I don’t think I’m exaggerating (too much) when I claim that the defeat against Norwich last Saturday evening has plunged Arsenal fans into the depths of despair. Defeat is painful enough, but the nature of the defeat has left a pretty bad taste in the mouth.
The pace, movement, and endeavor just didn’t seem to be there. Indeed, Arsenal didn’t look anywhere near the races and probably wouldn’t have managed to score an equalizer even had the referee declared an additional half-hour of extra-time. Whilst we’re used to seeing the Gunners go a goal behind to weaker opposition, we’re not used to seeing them be so passive and lacking so much threat.
Arsene Wenger sides are known for their free-flowing attacking football. Despite having fantastic players like Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski on board, this Arsenal side is not capable of reaching the heights of former Wenger sides and given that the boss has been unable to win any silverware in 7 years, that’s not a particularly good sign.
Inspiration may have to come through a smart purchase in the transfer window.
Which brings me to talkSPORT’s claim that Arsenal are targeting Real Madrid’s super forward, Karim Benzema. Whilst this doesn’t seem very realistic, it’s noted that it’s contingent on Real Madrid pulling off a move for Atletico Madrid star, Radamel Falcao. The unstoppable Colombian forward would doubtless walk his way into Real’s first team and this may well leave Benzema (who’s no slouch) expendable.
An extra element of truth is sprinkled over this particular rumour, by virtue of the fact that Arsene Wenger is known to be an admirer of the French forward and has been linked with him in the past.
We all know what Karim Benzema could offer the Gunners. He’s a pure striker – the kind of player that Olivier Giroud will never quite be able to emulate. He’s physical and graceful, but best of all, he knows where the back of the net is. And boy do Arsenal need a goal scorer at the moment.
Of course, he wouldn’t come cheap. Arsenal would have to smash their transfer record to tempt Jose Mourinho to sell. But wouldn’t it be worth it? Wouldn’t it finally announce the Gunners as a club with ambition? For too long now, the club has been languishing in the doldrums. The signing of Benzema would change this.
What’s your take? Can Arsenal afford to bring Benzema to the Emirates?
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Actually Arsenal has no need for the RM striker athis point in time. Make use of the players like Ashvin and play them in their position foe which they were bought.Remeber class is permanent with regard to the Russian.
The fm has to tweak his tactics and not be so kamikaze on the attack. That will go against his philosophy.But then if you want to win you have to do whatever is necessary including winning ugly.Chelsea won the cl by grinding out a result.
Perhaps Wenger can watch how other teams like BR/NU and Spurs have managed to beat the red faced.Another defeat by red faced will really send the gooner fans marching in the ES.
Agree with Mike, Stop playing players out of position and expect them to perform and then drop them from the team when they dont. Arshavin is a perfect example, people call him lazy but thats cause his not a winger!! He doesnt posess the stamina to run up and down the touchline for 90mins!! AW needs to sort himself out or eff off.
any grown up knows sometimes the other guy wins arsenal will be there abouts as usual
The other guy won on saturday
There is only one player that we are short of winning Trophies at the moment and its non other than our very own Theodore Walcott.
Just play him as stricker 3 matches atleast and see what we are missing,the guy is a blessing under ground.
Wenger is good at discovering the right positions for players,right? There’s absolutely no doubt about that but he is clearly playing Walcott on the wrong side! Why waste that pace on the wings yet thats the very thing lacking at the front? And then the lack of tactics is proving to be another problem for Wenger,..recently after the international matches,why the hell would he play Gervinho yet he had Gnabry,Ox on the bench then Carzola,rest him and bring on Arshavin! Those guys where clearly tired,most especially Gervinho i dont know if wenger was tired too.But january is nearing anyway,lets wait and see mybe he might bring in Huntelaar or Lopez.