There is a constant theme appearing this season. It isn't the fact that any goal we concede is from a set piece, or that Emmanuel Eboue is perhaps beginning to win over even the most ardent of disbelivevers. It's that question marks constantly loom around the decisions of our long standing manager. Before a ball had even been kicked this season, Arsène Wenger was to bear the grunt of many disappointed fans.The league title being thrown away meant that a period of three trophyless seasons was the worst under Arsène's tenure. Financial figures released by Arsenal last Friday were barely going to spare Arsène any favours after a refusal to strengthen over the summer. It showed Arsenal Football Club to be the third richest in the world. Why were we still being seen as a selling club, especially when the financial power is clear to see? Alex Hleb, Matheiu Flamini and Gilberto Silva were replaced with the only meaningful signing of Samir Nasri, whilst Aaron Ramsey would have to show immediate quality to make the huge step up. A late attempt to sign Liverpool's Xabi Alonso questioned whether even the manager himself had confidence in the depth and ability of the current crop of midfielders. After all, the midfield appeared to be at its weakest ever since the appointment of Wenger. Yet, without getting carried away, this Arsenal side currently sits at the top of the table. So why the raised eyebrows?
Frustration and disappointment was strife in Arsenal fans over the summer. Since 'The Unbeatables', last season was the closest Arsenal had come to winning the domestic league. Some would pinpoint the 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford in The F.A. Cup as the moment when the young, inexperienced Arsenal side faultered. After the incidents of St. Andrews, it was also noted as the day we threw away the league. Others would target Wenger and his refusal to strengthen the squad, and in particular the midfield. With the long term injury of Rosicky, the loss of Diarra, Eboue struggling to fill the role at right midfield, and the inability to rest a tiring Fabregas, the Arsenal midfield appeared to be no longer the force it was. Too much weight was on the shoulders of the young Spaniard, and Arsenal folded. Inexperience and Wenger's stubborness to develop youth was seen as the key reason as to why the trophy cabinet remained empty.
So, just as those players who had fought hard throughout the season were needed most so Arsenal could bounce back, two key and experienced midfielders in Flamini and Hleb were allowed to leave. Hleb was replaced with Samir Nasri, a 21 year old. Nasri though had been introduced into the Marseille side from a young age, and had the experience of the physical French league, as well as in Europe. Many questioned whether he could fit straight into this Arsenal side, but his style of play was made for us, and it was proven instantly. However, come the close of deadline day, the key figure of Flamini had not been replaced. Eboue and Denilson just days before were outclassed by Bullard and Murphy at Craven Cottage, and Arsène had appeared to have lost his marbles. Just what was his thought behind not strengthening a squad that was 'clearly' not able to compete for the title. Points dropped at Fulham isn't the sign of title challengers. Playing like this, we would be lucky to even be competing in Europe next season.
Since that game against Fulham, Arsenal have won 4 of their 5 games, scoring 15 goals and conceding just the two. Be it coincedence or not, we have seen the return of Cesc Fabregas to the midfield in that time. The attacking football has been a joy to watch. Reminiscent of the football played last season, yet signs that we can still be as direct and ruthless as the unbeatables. Truth be told though, we have yet to see the best from Cesc. Recuperating from a long summer which including a run through to the Euro 2008 final, Fabregas is still regaining full match fitness.
Whilst Fabregas still struggles for sharpness, those who many doubted before the season had started have begun to step up to the plate, proving their worth to the first team. Even before the game against Bolton at the weekend, Wenger's team selection and rotation of players was seriously questioned. The midfield, on paper, looked to have no width, battle, or creativity. Instead, this Arsenal midfield had strung together the best 30 minutes of football i had ever seen. After 22 minutes, and ironically being 1-0 down thanks to some sloppy defending from yet another set piece, Arsenal had strung together 144 passes. Compare that to Bolton's 19, and we had 85% of possession. The game, in a flash, was turned around. By half time, if it wasn't for a bit of luck off the woodwork and some better finishing, we could have been 4 or 5 to the good. If Wenger was to blame for Arsenal's inability to claim the first three points of the Champions League game, he certainly deserves to be applauded for this victory. For a midfield that looked so weak on paper, they certainly were alot stronger than many had given them credit for.
