Arsenal-Mania

Arsenal bow out gracefully

By Joël Che on Tuesday, April 15, 2008

I am glad Arsenal did not collapse in the same domino fashion as we did in previous seasons. We threatened to repeat it with embarrassing losses at White Hart Lane and Old Trafford in the Carling and FA Cups. But the team has done well to exit the Champions League and the Premiership in a graceful manner.

At Old Trafford, the first half suited Gilberto perfectly because Scholes and Carrick allowed more space to Arsenal than we are used to. The second half, however, was not for Gilberto. It was for Flamini. We drew in Gilberto's half and lost in Flamini's half due to his absence.

United can attack as a team with very dangerous forwards. They put pressure on the Arsenal defence for 55 minutes. Few teams can absorb pressure from United for that amount of time and not make a mistake.

United's forwards took the pressure off their defence for 55 mins by attacking while Arsenal's defence had to do the opposite and support their attack all the time with width. Basically, Arsenal's wing-backs had to work for 90 full minutes either defending or attacking. It's a lot of work for the wing-backs.

Arsenal's second place in the goals scored column tells us a story of the occasional 3-1 and 4-0 early season wins. United's goal tally tells us a story of consistent 2-0 or 2-1 wins throughout the season. United can play Hargreaves out on the wing because Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Nani, Scholes and Anderson will make dangerous runs for him so he doesn't need the ability to beat people like traditional wingers do. All he needs is to pass well.

Emmanuel Abebayor and Robin van Persie are too static. They are nearly always behind the ball. Nobody does anything early enough or with enough purpose in this Arsenal team accept Gaël Clichy and Mathieu Flamini. I miss watching a team where 3 or 4 players immediately set off in purposeful run as soon as their colleague wins the ball in midfield.

I refuse to join the chorus of people blaming the defence for this season when 2 of our best players this season (Clichy and Bacary Sagna) have been burning every single calorie in their bodies in every game running forward to act as wingers and finding themselves with the ball but without any Arsenal player making a good enough run early enough.

So they hang there, or pass back or lose it and then have to run back to defend. Time after time after time. Did you see how hard Clichy worked at Old Trafford?

When they get caught out up front or when the marking is bad in a corner (a team responsibility) and we call them naïve or poor. That's unfair!

Arsenal are simply not moving well enough up front, not moving decisively enough and not finishing well. Arsenal score at the 78th minute after the defence has been under pressure for 78 minutes or forced to join every attack to help get the goal.

After that, an exhausted defence might get punished with an equaliser earning more calls of being naïve. Sometimes Arsenal score again in the 85th minute when the game is over and our goal tally looks good without telling you the story of the mess we put our defence through.

Good attacks do three key things. First they threaten throughout the game, keeping pressure off their defence. Secondly, they score from more chances than they miss and win free-kicks in good areas when they cannot shoot. And thirdly they can threaten and really find a goal when it matters (like when their team has just conceded).

Arsenal's current forwards can't do ANY of the above. Our beautiful play can be misleading. As I wrote here once, I started to wonder this season about the relationship between ball possession and "playing well".

My view is that they can be quite far apart. Wenger praised Ronaldo for combining style and efficiency. Our team has a lot of style but very low efficiency. We can look good while being totally inefficient.

For those who wrote to say Nicklas Bendtner was a mid-table striker, I hope you noted just how threatening he was in only 10 minutes of play. Bendtner scores when the team is desperate because Arsenal start crossing and looking for any run.

When he starts games, we get into our old habit of missing every run that Bendtner and Eduardo make because the midfield has got used to Adebayor or playing a single striker.

Bendtner is the only Arsenal striker since Ian Wright that can do all the following: knows how to move in the box and outside the box, can shoot well in the box and outside the box, can score from a header from a header inside and outside the box and will get 90% of their efforts on target – i.e. the goalkeeper will have to save or miss whenever Bendtner attempts on goal. He's only 20.

Before I get too far, I must say that Adebayor has his strengths. But those strengths are what you need to draw games or steal a goal when you don't have your first choice striker. To me, that's what a good squad is. It is a great first team and substitutes that will guarantee you a point rather than a loss in any game.

