By Joël Che on Monday, May 5, 2008

I sat with a bunch of old and current pros and a few journalists on a radio chat in Stockholm last night to chat about the Premiership. Two of us on the panel were Gooners.

It's on occasions like these that one realises that there are terms in football that we all assume we understand but when you did deeper, you find that everybody has a different meaning.

One of those terms was "good squad". What does it really mean to have a good squad? After 20 minutes of chat, we all agreed that a 'good squad' is defined differently depending on the team's objective. It is different for teams fighting to stay in the top flight, for teams whose ambition is to be in the top 10; then for those who want to be in the top 4 and finally for teams who want to win the league and the champions' league.

We concentrated on the teams that want to win the league and the champions' league and defined a good squad as follows. A good squad has two components.

It has a first team that can guarantee (as much as is possible in football) to beat any team outside the top four, and can compete and beat any team in the top 4 and in Europe. The second component of a good squad is that any combination of players from the squad should be able to beat any team outside the top 4 but most importantly, should be able to fight and get a draw against any teams in the top 4 and in Europe.

It is a complicated but very interesting definition. If you apply this definition or test it against results this season – you find that Chelsea has the best squad. No surprises there.

Whenever, Chelsea miss key players, their squad has been able to get them draws or even wins. But when they have their first team, they have tended to win. Manchester United has a great first team but take away Ronaldo they didn't even manage draws many times. They lost. Manchester United have lost 5 games compared to 3 for Chelsea and Arsenal but have drawn fewest. They win with their first team most of the time.

Arsenal have done much better on the second component than on the first component. Arsenal's squad players have managed quite well in the absence of some key players but Arsenal's first team has not always won games instead of drawing them.

A game like the game against Everton is classic meaning of what the second component is all about. It is about substitute players who can hold on and get a draw or snatch a win when you are no firing well.

It's up to you to decide whether Arsenal have a good squad or not but my personal view is that the problem with the Arsenal squad is not where people claim it is. It is not in the substitute players – it is more that the first team is not as wickedly efficient and balanced as it should be. The first team doesn't win the games it should.

This brings me to Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb. I have loved Hleb since he arrived. He is such a gifted player with incredible simple artistry. I remember watching his first few games and was completely amazed why people were falling out of his way when he seemed to be doing nothing extra-ordinary.

When Ronaldinho, Messi or Ronaldo beat someone, you can see the samba that beat the opponent. With Hleb, you only see a player completely fall to the side without seeing what Hleb did to achieve it. His dribble is in his very flexible hips that turn so suddenly is small spaces.

But Hleb is not a match winner. We have talked about this before. Arsenal have lacked match winners this season. We do possession. We have lots of players that help us keep the ball, we have Fabregas that can help broker the possession of team and we 4 players (Flamini, Gaël Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Alexander Song) that help break up the opposition play but there is nobody that can win you a tight game. Theo Walcott has been closer than anyone in the first team.

Match winners should come from the midfield and attack. Arsenal are blessed with talented players who keep the ball but can get confused into thinking that possession is enough to win games. In order to get match winners, we need to lose some possession players.

I don't want Hleb to go because I enjoy watching him but I won't mind if his replacement is a match winner. Arsenal have one too many cute players now and not enough warriors.

With regard to Flamini, he's easier to replace. Diarra could have replaced him so it feels rather silly now that he wanted to go to Portsmouth. On the evidence this season, Denilson is more suited to that role than Fabregas role.

There are many players in Europe that play powerful, holding, busy football that are affordable – Essien is the best but we can't buy him. It actually gives Arsenal a chance to buy a 26 or 27-year-old this time while keeping Song and Denilson as back up. Tomas Rosicky can play Fabregas role when Cesc is injured.

Flamini has been crucial this season for Arsenal. He has been treated well, Wenger gave him chance after chance and it finally worked this year and Wenger dropped his captain (Gilberto) and most important player last season for Flamini.

If that's not a vote of confidence and trust then I don't know what is. If he leaves, he owes Cesc and Wenger for making him look good so he could get a big money contract. Arsenal will miss him but not for long – we are not talking about Patrick Vieira here.

Of course, I would rather he stayed for stability but sometimes these changes can be good. Cesc is 21, this is the right time to choose the right people to play around him since we now understand who he is. Wenger can see this as a great opportunity to buy two players over 24-years-old specifically for Fabregas – that is really an opportunity!

Lastly, isn't Alexandre Song doing well?

User Comments

80

tunde awoyemi

Posted on 9 May, 2008 at 11:52 AM - Reply

i believe Song can do very well in the d/midfield position.

