenal, rather than say, Liverpool or Everton. Holtby’s Schalke contract expires at the end of the season, which may allow the Gunners to pluck him up for a free transfer.
Despite having plenty of options in the centre of midfield, I have to say that Holtby would be a good option. I’m not sure the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby have much of a future at Arsenal and the young German is clearly a player with a big future. He’s got great vision, moves the ball about quickly and with precision and makes things happen.
I don’t see him as a first-teamer, but I can easily see him breaking into the team after a couple of seasons. He’s too talented to stay in the background for too long.
If Holtby could bring Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with him from Schalke, all the better.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal snap up Holtby?
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his farther is evertonian
haha after lastnight he might want to stay at shalke