Ahmedyussuf, Author at Arsenation

Ahmedyussuf

Who Arsenal Should Buy?

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May 232012

Mum, mum wait I want…that’s the decision Arsenal will have to make. What do they want? Like a kid at a candy shop, but that of a limited budget. Not able to fork out what those “rich kids” with their Sheikh sugar Daddy’s can. So Arsenal must work within their means. Punch above their weigh yet again. But, how is this possible? Arsenal a club bathed in history and tradition, now secondary to that of clubs owned by billionaire owners who simply have inflated football.

Despite, this financial state football is under Arsenal still able to draw interest of high calibre players. Players in the stature of Lukas Podolski who’s signed from German club Köln. But, how much of a risk is this acquisition? Podolski who’s track record at Bayern doesn’t scream at you, and hasn’t really been great in club football till recently.

Last summers “panic buys” were forced after horrid Arsenal performances. Yet again Arsene and Arsenal forced in to compete with the financial muscle by rivals. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all spent north of 80 million in the last 18 months. But in spite of this over spending Arsenal have managed to finish above two of the four teams listed. This is great to see value for money in the Arsenal perspective, but one can ask how long until Arsenal falter? Won’t the money eventually surpass the North London side?

But hey everybody loves the underdog. Defying logic and doing the unthinkable. Montpellier hasn’t spent over 3million yet has been crowned French champions, notable to mention ahead of Paris Saint Germain the new rich boys in town. So who’s to say we aren’t sitting here after next season seeing Arsenal lifting the Premier league with some intelligent buys. But who, who should they be?

Shinji Kagawa:

Japanese attacker has been the lynchpin to the Dortmund attack this term, and has made the loss of Gotze midway through the season not an issue, as his form has lifted Borrusia Dortmund to their first ever league and cup double. But, he’s widely tipped to be on his way to Manchester United, as scenes of Sir Alex Ferguson at the German Cup final fuelled the further speculation.

Yann M’Vila:

Young, French, strong and a formidable defensive player, ringing any bells Arsenal fans? If we were going to call for the next Patrick Vieira this would be the occasion. He’s been a major part in the International set up under Blanc’s France, and has been impressive for Rennes. All the ingredients to be a superb player for the Arsenal, but will the unofficial rumours of he’s signed be confirmed? Or is it another might’ve been for Arsenal?

Scott Dann:

A strong defender who hasn’t received the recognition he may’ve deserved. Two seasons in a row playing for relegated sides whose defensive capabilities must be questioned, yet his defensive qualities haven’t. Many pundits believe Birmingham’s poor late season form coincided in his absence, and after defensive partner Rodger Johnson went on pastures new didn’t quite match it. This leaves questions on how good is Scott Dann? He’s young and is relatively on the cheap. Why not gamble for him, he’s a better option than an error prone Djourou.

Contact via @True_Gooner10

One Team in London?

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May 202012

Awakening to cheers of one team in London, Chelsea crowned European Champions. The Bayern faithful surely in disbelief, a nightmare waiting to end, but it was no nightmare. The first London club crowned Champions of Europe. The odds stacked against them, a crowd, however, ‘fairly’ arranged against them. Yet at the final 120 minutes cries of joy sung from West London, heard in Munich. Didier Drogba etched in Chelsea history. If Roberto Di Matteo wasn’t already now is, surpassing ‘the special one’ going where no Chelsea man has gone before him.

But, in North London sits a club bathed in history, tradition. Yet are secondary, second, not first, the silver medallist, however, you want to place it London has been overthrown. By whom a club who 10 years previous were miles away from them, what happened?

Didn’t Arsenal go a season unbeaten? Weren’t they the team everyone wanted, but couldn’t beat? Was Chelsea even on their radar?

Now overthrown Arsene works on a new formula, new method, doctrine, and principle, something different. He’s laboratory is entrenched with tactical theories, player indexes. Yet in the West London a Russian with a blank check walks. A man finally possessing that ‘Big Eared’ trophy he longed for.

Has the days of winning with a small budget, defying odds are over? Plucking unknown talents from various sectors of the planet, finding the next Robert Pires, Frederic Ljungberg and Patrick Vieira are over? No more Arsenal dominance? Does this football club have to ‘break’ the proverbial bank to have success?

No. ‘In Arsene We Trust.’ The Arsene who delivered a championship in his first full season, same Arsene who assembled the greatest Premier League team in 20 years, same Arsene who changed reformed the English game. Surely, Arsene can dig deep in his football knowledge and produce the spectacular.

First London club to win the European Cup no, first London club to do the league and cup double no. But, the greatest historical club in London yes, so whilst that Russian in West London may throw his ‘mafia money’ we still remain pure.

Who knows next year we’ll be awakening as Champions of Europe, in London. Wembley final that would eclipse Chelsea, Tottenham, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, West Ham United, and all the other London teams firmly placed under a shadow. A shadow of a man entrenched in Arsenal, a man who created a new status quo, a new system, a new approach to football.

So as I watch Chelsea engulf in a bender. Fans chant “one team in London” and what not. The light at the end of the tunnel is blinkering. Arsene and co are readily approaching it. London is Chelsea’s for now but only for now. Arsenal is poised to reclaim their thrown, to restore the power in London, and with doing so England. Arsenal Wembley awaits your presence.

Contact Via True_Gooner10

Why Patrick Vieira’s right.

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May 182012

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira came out and voiced his opinion on the Robin van Persie situation. Patrick said “I’m quite surprised they have waited until he has only a year left on his contract to talk to him.” He’s right on the money. Why has it taken Arsene Wenger in Robin’s final year on his contract to renew the current deal?