79

P

Posted on 9 May, 2008 at 05:49 AM - Reply

Can we please end this one forever please, yes Hleb does tuck into the midfield a lot when he plays on the left but this is a good thing because when we are not in possession then we have extra number in midfield to defend and when we are in possessions it is this action that draws players out of their positions and creates the space for Clichy to accelerate into bringing urgency to our attacks when the opposition sit back. The true joy of watching Arsenal is the fast interplay of the midfield and full-backs, the composure of the players to move the ball under pressure and the flexibility to find space and move between positions, if Hleb does go we will miss his ability to find space, beating players and creating space for others.

78

footbal fan

Posted on 8 May, 2008 at 12:00 PM - Reply

its a shame flamini left. But talknig about powerful players it would be a good idea to buy Barry.
And if that wont happen, Miguel Veloso is in my opinion a very good player in Flamini's position. He is quite experienced, strong, and young, 21 years.

Hope Wenger will also buy a experienced defender for coming season, cause Senderos is just nog good enough, I think..

77

ahmad zamani

Posted on 8 May, 2008 at 11:10 AM - Reply

i think arsenal is not lucky if we are alittle lucky we would won champions league and league in england

76

Gooner Steph

Posted on 8 May, 2008 at 10:34 AM - Reply

Reading through the articles, one thing is clear, Eboue is simply not good enough as a winger. In my opinion he was a good right back but Sagna has been better. I think that the Gallas/Toure partnership is a good one and their weakness is from set pieces but on the whole they are very good. Also, what are your thoughts on Diaby. People are talking about Song and Denilson filling in, but I have been far more impressed with Diaby this season. He is strong, direct and likes to drive forward, is there a place for him in the first XI?

75

mate,zagreb,croatia

Posted on 8 May, 2008 at 08:56 AM - Reply

Wenger need to buy three players Gonzalo from Villarreal,Lucho from Porto and Villa from Valencia and Bendtner(disasterus),Senderos(clumsy),Hoyte(bad),Hleb(complicate),Gilberto(good but maybe lost motivation)
all out

74

feyi

Posted on 8 May, 2008 at 01:59 AM - Reply

I'm not sure..but do you think if D.Dien was still at the helm (executive Director), we'd have gambled and lost out on flamini as is the case?...i mean, we played him without us offering him a new contract, he blossomed, and then bolted...heh?...O.K maybe not D.Dien, but a proper footballing director then. By the way, flam's has always been a dodgy one, similar thing happened to Mesailles(SP) his old team...could it be a question of what goes around comes around???

73

Highbury Gooner

Posted on 8 May, 2008 at 12:28 AM - Reply

I can't understand how you can seriously think that Hleb and Flamini's departures are a good thing for the club. More players leaving, yet another transition season, the further we slip away from the top 3. We are looking at replacing 4 regular first-teamers this summer.

You also fail to address the reasons why these two players are leaving: (1) no trophies and no prospect of trophies, and (2) rigid wage structure.

Btw, Diarra had complained about not playing enough, but the decision to sell him was the club's.

72

Dave

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 06:45 PM - Reply

Paannii who wrote comment number 38: Don't be so daft. Why would David Villa be bothered about his asking price? If anything he'd want it to be lower, because he doesn't want to stay at Valencia, and he certainly doesn't owe them any favours.

71

Johns

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 05:06 PM - Reply

Yea i agree, song is good though he appears to make errors in clearances

70

Nikhil

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 02:41 PM - Reply

All those who wanted Flamini to stay should read this. For Flamini's departure I blame Wenger and Wenger only. Seriously if we had increased his wages then he could have done a lot for us and also he and Cesc formed a good partnership. Right now I can say Flamini's worth about 10 million pounds or so and now Wenger is planning to buy a replacement for Flamini and has to spend about 8 million pounds. If he had spent an extra 2 million pounds on Flamini then he wouldn't have had to spend 8 mill. pounds on anyone else and Flamini has had a good season with us. If his wages were increased then he could have stayed with us for 4 seasons now the same goes for Hleb. It is because of the same reason why even Henry had to go. Wenger says now that we should take more chancesc when he himself does not take good chances like David Villa and lets that chance go. What a loser! Wenger should be sacked and he should leave Arsenal if he cares about money more than the club. Now who will be a good replacement for Flamini?

69

emdadur

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 02:15 PM - Reply

flamini has gone so i want gareth barry no matter what

68

Sabu

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 10:22 AM - Reply

Arsenal lack a genuine striker. Adabayor misfires in every crucial mathes. van Persie is not the a good striker and he is out of touch. None can rely in Bendtner. Arsene should get a genuine striker who can score even from half chances. Get a rock solid defender too.