I also want to say that Arsenal has missed very good players this season through injuries. But what compromised Arsenal the most is that the team is not decisive enough and not dynamic enough in attack so players who come in get impaired by the same problem.

If Walcott had passed the ball the another Arsenal player at Liverpool, it would have been passed sideways until Liverpool recovered. Theo had to run the length of the pitch to force the entire forward line to come with him.

I'm very proud of Clichy, Sagna, Flamini and Fabregas. Those players have proved this season that they are the best in the club and should be the heart of the club next season.

I look forward to when they are 24-26 years old and hope that they will be surrounded by players with the same courage, determination and as tiny egos as they have.

Alex Song, Diaby, Denilson, Walcott are players I am looking forward to seeing more of. Alex Song may be a very surprising find for the team. I really suspect that he is a good footballer who can thrive with support.

I hope Bendtner stays. I think Bendtner and Eduardo can do well together but I suspect they will do even better with a very direct, very brave, very mobile all-round striker as a partner.

I think Hleb has done a fantastic job this season. He needs more decisiveness but I appreciate what he has given. I look forward to Eduardo's return and to the new faces I am expecting next season.

User Comments

44

Archie

Posted on 19 Apr, 2008 at 08:48 AM - Reply

You forgot to include that another major factor that brought us down was Wenger's reluctance to buy. These players were fatigued and that was what we lost to.We need new players so we can rotate.We need at least two new big name players-a striker and a winger.

43

P

Posted on 18 Apr, 2008 at 05:18 AM - Reply

It is nice to read an article where someone finally appreciates the value of Nicolas Bendtner and what he has and offer the team in future seasons. With both him and Adebayor we have arguably two of the very strongest centre forwards in the premier league and both so young and with so much potential. In the long term I do not see how Wenger will keep both men happy, Wenger rarely ‘shuffles the pack’ for league games but it will be interesting to see if Adebayor remains first choice next season. As a side point to my mind Adebayor has had a great season having taken over the mantle of Henry yes he has missed chances, Henry missed lots of chances in big games too (eg. Final vs Barcelona). Please put into perspective we have only lost three games all season with one bad performance (away to Boro) when reviewing the season – there is not that much wrong with the team.

42

Joe

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 09:52 PM - Reply

Despite what mistakes arsenal have made this season i couldnt be prouder of them, they were written off at the start of the season and they proved there critics wrong by beating the european champions and staying first in the league for a large majority of the season. The only reason we fell short were bad referee descisions and lack of depth in the squad due to injuries. All in all i think not that much needs to be changed, our style of football is illustrious but perhaps sell emmanuel eboue because he is awful, and just buy a few good players, Arsenal will do brilliantly in 08/09!!!!

41

Arsenal Guru

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 01:29 PM - Reply

Aussie FAN, i bet you don't know any shit about football to suggest selling away Flamini for cash. Infact... ahem he will be out of contract and available to go off on free transfer at the end of the season if that is what you wanted.

40

Nikhil

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 11:37 AM - Reply

Which way should it be? Arsene wants Flamini's contract renewed or is Flamini wants it renewed. If Flamini wants to stay then he better go up to Wenger and tell him what he wants and Wenger is trying so its Flamini's job now.

39

Sly

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 08:01 AM - Reply

This article is mostly cobblers. Of course the problem is the defence. The stats give the lie to your claims that the problem is our attack. We have scored the second most goals for pitys sake! We also often score first but fail to defend our lead - how many clean sheets have we had compared to our main rivals! The stats prove you to be wrong. And Bendtner will be loaned out next season for the simple reason that he has a major attitude problem and every other player in the team hates him. You cannot afford to have disruptive, arrogant players like that if you want team spirit to stay healthy. He will go.