Denilson is showing the signs as to why Arsène has so much faith in his current crop of central midfielders. September has been a fantastic month for the Brazilian, and his stats speak for themself. The Premiership's most accurate passer has scored two league goals already, and has given performances fit enough to carry the midfield whilst Cesc shifts through the gears, and Nasri lay on the treatment table. His style of play gives us another dimension to our attack, and his stamina and determination gives him the engine needed. Alex Song has also come into the midfield the past two away games, and shown that it's not only at centre half that he can do a very good job. Brilliant in breaking up the play and doing the simple things, allowing the team to tick. Emmanuel Eboue is beginning to slowly silence his critics with his performances, and finally grabbed his first league goal in an unbelivable first half for the Ivorian against The Trotters. One would hope that Diaby can make a similar impact on the team. The tall Frenchman appeared to be first choice to sit alongisde Cesc, but whilst he recovers from injury, Denilson has taken his chance. And when you consider the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey and Vela are still to come through, and the return of Rosicky from his lengthy injury, the future is extremely bright. Who's to know what impact Amaury Bischoff may even have. All this without even touching on Theo Walcott and his inspiring performances since Zagreb. He is a man with supreme confidence at the moment, and is finally showing the ability that Arsène must have seen when he first signed him as a 16 year old. Many doubted whether he could turn potential into ability, and his recent performances have proven them wrong. The bright prospects in the reserves and under 18's cannot be ignored either, and that shall be seen tonight against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup. The current crop of fit players are showing exactly why Arsène has so much faith in bringing them through.
The last two league games have come in an area of the country that Arsenal apparently do not fair well in. Our record at Ewood Park however is the best in the country, and we have also now won the last three games at the Reebok Stadium. It was a game reminiscent to that at Villa Park last season. Unplayable in the first half, under pressure in the second. Perhaps the long trek to Kiev can be accountable for the drop in performance after half time, as well as the injury to Clichy meaning we lost our shape a little. But this side, and the midfield especially, showed the commitment and the 'mental strength' we hear so much about to come through the game. In a way, it was the complete performance, and the signs are clear as to why Arsène has the vision he does. He clearly sees the talent of these young players, and that can be proven by the current league table. The signs are good, but will Arsène yet again regret not adding depth or experience to the squad? Alot rests on these young players, and whilst the talent is evident, consistency and being able to perform at the very top level is another matter. Only time will tell, as the test is yet to come. No one can doubt Arsène's desire to win trophy's for Arsenal, but perhaps his vision will only be shared once that happens.
Frustration and disappointment was strife in Arsenal fans over the summer. Since 'The Unbeatables', last season was the closest Arsenal had come to winning the domestic league. Some would pinpoint the 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford in The F.A. Cup as the moment when the young, inexperienced Arsenal side faultered. After the incidents of St. Andrews, it was also noted as the day we threw away the league. Others would target Wenger and his refusal to strengthen the squad, and in particular the midfield. With the long term injury of Rosicky, the loss of Diarra, Eboue struggling to fill the role at right midfield, and the inability to rest a tiring Fabregas, the Arsenal midfield appeared to be no longer the force it was. Too much weight was on the shoulders of the young Spaniard, and Arsenal folded. Inexperience and Wenger's stubborness to develop youth was seen as the key reason as to why the trophy cabinet remained empty.
So, just as those players who had fought hard throughout the season were needed most so Arsenal could bounce back, two key and experienced midfielders in Flamini and Hleb were allowed to leave. Hleb was replaced with Samir Nasri, a 21 year old. Nasri though had been introduced into the Marseille side from a young age, and had the experience of the physical French league, as well as in Europe. Many questioned whether he could fit straight into this Arsenal side, but his style of play was made for us, and it was proven instantly. However, come the close of deadline day, the key figure of Flamini had not been replaced. Eboue and Denilson just days before were outclassed by Bullard and Murphy at Craven Cottage, and Arsène had appeared to have lost his marbles. Just what was his thought behind not strengthening a squad that was 'clearly' not able to compete for the title. Points dropped at Fulham isn't the sign of title challengers. Playing like this, we would be lucky to even be competing in Europe next season.