67

Mr Wenga

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 03:28 AM - Reply

Flamini is a great player.... but what can you do?
We'll get someone else in.
Roll on Gooners!

66

cesc

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 02:37 AM - Reply

Can we just forget about Villa. If a player is over 25, Wenger will never buy him. As for Hleb, i can't wait to here that he is leaving.

65

Aussie Fan

Posted on 7 May, 2008 at 12:22 AM - Reply

I always Maintained Denilson Cesc is the future PARTNERSHIP THAT WOULD RIVAL Petit/Viera!! They are more graceful, but lack combative skills which should kick in after a year or 2 of HARDEN THE FCK UP in the PL!! In my View Flamini was shopped out this term, He was given his Chance he trained and played the House down now he has gone to a has been cOMPETITION Where he will wither in the slow pace!! If we ever learnt anything in the last 3 Seasons the EPL has proved it attracts the Best cause it is the Best comp in the world. Your a fool to leave!! We need Match Winners, and bring back World Class players to Arsenal!! We have great prospects waiting in the Wings but are need of proper teutalage!! Look at how Far Theo has come, with the help of RVP and Henry!!! Rocisky replace Cesc?? I Hardly think so, more replace Hleb!!We have that new Kid Vela/Merida and that young English Kid that can all play and are in the same mould as Cesc although Vela is more a Striker!!

64

Femi

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 11:45 PM - Reply

Let's face it. Arsenal depend on those who hold on to the ball but do not finish games off with crucial goals. That's one of the major reasons for their failure. I don't know what the fuss is about Flamini. He's truly very good in putting the opposing midfield under pressure, but for a few goals, his shots at goal are of very poor quality. It all depends on Wenger looking for midfielders who can also score crucial goals. One must not forget that Ronaldo is NOT a striker, but has scored 40 goals this season.

63

FunGunner

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 09:44 PM - Reply

Great post. Very good analysis. I also agree with your other conclusion - we have too few matchwinners and of those, most have been injured. I would count RVP, Fabregas, and possibly Eduardo and Theo (eventually). It's weird to hear myself say this, but if Hleb does join Flamini at Inter, it is not a disaster, more an opportunity for Arsene to put in a player with a different mentality. Hleb is indeed truly amazing, and he does open up defences, but we need someone who does that AND scores a few goals or at least shoots when he is in a good position. That's where we've missed Rosicky.
And fingers crossed that AW decides to push Song back into the midfield as the Flamini replacement. He would be superb, IMO.

62

M

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 09:13 PM - Reply

This might be a little out there, but why can't Arsenal go out and buy a superstar? Arsenal are supposed to be the richest club in the world right now, why can't we pay whatever it takes for Kaka or the like? I love Wenger for his ability to find and develop young talent but we seem to be one piece away from what could be a premiership dynasty. And perhaps even that elusive Champions league title.

61

Alex alabama

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 07:42 PM - Reply

To my own point of view, is great.

60

ghana boy

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 07:35 PM - Reply

anyone who watched the african cup of nations will conclude that song is a class act in the making. in my opinion, his injury caused cameroons failure. arsenal needs to buy a player that was not trained to play arsene's style of football, and someone who can be a bit more 'selfish' on the ball to take matters in his own hands. if Mauro Zarate (Birmingham) was a winger, i would definitely have him on my team. arsene should look at someone like De Rossi (roma) to fill in for flamini.

59

Robin

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 06:19 PM - Reply

Song is a great player, but im not sure if he could play a full season in the first team, he doesnt have the experience. We should sign an experienced cdm to replace flamini, and song will be there so if they are injured it wont matter too much. I really hope hleb doesnt go, he's such a gifted player and brings a lot of flair to the team.

58

Stephen

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 05:53 PM - Reply

Why would Flamini go and especially to a club which we beat 2 nil and maybe should of been more in the champo league? MONEY thats why footballers are greedy!