38

abdi nassser

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 07:32 AM - Reply

we do not need new players, just look at our youth team and see how many are coming up, all we need is to keep these young man who have now turned to be above the 23 age, and bring those fresh young legs up, we have many young boys and AW will have a headache to choose from the line up of players that we will have next season, boy i am lookinf forward with big heart, we will go for all the 4, remember this come next april. we will have each number 3 to 4 players, that is why AW does not want to spend, when you have all those boys coming up, 2008/09 will se new fredie/pires/viera/edu and all those great guys of 04/05. and let us all pray for dudu to recovery soon, mmmmmmmmmmmm i am smiling

37

Aussie FAN

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 05:46 AM - Reply

Just watched a few old Clips of the Invincibles and year after 04/05 and Man i can see Joel's appraisel for a change on a need for a Pires Like Player! In nearly all the Games i watched Highlights Pires made some real darting undetectable Runs, all from Halfway and at the best of times no one could pick him up!! We have lacked that on the right Flank since he left! Then you had Freddie on the Left who made the opposite run, short bursts and played the width of the field waiting for that transitioning pass! from Viera/Edu Pires!! The invincibles seem unfazed, and clearly believe in themselves!! They aren't over running under running or over committing!! They play with Class and Viera along with Sol provided that Beef down the middle!! I Urge everyone to watch these games and see how good Pires really was!! And how hard it is to replace such a player!! Even to this point of time, i can't think of a ready made replacement!! He is a unique winger, but was only effective because Freddie allowed a compatible option down the left!! Reyes is probablly the closest Player i can think of, only if that worked out!!Dennis Bergkamp type Player made it the more easier for Pires cause Dennis demanded Respect and with Henry for a Partner you practically had all 4 Defenders alert at all times picking the 2 out!! Bergkamp had a uncanny vision matched by no other, and picks these Pires/Freddie Henry Runs before they even know they were going to make it!! But the Pires Runs is what startles me, cause at the best of times you can't even see him on the screen, and you see a Bergkamp Pull back from the Goal Line to the 18 yrd line and before you know It Pires is making contact goal wards with the ball!! Its unbelievable!! We really do need a new Bobby Pires!!

36

A Trik Star

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 01:24 AM - Reply

I knew that if we had won against Man U, we could have been only three points behind them and when we lost. I didn't get mad or angry or complained. I have 2 say that I was more emotionally attached to the Bolton wanderers game. Why u ask????? It’s not that I didn’t care that we were gona end tha season wit no trophy. It’s because I had already given up subconsciously. I already had a mindset of a lack depth and age in our team. Wenger doesn’t buy in the transfer windows and when a season comes to an end; our faithful young gunners are out steam. Wenger said that he might only buy only one experienced player. The only problem with that is look at this season when V. Persie, Rosicky, Eduardo were all injured. All are experienced players yet they missed most if not all of the season. These are the experienced players who could have easily scored 30 goals between the 3 of them. What Arsenal needs is depth. Look at Man U, they won the league last year and Ferguson went and bought Tevez, Nani, Anderson and Hargreaves. That’s why the team did poorly in the beginning because they were gelling and trying to figure each other out and are peaking at the end of the season. Most rumors are false but 1 which I do hope is true is the one concerning David Villa. If Wenger can finally fork the money and buy him, it could signify that Wenger is willing to change his football philosophy in order to bring trophies to the club.

35

Steve

Posted on 17 Apr, 2008 at 01:22 AM - Reply

I agree with a number of the points made in this article but the premise must surely be incorrect. Arsenal have gone from 5 points up to a solid third place in one grand downhill slide. This season represents a total collapse, not a graceful bow. Irwansyah, I don't remember any pre-season mid-table predictions. Most of what I read predicted Arsenal would struggle for fourth. Not too far off in the ned, it turned out.

34

delboy

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 10:33 PM - Reply

well written and agree with most of it. Flamini's new contract is the first hurdle and helb staying. ben arfa would be a great signing. A bit harsh on ade. He's run his socks off this season on his own for most of it and clipped in 25 goals as well. give him a break. he's much more effective at the mo than bentner

33

Nikhil

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 07:47 PM - Reply

I do not think we bowed out gracefully. I think we got knocked out in an insulting manner.

32

Wiguna

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 04:28 PM - Reply

I agree with you that it is unfair to put the blame of bowing out of many competitions this season. I think the reason why we lose so many precious leads and concede as many goals throughout the season was because of the inability of our attackers to finish the balls. It has always been very disappointing to see many promising chances disappears when our strikers either put the shots wide or straight at the keeper.

It is also the reason why we always scores at the last minute when most teams are tired. Sadly, this doesn't work against the bigger teams.