Arsenal has been burnt in recent seasons with the last minute contract negotiations, a past which saw Mathieu Flamini leave to Milan on a free and Samir Nasri walk out. If Arsenal football club have ambitions to reach similar heights Vieira reached in his eight year stint in North London, changes must be made. The perpetuate lack of transfer activity and the acceptance of mediocrity has largely stunted Arsenal’s growth as a club.

Patrick continued and said “if Robin leaves that means next year it may be Theo Walcott, next year’s going to be Wilshere, it’s going to be difficult for Arsenal to keep the top players.” It may well happen. Things must be done. The signing of Lukas Podolski and rumoured transfer enquires are a start. But, if Wenger and Arsenal want to keep their best players there must be some proactivity.

But instead if Arsenal fans want to abuse and say that “Vieira’s alliances are with City” are missing the whole picture. This has nothing to do with Vieira, Manchester City or who they sign. It’s about Arsenal and what they do to rectify the Robin van Persie debacle.

Contact me via @True_Gooner10

Shinji Kagawa Arsenal Bound?

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May 122012

Shinji Kagawa has been a revelation for German champions since signing from second division side Cerezo Osaka in the summer of 2010, for a mere €350,000 euros. He’s taken to the upper echelons of football like a duck to water.

However, his form from last season dipped, and didn’t match the exploits of last term, but the Japanese International worked and soon after was one of the driving forces of a team just eliminated from Europe. Also, facing a long layoff for their at times talismanic youngster Mario Gotze, this saw him grow and take on more responsibilities in the Dortmund side.

His form grew stronger with it interest from other clubs. The long rumoured move to Manchester United has been circulating since last January. But, recently he’s been said to be on one Arsene Wenger’s wish list, and with a year remaining on his contract he’s rumoured to go at as little as 5 million euros. Astonishing value for an attacking midfielder who’s arguably been one of the stand out performers for a Dortmund side who haven’t tasted defeat since October of last year.

The nimble attacker would be in great company at Arsenal football club with compatriot Ryo Miyaichi, who could also look at Kagawa as an example. Also, not forgetting Arsene Wenger’s respect and esteem in Japanese football.

Not to mention Kagawa’s playing style, which fits the ‘Arsenal Way,’ a way of football style that requires a technically adept and low centre of gravity footballer.

Therefore, Kagawa and Arsenal would be a match made in heaven. A better acquisition then the over hyped and expensive Mario Gotze, rumours of Wenger’s so called ‘panic buy’ which included a alleged 40 million euro bid for Gotze. A young man who’s been earmarked as the next big thing in European football, a big asks for a footballer only aged 19.

In contrast, Kagawa would come with a significantly lower transfer fee, less hype and expectation. Supporters shouldn’t underestimate the extent insane expectations can have on a player, they can just look at Fernando Torres last two years.

Why Kagawa you ask? Simply because not only will he be well worth the transfer fee, but he’s shown he can adapt to differing types of football in the past. So who’s to say next August when we turn on our television sets, or go through those turnstiles we’ll see an opening goal from the newly signed Shinji Kagawa. Cementing his place at Ashburton Grove, with his first venture in English football, now wouldn’t that be a story?

Want to hear more of my views just check out my twitter, @True_Gooner .

Sagna the latest to suffer from the stamp

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May 072012

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-495" src="http://www.arsenation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/sagna_1503798a.jpg"

Sagna the latest to suffer from the stamp:

Last weekend Bacary Sagna Arsenal defender suffered a severe leg break. This will see the Frenchman miss out on Arsenal’s final game against West Brom, and also see him miss the European Championship with France in the summer.

The Frenchman had been in great form of late, and his return in the first team had sparked Arsenal’s late season revival. The implications of the stamp might be felt next season, as Sagna at 29 suffering two severe leg breaks might hamper his future at Arsenal.

Sagna suffered the broken leg after a stamp from former Arsenal schoolboy Bradley Johnson. Johnson who’s boyhood club was the side from North London, might’ve attempted to stamp conscience of Sagna’s position. “I think he did it on purpose,” says Sagna. Could the former Arsenal schoolboy have inflicted this damning blow to Sagna’s Arsenal’s career?

Sagna adds “He stepped on my leg. Play continues… And when I tried to control the ball, I felt a crack, just like the first time at Tottenham.” Recollecting the day which confined him to four months on sidelines, may he recover and become a stronger player as a consequence. Regardless of the result Bacary Sagna has served the Arsenal football club with the greatest respect.

Sagna is vehement he will be back and stronger than ever. “I came back once, I will come back a second time, even stronger,” says the French international. The Frenchman has faced adversity and has comeback who’s to say he might not replicate it?

Arsenal’s back four in tatters after the draw against Norwich, coupled with the Sagna injury. Arsenal’s defensive deficiencies will perpetuate. Might the youthful Carl Jenkison or Francis Coquelin fill the void left by Sagna? Nevertheless Arsenal’s season is drawing to its close, and third spot is hanging in the balance, and with Tottenham and Newcastle United queuing up like ravaged dogs if Arsenal slips up against West Brom. Everything is poised for a enthralling final day.

Will this latest injury to Bacary Sagna prove to be the final nail in the coffin in Arsenal’s pursuit in an automatic Champion League place, or create a “fighting spirit” in the camp, which Mr Wenger has said this group possesses.

Hope you enjoyed my first piece on Arsenation. Hopefully many more to come, if you’d like to dispute what I’ve written feel free my twitter handle is @True_Gooner10. Don’t be shy.