57

Lozza

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 04:15 PM - Reply

I do agree that Arsenal's first team is lacking match winners i.e. the likes of past players such as Pires or lungberg that will get you 10+ goals a season. I've seen so many games this year where we just don't seem clever enough to break a team down and seem happy to pass the ball back and forward amongst the midfield without any real penetration. With Eduardo a long term casualty and VP and Rosicky prone to injury i do think we've missed their creativity in tight games. Even though im disappointed Flamini is leaving we've got a ready made replacement for him with Gilberto. I think the main problem for Arsenal is in wide area's going forward. I am sick to death of seeing Eboue at right midfield he's not good enough on the ball and isn't clever enough to go past another player from a standing start, 0 goals this season says it all, he's always been a right back!!!! I do think we need a couple of decent wide playrs to either start or come on. Having said that Theo is getting better and better but i would much prefer to see him upfront to complement Adebayor. When VP is not playing Adebayor and Bendtner are too similar and i don't think they play well togther. What Arsenal miss is that quick passing end to end counter attack which used to blow teams away. Finally i think we've lacked natural width on the left of midfield to compliment clichy, all to often Helb's been placed in that role and doesn't seem to want to stay there, much preferring to cut into the middle. I've not been totally impressed with Troare as a left back as i don't think he's defensively minded enough, but i was really impressed when he came on left midfield against Everton on Sunday, he looked a real handful, maybe that's another option.

56

Baz the Gooner

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 04:03 PM - Reply

What an excellent article! Do remember, though, that we played for most of the season without one of the best prospects in years - Eduardo - yet still reached 3rd place. Had we converted half of the 11 draws on the sheet the outcome would have been very different. So, get the defence solid, the midfield dominating and the attack threatening with pace then who will stop us winning? One player I would love to welcome at Arsenal is Gareth Barry - Mr Standfast and Mr Leader in one!

55

edward

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 03:23 PM - Reply

Yaya toure sure looks good but seem to fade away in games quite easily. We do not need that kind of player right now

54

Steve Wood

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 03:01 PM - Reply

Nice to see a well constructed, thoughtful appraisal of Arsenal and 'the squad'; I totally agree with all that is said, but must add, we need a centre half who can head a ball and defend the six yard box, a goal keeper who can catch crosses when they are crying out to be caught and a wide attacking player; then we will have a squad for all seasons!.

53

dan dray

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 02:31 PM - Reply

eboue that so called player has made my hair gray!! what the hell is this player {i use the word player through gritted teeth} doing in an arsenal shirt he is so pretictable when on the ball and that being not having a clue what to do with the ball @ is feet what theo must think sitting on the bench

52

Andy Snzaccki

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 02:09 PM - Reply

As an outsider and a complete neutral i would like to see Arsenal sign Christian Poulsen from Sevilla my favorite player in the world. No nonsense tough tackler and would be cheaper than a Miguel Veloso but would do a bloody good job nevertheless. Whether Wenger would want a player such as Poulsen i beg to differ but i do think he would be perfect. Also glad Hleb is leaving because i am an Inter aupporter but sad to see him going and Flamini for that matter just for thr $$$$. Its not good fot the game.

51

ilir

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 02:00 PM - Reply

I wish we sign Niko Kranjcar

50

gooner

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 01:00 PM - Reply

Yep, Song is doing very well since the ACN.

49

Jarred Grimshaw - Mad Aussie Gunner

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 12:31 PM - Reply

Just spend some cash and build a team, no more being tight, like jc said we need match winners, but they will only come if the money is right/ transfer fee is worthy.

48

Jarred Grimshaw - Mad Aussie Gunner

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 12:21 PM - Reply

Great article, far better than some of the crap on other websites. My only worry is, and im sure some others may agree, will Arsenal actually pay some decent money for these match winners? Because im sure they are not going to come cheap. The likes of villa, benzema, oba martins have been thrown around, but im sure wenger as usual has his eye on someone no one has heard of, well at least i hope this time im wrong. Someone like gareth barry would be solid, whether he is a match winner? Well i dont know, benzema is a freak, but signing him may just cause problems with an already talented forward line. I say we splurge on samir nasri, or maybe even try to poach someone a bit older who is an established international, Dan De Rossi? One thing we do need is a quality defender!! Any thoughts peoples?

47

Tboz

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 11:39 AM - Reply

Alex Song does do well but compered to Flamini his energy levels are way to low,You hardly find him outside the box,I would say arsenal have to go back to basics in attack, Attack the first pole,middle and far pole people arriveng late outside the box, Arsenal tend to wait for people to close down spaces.Addy has done well this season but I think he should'nt let that get into his heard, he still needs to work on his first touch and his finishing can still improve. Martin petrov and Gareth B would be excellent signings for the gooners.

46

Oku, nigeria

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 10:49 AM - Reply

Pls i need a reply on this. Who can you suggest to be a match winner, who readily affordable to come to arsenal?