Hence, I think that Wenger should focus on buying attacking minded player during the break.. Villa will be a great signing and perhaps another true winger,

31

liaogz

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 04:25 PM - Reply

I personally feel that eduardo injury makes a very huge impact to the team, as he is the only person who can score goals at tight situation. And wenger did try to add depth, unfortunately we have people like Diarra who moan when on the bench. Wenger need to balance between rotation and a fix line up and i believe we have a long way to go cos for once we do play a little long ball tatics. hope wenger dun give up the tactic where glichy wacks balls to ade n dudu.

30

arsenal11730

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 02:25 PM - Reply

Great Piece.

29

Alex

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 01:47 PM - Reply

Our backline is not good enough, we need a strong aerial defender, who is proven to come in alongside Toure or Gallas. Senderos is not good enough for a top side.

Our style is not good enough either, I hate the pass pass pass style. I am sorry but the slow passing style is dull, and it allows opponents to get back in position so easily and just sit and wait for our moves to break down in the final third.

What do we need to combat this? A high quality 'explosive' wing player or 2 and strikers who actually have movement and make things difficult for the opponents. We need to include a pacey attacking style to our game, quick direct and precise passing needs to be in the locker, in addition to our slow style.

That will make us Champions IMO.

28

BOY BETTER KNOW......

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 01:16 PM - Reply

Today we are linked with David Villa.He is a player we should most certainly snap up.If anyone saw his goal against italy in the last international friendly's than your know what i'm talking about.20 million is the price and i think its worth it for a striker of his caliber,Which arsenal need to bolster up the attack.

27

Nikhil

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 12:55 PM - Reply

Couldn't agree any more seriously. You were right all we need is a good finisher like Henry. Ade is not that good coz Hleb is an amazing assist and if someone can finish properly then we can win.

26

don

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 12:43 PM - Reply

isnt the whole point of football to win things?? arsenal need work, but not too much. get eboue, rosicky out, deffo get senderos ous, replace them with top experienced players we will win the league. oh and our keeper is a donkey and needs to go too. wenger wake up and smell the coffee. prem has changed since you took over.

25

Charles Mwaura, Kenya

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 12:09 PM - Reply

I like comments by JC and agree with most his analysis. He's made a great point. In addition, I feel we need a real good back up in central defence, left wing and a good striker too who thinks first. My worry is that Rosisky and V. Persie always getting injured. A good keeper means alot too! Look at P. Cech and the role he plays at his club-imagine a similar force at Arsenal-would you smile?. Can we afford these few changes and retain the current squad?

24

tat tat

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 10:40 AM - Reply

I really don't understand one thing. All of you always mentioned Arsenal as a youth team and talk about youth policy. Yes, substitute players are young. But please look to first 11, only Clichy and Fabregas are under 23. Only Clichy is from Arsenal acadamy. Gallas, Sagna, Rosisky,Helb and Da Silva are ready made players. Can you answer me: Is it youth policy or cheap policy?

23

Irwansyah (Malaysia)

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 06:15 AM - Reply

My dear gooners. Early this season all the pundits here says that arsenal will be mid-table at the end of the season. And we were at the top four for most of the time.We all can say about adebayor, bendtner and other players that lack this and than, but all this team need is time. They all young and they will peak at the same time, and that is the best part of it.I'll bet next season we will be more competitive, surely. All we need is just another experience player that can blend well and i mean with pace and agility. C'mon, we do have the cash for it

22

jonathanchong

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 06:12 AM - Reply

Our form in recent games certainly doesn't suggest we're bowing out gracefully from a result perspective.

21

Riezal MAFC

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 05:13 AM - Reply

We need another striker. Eduardo still a long way to get into first team. And don't forget about replacement for Pires.

