A lot has already been said about Arsenal’s opening day defeat to Aston Villa.
Bizarre refereeing decisions, a slew of injuries and a leaky (and ill-disciplined) defense proved to be the Gunner’s downfall. That the defeat happened at the Emirates, following a summer of stagnation, has caused a great deal of consternation.
This could well be the nadir in a series of lows that have continued over the last half-decade or so.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that the game was a freak one-off. The kind of once-in-a-season performance where everything goes against you. At the moment, it’s difficult to tell whether this is merely wishful thinking.
One thing’s for sure. If the Gunners suffer another defeat in a similar manner, the club will be in full-blown crisis mode.
Even as things stand, the club appears to be taking action. There now seems to be an air of desperation surrounding Arsenal’s transfer activity. Take The Star‘s claim that the Gunners are looking to sign three players before the transfer window closes.
The players in question are former Manchester United prodigy and current Juventus star, Paul Pogba, Swansea City captain Ashley Williams and Newcastle play-maker, Yohan Cabaye.
Of the three players listed, Ashley Williams appears to be the most necessary signing. The Gunners are extremely shaky at the back and will continue to leak goals. Williams would bring defensive know-how, passion and an expert reading of the game. Having some competition at the back would only be a good thing.
For me, however, Arsenal really don’t need to sign both Cabaye and Pogba. The Gunners are already fairly well equipped in the midfield (though a defensive minded player is needed). Cabaye and Pogba are both attacking minded players, the likes of which Arsenal already have in reserve.
If forced to choose, I’d go for Cabaye. Whilst Pogba has enjoyed an excellent season in Serie A, the Newcastle star is already the full-package. He can pass, pick out killer balls and handle set-piece duties. I’d certainly like to see him get a go at a ‘big club’.
Still, these signings fail to account for Arsenal’s most pressing need: a striker. Even if the Gunners brought in all these players, they would still struggle for fourth place. As things currently stand, the club just doesn’t have enough fire-power. Let’s hope that’s addressed before the transfer window slams shut.
What’s your take? Which of these three players do Arsenal need most?
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you make a few valid points and add in shit and nonsense like”we are fairly well equiped in midfield”,”if forced to choosei’d go for Cabaye” that alone is enough to not take you seriously
i just believe,if truly our so cald manager want any success for arsenal i tink is beta he goes for quality players,i prefer cabaye and one beta striker
gunners for lyf
We need felliani or kondogbia
Well to me it seem good but that will not solve the problem
Go for benteke
This is their nadir in the last half decade or so? (Man u 8 – Arsenal 2)
A leaky undisciplined defence? (Second best defensive record last season)
Fire power? Well we scored more goals without rvp than with him
Arsenal are in an injury crisis and all that is apparent is we do not have enough depth, try looking at what is fact rather than written by the tabloids, Arsenal need another striker, defensive midfielder, centre back and keeper…..these players were all identified by Wenger and who ever the clubs representatives are, who were sent out to close the deals for these players, should be sacked and replaced with people who know what they are doing and are a bit more professional than 40, 000000+1 bids