45

Obinna

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 09:39 AM - Reply

The writer has made a good analysis of the Arsenal team. I totally agree that Arsenal need to find that killer touch which is always missing. In the current team, it is obvious we dont have match winners. unlike Chelsea and ManU, we are sure that Drogba will score, or Ronaldo to score for United. In the case of Arsenal, you cant bet that Adebayo will score, or anyother. It's high time Wenger realises that to win troughies, you need match winners. Flamini on the other hand, has been instrumental for Arsenal's good performance this season. I would have thought that our Management or Wenger should have persuaded him to saty for continuity sake, also he has shown what he can do. Lets not forget that Flamini is one Arsenal player that has played in various capacities for the team, and helped Arsenal to reach Champions League final against Barcelona. He played full back when Ashley Cole and Clichy both got injured, he also played on the right when lauren and Ebuoe got injured. Well, lets hope that Wenger has a better plan.

44

Areola olamide

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 08:38 AM - Reply

I will so miss flamini and i wish song can improve the more and duely replace flamini in our midfield.

43

MIchael

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 07:43 AM - Reply

Agree with much in the article. The transfer of Diarra was a disaster for the Gunners. We wouldn't have lost to Spurs in the Carling Cup if he had played. Wenger needs to get rid of Hoyte, Eboue, and Senderos this summer. He needs a winger who can score (have you seen how poor Eboue shoots?), a player who can play fullback when there are injuries, a new holding midfielder, and a centre back, preferably one with some height. He may also need another striker. Eduardo probably won't be back until next January and who knows how long Van Persie will last. None of the young kids (Barazite, Freeman, Simpson) is probably ready to fill this role, so he might have to buy another striker.

42

gunnersfc

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 06:51 AM - Reply

If flamini goes, arsenal fans won't miss him to much.I think that a disloyal player will not benefit the team anyway so the sooner he leaves, the better. After all, Flam has only got one good season. But I'd really like to see Hleb stay because he has been wonderful for us since his arrival. And I totally trust Wenger to bring in some good players for next season. I mean, we've never heard of Hleb before he came to Arsenal but right now he is a star. So, let's put our faith and confidence in Wenger.

41

narione

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 04:52 AM - Reply

If Hleb go, I wish we sign Martin Petrov. In case of Flamini, there are a bunch of players better than him. Hope Wenger pick a good one.

40

narione

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 04:49 AM - Reply

If hleb go, I wish we sign Martin Petrov.

39

metalgunners

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 12:33 AM - Reply

:) but i really hope Song will be moulded to become a defensive midfielder.

38

Paanii

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 12:17 AM - Reply

Good article, i totally agree with you on our lack of executioners. Even Kolo Toure has lsot his killer instinct and is out of form. I am surprised some of you guys still think Villa wants to come to Arsenal. I don't believe him. I think he was using our name to increase the number of teams chasing him so he could jack up his asking price.

37

Payno

Posted on 6 May, 2008 at 12:02 AM - Reply

I think you're right to a certain extent but i am not too sure we need any player to influence the team too heaily because i think it will disrupt the balance we have got in the side! I think Hleb leaving would be a big loss but i think we can make up for flamini even though he has an outstanding season. What we have produced this season has been electric and i think we will begin to see it come together and the possession will be made into fast flowing action that leads to goals, like the old Henry, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp and Ljungberg combination and this will come in the shape of van persie, fabregas, clichy, hleb, adebayor and eduardo, when fit. We do already have match-winners but i think its hard for match winners at the moment at arsenal because they're so young and inexpereinced where actually they need to be looked up to from a side and not just played alongside, like henry was for most of the time at arsenal, when something was going wrong, we looked to henry to produce something out of the poridanry to change a game which he did, it will take time before we produce a player like that, because they need the experience.

36

tom

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 11:18 PM - Reply

I cant believe that flamini would leave. he has one good season in his position and then thinks he's the best player in the world. he owes everything to arsenal and arsene. If we have the money i think gareth barry would be great for us, hard working, a leader good passer and good from set plays and can play left back/wing and centre midfield. we deffo need a tall commanding centre half who will head the ball, in the mould of terry and vidic. against chelsea away this season we didnt win one header against drogba all game. I would love to see an established goalie. dream goalie would be buffon but that will never happen. on the brightside another year on sagna great player, clichy getting better every game, fabregas looks naturally fitter and added more goals to his game. and how many goals would of adebayor got if he could finish.big improvement this year in the league and with a little bit off luck it could of all been different.