Since that game against Fulham, Arsenal have won 4 of their 5 games, scoring 15 goals and conceding just the two. Be it coincedence or not, we have seen the return of Cesc Fabregas to the midfield in that time. The attacking football has been a joy to watch. Reminiscent of the football played last season, yet signs that we can still be as direct and ruthless as the unbeatables. Truth be told though, we have yet to see the best from Cesc. Recuperating from a long summer which including a run through to the Euro 2008 final, Fabregas is still regaining full match fitness.
Whilst Fabregas still struggles for sharpness, those who many doubted before the season had started have begun to step up to the plate, proving their worth to the first team. Even before the game against Bolton at the weekend, Wenger's team selection and rotation of players was seriously questioned. The midfield, on paper, looked to have no width, battle, or creativity. Instead, this Arsenal midfield had strung together the best 30 minutes of football i had ever seen. After 22 minutes, and ironically being 1-0 down thanks to some sloppy defending from yet another set piece, Arsenal had strung together 144 passes. Compare that to Bolton's 19, and we had 85% of possession. The game, in a flash, was turned around. By half time, if it wasn't for a bit of luck off the woodwork and some better finishing, we could have been 4 or 5 to the good. If Wenger was to blame for Arsenal's inability to claim the first three points of the Champions League game, he certainly deserves to be applauded for this victory. For a midfield that looked so weak on paper, they certainly were alot stronger than many had given them credit for.
Denilson is showing the signs as to why Arsène has so much faith in his current crop of central midfielders. September has been a fantastic month for the Brazilian, and his stats speak for themself. The Premiership's most accurate passer has scored two league goals already, and has given performances fit enough to carry the midfield whilst Cesc shifts through the gears, and Nasri lay on the treatment table. His style of play gives us another dimension to our attack, and his stamina and determination gives him the engine needed. Alex Song has also come into the midfield the past two away games, and shown that it's not only at centre half that he can do a very good job. Brilliant in breaking up the play and doing the simple things, allowing the team to tick. Emmanuel Eboue is beginning to slowly silence his critics with his performances, and finally grabbed his first league goal in an unbelivable first half for the Ivorian against The Trotters. One would hope that Diaby can make a similar impact on the team. The tall Frenchman appeared to be first choice to sit alongisde Cesc, but whilst he recovers from injury, Denilson has taken his chance. And when you consider the likes of Wilshere, Ramsey and Vela are still to come through, and the return of Rosicky from his lengthy injury, the future is extremely bright. Who's to know what impact Amaury Bischoff may even have. All this without even touching on Theo Walcott and his inspiring performances since Zagreb. He is a man with supreme confidence at the moment, and is finally showing the ability that Arsène must have seen when he first signed him as a 16 year old. Many doubted whether he could turn potential into ability, and his recent performances have proven them wrong. The bright prospects in the reserves and under 18's cannot be ignored either, and that shall be seen tonight against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup. The current crop of fit players are showing exactly why Arsène has so much faith in bringing them through.
The last two league games have come in an area of the country that Arsenal apparently do not fair well in. Our record at Ewood Park however is the best in the country, and we have also now won the last three games at the Reebok Stadium. It was a game reminiscent to that at Villa Park last season. Unplayable in the first half, under pressure in the second. Perhaps the long trek to Kiev can be accountable for the drop in performance after half time, as well as the injury to Clichy meaning we lost our shape a little. But this side, and the midfield especially, showed the commitment and the 'mental strength' we hear so much about to come through the game. In a way, it was the complete performance, and the signs are clear as to why Arsène has the vision he does. He clearly sees the talent of these young players, and that can be proven by the current league table. The signs are good, but will Arsène yet again regret not adding depth or experience to the squad? Alot rests on these young players, and whilst the talent is evident, consistency and being able to perform at the very top level is another matter. Only time will tell, as the test is yet to come. No one can doubt Arsène's desire to win trophy's for Arsenal, but perhaps his vision will only be shared once that happens.