20

Aussie Fan

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 04:10 AM - Reply

FK Hello i have been saying Bendtners name all Season as the man to Partner RVP Or Eduardo!! He moves like a machine and drifts in and out alla Henry Early to Mid Arsenal Years and Ian Wright!! Ade has a great prescence about him, and going on our Red Card record, is very Handy to have on the team esp when we go one down, he commands that position of CS in the highest esteem. My biggest problem with Ade is Goals scored against Chances created for him would have ended up with a F on his report card, but his valiant Job as a Lone striker through the mid year run was awesome.... He needs to Heed his own advice and have that killer instinct and bag that 50+ season he should of had this year!!
To be honest i hope we sell Hleb and Flamini we have enuff cover in reserves and out on Loan that fit into the Arsenal way, why not make some money of them?? Who would build a team around them at these other clubs? Different style of play and Flamini would be wasted in Italy, Playing a defensive minded role behind another defensive minded MF LOL And Hleb Merida is a ready made replacement and Vela could play a similar role to that capacity!! As well as Ben Arfa if rumours are true he is coming to us!

19

Bob

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 03:56 AM - Reply

I disagree with all about bendtner, he doesnt have a future at arsenal, Adebayor is twice the player he is. i hope he leaves during transfers.

18

Santos

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 02:45 AM - Reply

we will come stronger next season. I know Wenger is great coach..and he will get those results next year

17

Kenada

Posted on 16 Apr, 2008 at 12:10 AM - Reply

Couldnt agree more really

16

deadfrog

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 10:42 PM - Reply

Totally agree. Despite his goal haul, I don't rate Adebayor and never have. His poor first touch, inability to beat players and shoddy finishing almost cost me a broken hand against Utd when I accidentally missed the chair arm with a punch of rage. I haven't forgotten the 2 points lost against Birmingham because Adebayor selfishly didn't roll NB in for a tap in!

Get well soon (and quickly!) Eduardo, roll on next season. Shame England aren't at the Euros, that completes a crappy end to the season.

15

Frank gibson

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 10:30 PM - Reply

I do believe the defence cost us....... Not the wing backs who have being outstanding but the center-backs....... toure, gallas, senderos, have being way too in consistant...... My own personal opinion is toure and gallas dont make a good partnership...... ie vidic and ferdinand and terry and carvalho, they both like to play against quick skillful players and come asunder against physical players who like high balls, i really think we have to sacrifice one or the other and replace him with a no nonsense center half. With all due respect to senderos he is just to error prone and cant be trusted in the big games

14

Jayman

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 07:39 PM - Reply

We have missed Rosicky's purposeful runs upfield.Hopefully he will have his injury woes sorted out before next season begins

13

ichigo

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 06:16 PM - Reply

Yes. Finally someone who agrees with me that Bendtner is an Arsenal player and wants him to stay with Arsenal FC. But you are contradicting yourself by saying that you want another striker to play with Bendtner and Eduardo? Where are you going to fit in another striker?

12

AFCtrue

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 06:09 PM - Reply

Good lord I hope Flamini stays this summer. Wenger insists he is concentrating on keeping players and not buying more, well I hope Flamini is on the top of his list, and on a post-it note on his bathroom mirror. If we lose Flamini because of something we could have done (i.e. if he wants to leave he will whatever), it will not be a step in the right direction, but a huge leap backwards. He needs to be rewarded for his magnificent season with a deal which will keep him at the club. Otherwise we are just a developing team who will not spend on established players, and does not keep those players who work hard and achieve the right levels. Arsene, we're trusting you!
FYI My players of the season: Flamini, Clichy, Sagna, Fabregas..and..Adebayor (for trying very hard to fill TH14's boots)

11

Ray

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 05:07 PM - Reply

Very good article! Hoping to see a natural left-winger like ben arfa and a world-class striker. Maybe Luca Toni. Wenger must spend big, else we'll get the same results next season.

10

Baz the Gooner

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 03:58 PM - Reply

With a comparatively small squad we managed to lead the Premiership almost to the end. However, one match broke our momentum - Birmingham City. The appalling injury to Eduardo and the award of a non-penalty were blows of such force that no team could survive and prosper. To reach the level we did in all competitions in such circumstances says a lot about team morale. I WILL ALWAYS BE A GOONER!

9

Scott

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 03:38 PM - Reply

Spot on Joel! I agree 100% with your comments. I also have been saying (for months) that Bendtner should be starting in place of Adebayor. I do not know why Wenger is so stubborn about giving Bendtner and Walcott starts. It is not like Adebayor puts away every chance he gets and Eboue even comes close to scoring. I hate to say it but I admire the way Ferguson does not hestitate to give his new or younger players a run of starts. I wish Wenger was as confident or bold. Then again, Ferguson has splashed some cash to get experienced players along with his youngsters (wish Wenger could/would do so).