35

zi

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 10:51 PM - Reply

i think the analysis is spot on. i also think that song should be played as a defensive middlefielder not as a fullback

34

Qingdao Gooner

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 10:49 PM - Reply

Fantastic article.
personal view is we only need a match killer like CR of Man U or Balak for Chelsea. It would be great if Arsene could find anpyher PV for us. Is there any possibility we could buy Yaya Toure from Baca? He got skill, Strengh and fighting spirit. To be honest, I don't think we could easyly find this kind player in EU.
A lot people are talking about that we should spend much more money to but a keeper, central defender and defence middlefied player and a world class striker. I can't agree with this opinion. Toure and Galas are great. Fabiaski is good enough be a first keeper for us. Vp and Adebayor are brilian and Edowardoe could be next Begkape. We just need put all money which we have together to buy a warrior with good skill. This is why i think we should consider Yaya toure.

33

Anonymous gooner

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 10:42 PM - Reply

good assessment. Totally agree

32

Disillusioned Gooner

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 08:33 PM - Reply

Well said JC. I have been making this point to friends for quite sometime now but not in the way you just easily spelt it out. I agree with your view on Chelsea & that is why THEY & not US are pushing Man U all the way while we languish in 3rd. I don't know about you & other gooner fans out there but i'm tired of playing 2nd fiddle to these 2 teams for the last 4 yrs. Arsene! sort it out!

31

paul

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 08:31 PM - Reply

I agree with your views on Hleb. Absolutely fantastic to watch at times, completely mesmerising, but doesn't deliver enough. I feel he is a player who tends to dominate a team's style of play but even when playing well, doesn't score nearly enough or provide enough assists. When playing badly he gives the ball away too cheaply. I also agree that Flamini is not irreplaceable. I think the seeds of discontent were sewn when he was dropped for the champions league final and replaced with Cole. A mistake I think with the benefit of hindsight.

30

Nnaemeka

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 08:24 PM - Reply

Rosicky again! Give me a break, the guy owes his team mates an apology. Next thing you know he shows up at the Euros and shines. Duh!

29

Joe

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 07:49 PM - Reply

i agree not many pretty boys not enough meat what we had this year in our 1st team where 4 boys roughly the same size in rosicky hleb cesc and flamini who who were all good on the boy 3 of them couldnt hit more than 5 in the league which is ridiclous if you compare them to freddie and pires we really need some real muscle alongside cesc someone in the mould of vieria big and strong can tackle and hel[p in attack more surging runs from the midfield!!!!!!!

28

Chibyx

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 07:38 PM - Reply

Wat team does rosicky play for?, he plays on d same team with Van persie, his manager is Gary lewin. Those arnt arsenal players

27

Trevor

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 07:30 PM - Reply

Great article! I must say, I completely agree with you that Arsenal's shortcomings lie in the efficiency of our first team. People say we have as good of a first XI as Man Utd or Chelsea, if not better, but I believe they both have more match-winners than we do. We often have trouble killing teams off (see the Invincibles, Man Utd), and when we do lead in a match, it's often by 1 goal, which has been proven time and time again, is not enough.

Our new brand of football, which has transformed from lightning-fast counter-attacking and stylish to pensive perfectionist build-up play, and has become predictable and sometimes ineffective.

To remedy this, I think we only need 1 or 2 signings, in addition to replacing Flamini and Hleb (who both look likely to leave the Emirates this summer). A strong, tall CB, and a goalscoring wide midfielder (preferably both with experience, and aged 24-26).

Flamini will not be very hard to replace! Someone like Lorik Cana would do the job brilliantly.

26

Dubby

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 07:28 PM - Reply

Its sad to see Flamini leave. I feel he owes Arsene a bit loyalty, but i guess the buck is more importank these days. In Arsen we trust to find a good/better replacement.

25

demola

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 06:26 PM - Reply

Yes, you have made the good point. As per rosicky he is better playing supporting attacking role than playing as a central midfielder

24

ichecool

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 06:19 PM - Reply

I agree with what you say;but with Flamini & Hleb leaving, I am afraid that the situation keeps other stars from featuring in Arsenal because you see that tells other players that Arsenal is not A good place to land and earn what you deserve

23

Gunner4life&beyond

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 06:17 PM - Reply

Oh yes, Song is doing well. Didn't doubt he could, unlike people who rubbished and booed him after only a few games. Also, can't say he's great after just a handful either. Let's see what he can do in the long-run.

22

Gunner4life&beyond

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 06:15 PM - Reply

Agree with this post, same point I've made to a couple people. We can have 60 - 70% possession and it won't count for squat without players who can provide an end result to go with it.

In that respect, Hleb can be a 2nd string player but we need a more direct and efficient impact player on the right. The left side too as the 1st person to comment is right, Rosicky is too injury prone, along with Van Persie.

Now we need two wingers, possibly someone to replace Flamini if Denilson, Song or Diaby can't do it and someone for defence. It's too much to address, I think we will be challenging again next season but all the problems cannot possibly be fixed in time for next season.

