And then, one by one they left. Bergkamp was no more. Henry was no more. I began to wonder whether the mighty Arsenal would fall too. But today, I feel they'v come a long way. Their quality of football is excellent, the talent coming through is remarkable and finally, the mighty Gunners - after 3 years of false hope and under -achievement are finally stepping up. Cesc Fabregas has come of age and how! Their on field class is matched by an equally amazing youth academy/scouting system thats been put in place. When Wenger signs an unknown kid, its not too long before that kid's name is being chanted by the Emirates faithful.
But, they are still unproven. The kids have grown up and its time for them now to repay the faith put in them. And this season will be a very important one for them. The media, the fans are all getting impatient and Arsenal must deliver.
And deliver they will! They have the squad (at least the starting 11). Arshavin and Vermaelen have been outstanding recruits and the team look a lot more composed now. Sure, its still an injury ravaged squad but its not a disadvantage when the other teams are also suffering from that. Look at Man United's defensive woes for instance. Carrick at centre-half!
As a United fan, 3 years of battling Chelsea and Liverpool have made me realize how much i miss the Arsenal rivalry. The Keane and Viera bust ups, the media wars between SAF and Wenger, etc.
In a way, I would love to see the Wenger-Ferguson relationship turn sour again. For the good of the rivalry, the truce needs to be called off and the mutual respect be thrown out of the window. Let the game's get feisty.
Having said all this, Arsenal could do with some 'cover'. Sol Campbell's been a shrewd signing but he needs to prove himself again. They desperately need a striker to partner Eduardo up front and an attacking midfielder to complement Fabregas. Abou Diaby is overrated and I feel he would do a lot better playing for a lesser side. So too would Bendtner and Eboue. This could be Arsenal's season. Having gone top of the table last night, the pressure is on now.
So failure once more - and Barca have a new midfielder!
Eduardo DOES have a strike partner, and a really good one at that, it's just that he's injured right now, so you might have forgotten him. RVP, anyone?
ReplyDeleteHe's out with a long term injury hence the expulsion. But Arsenal really need that 3rd striker. Bendtner or Vela just aren't good enough.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to Chamakh!
By that rule, I'd say even Utd need a third striker. Owen isn't good enough and Macheda/Wellbeck still need time.
ReplyDeleteBut coming back to Arsenal, I think they need to offload a couple of midfielders and get another man up front. In fact, someone like Huntelaar might suit them perfectly.
They play villa away then united at home chelsea away and liverpool at home..if they manage 7-8 points from these games..i think they are in with a real good shot..these 2 back to back wins vs bolton were massive..owen coyles appointment suited them as it was nt the same physical bolton side that would just go slam arsenal hard and get some result..
ReplyDeleteoh and pavylechenko for arsenal!!
ReplyDelete