8

Chaitu

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 01:44 PM - Reply

I think given the credit to Wenger for building ateam of such talent, one also has to keep in mind the finishing skills of the team.Adebayor was never a threat to any defense lineup.His first touch is pretty bad and he should ont be allowed to play in may arsenal team.Persie was good until he was injured and I wish to see a good experienced ( not the same experience as ade) to come into the team...and also other sto stay back@ arsenal.

7

Mike

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 01:11 PM - Reply

Finally some has pointed out the real problem instead of blaming the thin squad wenger , etc etc. The attack is static.. instead of taking the ball forward the player keep lookin to each other to go fwd, i am not going to question adebayor as a striker but he constantly allows defense to build around as he spend away precious seconds in either sending the ball back or drifting to the wings. If you want to see wht we have been lacking this season go to youtube and look up robert pires lol... 4 men arriving in the box to put the ball in... and now we rarely the strikers willing to get at the end of the ball. Sad sight i must say! Great article btw

6

Robert C

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 01:01 PM - Reply

Great Article,at the game on Sunday and I was really proud of the team, if we had Sagna, Flamini & Rosicky we would have ripped shreds out of that UTD team in th first half.

5

LIMO

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 12:35 PM - Reply

Well Thanks to Mr Joel Che on your comments i think you really know what arsenal need to win trophies , although they all tried but we still more , we need somebody that is very sharp , strong and brave as a striker ,adebayor is a little bit slow at the front and use to miss lots of chances , if Wenger can get to the market and bring us somebody like Ronaldo , Rooney and Tevez at the front it would be better and moreso our midfielders really did great work this season they tried their best but i think gunners were unlucky but if we can still get subtitudes for Fabregas and Hleb it can also help moreover at the defense i think lot of work need to be done to restrengthening our back .....we hope for better luck next season .

4

Bergs

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 12:25 PM - Reply

Am with you. Bendtner simply didn't get the credit he deserved, he set up both goals in the 2 goal comeback against Wigan. Theo's going to be great, but we miss the incisiveness of Pires & Henry who'd set about scoring, not getting up the pitch. While I won't say Bob had 3 good seasons at Arsenal, he grabbed the ball, and decided to do what the opposition defence didn't expect. Go wing, cut in, give and go - whatever to unbalance them and move up the pitch to receive.

Personally, I'm fine with our defence, and attack for that matter. We desperately need a winger - Rosicky hasn't achieved, Hleb's quite good, Theo's on his way, but then we're dead for playmaking, goalscoring attack wizards that we need.

Love the squad, love the club, but we're desperately in need of at least 2 more wingers.

3

Lameck k.

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 12:06 PM - Reply

Bendtner is the future,He should be given more games,He makes good runs and is a quick thinking player and unpredictable.

2

David

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 11:51 AM - Reply

Despite all the analysis, critics, and suggestions, Wenger will never listen. He said again that he buys 'only feels he needs to'. And there won't be super signings like Ronaldinho. How sad! When can we find replacement for the likes of Bergkamp, Ljungberg, Pires, and most importantly, Henry, who all contributed doubledigit goals per season. We will never see another 'invincible' Arsenal team until we have found the above quality replacement. Diaby could be our next Vieira if he keeps working on his basic defensive techniques, Walcott could be our future Ljungberg too if he is given first team chances regularly next season, I can see he score at least 15 goals; Like I said before, Rosicky and Hleb are too similar playmakers who play attacking midfield in their national side respectively, so why would Wenger put them play on the wings? I also agree that Bendtner is good and can still be even better; while Adebayor is a last-15-min subs at the most. If Wenger chose to stick with the current squad, history will repeat for sure. Injuries to Rosicky, RVP, and no substitutes for them. If no one leaves in the summer, we at least need one high profile striker (like Henry), one winger (like Pires), one central defender (Campbell) and one Seaman!

1

Kash

Posted on 15 Apr, 2008 at 11:36 AM - Reply

Bow out gracefully? How does 2 wins in 13 games equate to bowing out gracefully, as opposed to the domino fashion you are trying so hard to believe wasn't the case?!