21

Fawad

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 05:15 PM - Reply

Good pointers dude but i feel that arsenal do have match winners but not many the likes of cesc, rosicky, RvP, Theo and Eduardo the all got the match winning talent but most of them were injured these season and Theo stills has alot to learn he is getting better and better and i think arsene shud use him more often then he has this season rosicky is a great player n RvP whereas Hleb i love the way he plays but sometimes its just that his last decision destroys him he is too predictable i've seen him get into such positions where he cud score a goal but unfortunately he decides to pass which is bad he has all the talent he needs to score maybe he lacks in confidence

20

Nat

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 04:30 PM - Reply

Just saw Flamini coming out of Giannini restaurant in Milan, being held from the hand like a school lad by the Milan director Ariedo.Flamini will now have to taste the Italian media, something which was shielded by wenger as a protection of his players from pressure. Can Flamini withstand this pressure for long?

19

Dave

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 04:04 PM - Reply

This is an intriguing set of points you make. I would argue however, that when Thierry left it was seen as a blessing in disguise and that the players could now play as a team. The fact that you want Wenger to buy in players specifically for Fabregas almost seems contradictory, because then we're back to the same scenario. Either everyone was just trying to make a cheap positive out of Thierry's departure, or they were right (like i think) and we shouldn't have special individuals that overshadow the rest of the team.

18

Edward Okeleke

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 03:25 PM - Reply

I only wish that Wenger can read this article... I honestly belive that with the likes of some key players who can add bit to that team will help asrenal go places. The team right now is filled with young talented players but lack exprience when it matted, getting a world class striker and players that can win games when it matted most is very ket... this same thing happened last season and next season might just be the same thing if changes are not made on time.

17

Yusuf

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 03:06 PM - Reply

Excellent article, Joel, however if you ask me if I 'overly super agree with you' I would say no. How many times have Rosicky and RvP won crucial points for us at the start of a season? But I agree we need another match winner. On Saturday Man Utd had less than ten shots on target against West Ham and they converted four. We need a high conversion ratio as well. I agree about Diarra too, had he been here he would have been in the first team now that Flamini has left. I am not surprised at all with Song's performances, he was one of the best players in the African Nations Cup and was, without a doubt, Cameoun's star player. I eagerly await the virtually unknown French-speaking defensive midfielder Wenger signs for us next season.

16

kamy

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 02:57 PM - Reply

diaby should take credit. dont forget hes a midfielder not a winger. all we need is a loyal center defender, and a good midfielder who would be fighting for his place to beat diaby to be a key player. as for rosicky, hes always injured so carlos vela should be back to be his replacement

15

fredisdead

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 02:53 PM - Reply

Beautifully thought through.
When you put it so lucidly it does make me rethink what we get fed on ESPN by the pundits. our squad is 'good' but where are the executioners. For me, Adebayor has the lousiest first touch in the top flight. We need a real striker alongside him if we want our front-line to look like they can bite. Walcott has come a long way since looking like a pensive pussycat in mid-season. Van Persie will only get sharper. But I hope we can steal a mighty forward from somewhere and get one toughie at the heart of our defense.

14

Ramy

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 02:47 PM - Reply

Top article. Great read, well written as well....I Agree with the definition of what a aquad means. I also believe it will be easy to rpelace flamini, we will do so with a better player. Just one thing, im not sure i agree about your belief that arsenal's second team did well. I would assume that we best fit the squad description when it comse to having our full first team. We are awesome in that department.

13

TJ Bristol

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 02:39 PM - Reply

I have commented on Flamini,s departure and although he will be a loss Denilson I am sure will develope but we need to retain Gilberto.Arsene needs possibly 3 extra players in the closed season,possibly mature players,to ease the pressure on the squad.I suggest a versatile defender,a midfield holding player and a stricker.The last we all hope sincerely will not be needed if Eduardo,s recovery goes to plan.

12

Conny

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 01:53 PM - Reply

Of course Rosicky can play centrally. Sam, your memory is not good, Rosicky's position is attacking central midfielder or half striker. He still plays there for the Czech republic and even played as a holding midfielder in the world cup. Of course he can play in Cesc's position and do well. Rosicky is actually a very good player that has dipped a little because of being out of position but don't forget what a good player he is

11

Grant

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 01:51 PM - Reply

I can agree with a lot of things here. The first team can beat anyone in Europe - yet so often, has failed to do so. Draws and losses against the other top 4 sides have hurt us this season when last season we had their number.
Hleb is very, very good to watch. He could be a match winner if he added some shooting ability to his game....
Flamini was absolutely awesome this season. And I've been thinking hard about it, but I seem to think that we won't miss him that much. Definitely an opportunity to buy someone else for Fab. Fab is the heart-beat of our team afterall. But with Flam, last transfer season he was in the verge of leaving and most of us probably wouldn't have missed him. There are a lot of players with his type of energy and dynamism floating around for us to buy.
Oh man would I love to get Essein...

10

mohamed

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 01:35 PM - Reply

great analysis. i am actually happy flamini is leaving, but i hope wenger goes for a tall, strong guy in central midfield. either adebayor or bendtner should be offloaded, and a smaller, more finesse forward should be brought in, which is why i was astounded that wenger dissed david villa when he announced he wanted to come to arsenal. but i disagree that hleb is replaceable; if that guy goes there is half the team right there, seriously. finally, and most importantly, at the back is where we have been @#$%ed this season: gallas is a backup central defender, not a captain, and almunia will never be world-class.

9

Rory Maguire

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 01:32 PM - Reply

I really don't want Hleb to go, he did a spectacular job this year. He scored the 2nd and winning goal when Arsenal won 2-1 over Fulham. If Flamini, i don't really like Flamini. So go ahead if he wants to leave, but sure i will be glad if Flamini stays. So, Wenger really needs to buy some young, talented, and experienced midfield players.

8

sibhi ganapathy

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 01:23 PM - Reply

Excellent analysis. I felt depressed when i heard about flamini's exit, but you,ve put things into perspective rather well. As for match winners, how about David Villa? I hear Wenger is not avese to his arrival!!

7

Belve (the odd Gooner from Alabama,...

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 01:03 PM - Reply

I agree with sam, Rosicky is almost a liablity as we have to lean on Fabregas at times when he should be rested. that brings into play what Flamini does/did for us which is stay switched on when Fabregas took breathers in games or even took the reins a bit. Thats why he was a better choice than Gilberto because it is his natural element.

I contend that letting Diarra go was the most profitable mistake we have made since being forced to sell off Anelka. I think the match winner that was missing was Martins from Toon, but I don't think anyone saw the squad coming together in such a way to fit him in AND handle his wages as backup sharing time with Theo. While now the task is different from last year I think it will be more difficult, in that we will go into the summer not knowing what the midfield will really be able to do and the midfield is the true engine of our offense.

Arsene will find the pieces but will they have time to gel because as the last 5 seasons show more than ever EVERY POINT COUNTS.

6

Alan

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 12:59 PM - Reply

Alex Song was terrific yesterday and he is the natural replacement for Flamini. He has all the energy, tackles well, reads the game and his passing is better. I think he has been the real success of this season. As for Eboue, I cannot understand what AW was doing when he let Larsson, Muamba and Diarra go b ut kept Eboue. Yesterday if I say he was inept I would be paying him a compliment. His was the worst performance by an Arsenal midfielder I can remember.

Can't get Carlos Vela in soon enough but I like Gibbs too. Sell Eboue and get someone who can pass to an Arsenal shirt. Even occasionally would be an improvement.

5

delboy

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 12:47 PM - Reply

good article but i also agree that rosicky is to injury prone to replace cesc. I'm disappointed that wenger let flam's contract run down like that, it should have been sorted last year. I've only heard talk about kranjcar coming in and flam, Gilberto, lehman and hleb leaving. That for me does'nt sound like streagthening a squad. Last summer we waited and waited and apart from sagna and fabianski nothing happened. By the way yes song does look good.

4

teempofu zimbabwe

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 12:46 PM - Reply

what Joel wrote is true we dont have a lot of match winners if u look at eboue his is a foward moving player face to face with goalkeeper he cantt score we need attacking mid fielders who will help fabee he cant do everthing by himself .I wish Wenger will look at these comments GOGUNNERS

3

MonkeyDust

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 12:42 PM - Reply

Excellent article - something I hadn't thought of but makes a whole lot of sense. Some directness and somebody who can put that one chance away is needed. Rosicky can replace a rested fabregas but it is true what sam says - you can't count on a guy who is always injured...

2

kalahari blues

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 12:22 PM - Reply

A very good analysis. Glad Song is at last delivering for Arsenal. During the African Nations cup, he completely outshone Kolo Toure, and Eboue. He is one for the future and hopefully he willget his chance and more important, take it when it comes.

1

sam

Posted on 5 May, 2008 at 12:15 PM - Reply

great read, great points agree with everything except about rosicky replacing cesc when he is injured, are you serious the guy should not even be accounted for he does not exist.

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