Wow what a transfer window we’ve had so far eh? First Robin’s statement insulting our club by claiming we weren’t ambitious, forcing Arsene to go buy players, Arsene trying to convince Robin, by buying the likes of Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, but on Wednesday Robin decided to basically stab Wenger in the back after all Wenger’s done for him (stuck with him through all his injuries) and go to arguably Arsenal’s biggest rival: Manchester United.
Season Preview –
Transfers so far:
INs: Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud
OUTs: Kyle Bartley, Carlos Vela, Denilson (Loan), (insert name here), Joel Campbell (Loan), and Ryo Miyaichi (loan), Almunia
In terms of our buys this season, all 3 were on show in the first half verses Cologne, and I have to say, I’m very satisfied indeed, not completely happy, but the purchase of Cazorla (pronounced Cathorla apparently), is a monumental signing in my opinion, because it finally fills the gap that was left by Cesc Fabragas last season, where the Centre attacking midfielder sits, or trequartista as I like to call it. He has great vision and passing ability as seen in his 45 minute stint in Cologne, and already looks like an Arsenal player. Lukas Podolski, was quiet for most of the half, but still showed some class with the penalty and the finish for his 2nd goal. Giroud on the other hand, was active throughout and unlucky to score 2 or even 3 goals in the half, as the keeper was able to parry most of them away, but his movement off the ball was excellent and both will be key figures after the departure of he-who-must-not-be-named.
Future Ins:
I think Wenger is likely to make a couple more signings, Real Madrid Mid Nuri Sahin is likely to be loaned out to either Livepool or Arsenal, and at this stage, im not sure who will win the race, but it will be good cover for Song. Speaking about Alex Song, it’s even more likely that he is leaving this summer, as Barcelona are apparently preparing to steal another Arsenal player (not again), so it looks like Sahin’s loan deal is dependent on Song’s possible departure, at least Arsene has a couple of days this time! A Centre-back could also be purchase by the end of the transfer window as Bartley as left the club, and it was likely that he was going to play a role, as he was only just called up into the first team. Who it will be? I don’t know. Also id still love Clint Dempsey to come to Arsenal, as his future is still up in the air, but it is becoming more and more unlikely, as his transfer to Liverpool draws near.
Future Outs:
In terms of players to leave, I am surprised not more have left Arsenal to be honest, in particular, the “deadwood” which includes the likes of Squillaci, Djourou, Arsharvin, Bendtner, and more…at least we got rid of Almunia, albeit on a free. Expect 2 or 3 of these players to leave, though it is unlikely that both Squillaci and Djourou will go, it will be one or the other, same as with Arsharvin and Bendtner, with Bendtner more likely to leave.
Key players:
Vermaelen has been given the captain’s armband for this season, and Mikel Arteta has been given the Vice-captaincy, fittingly I think they are number 1 and number 2 on our most important players this season. If Vermaelen can organise the defense, stay fit, keep clean sheets, maybe even score a couple of goals or six, along with his normal defensive duties, we should have no problems with our defence. Arteta, will have the role of organising our midfield, controlling the tempo, maybe even free-kicks, and hopefully have a wonderful partnership with Cazorla who will probably contribute the most assists. Song would be here, but It looks like he’s leaving unfortunately (as I write this, terms between the 2 clubs have been agreed). I think Podolski is going to score a majority of the goals, but Giroud will score the crucial ones. Jack Wilshere has been back in training for us, and will be key in the later stages of the season, as lastly, Theo Walcott, who will want to prove that his days of inconsistency are far behind him, and maybe so-and-so’s move has given him breathing room and and space to shine this season. In truth, every Arsenal player will be key this season, but this is just a selection of players who I think to people should keep an eye out.
Final Verdict:
This upcoming season seems a strange one, in terms of Arsenals position, once again, we are in transition, and once again, we have to prove the doubters and critics wrong. I think we would’ve been title contenders, if we’d kept the Ex-captain, and signed Benayoun permanently. I would’ve been more satisfied, maybe even happy, with our transfer dealings, but we have bought well at least so far…but if there’s any man that can do it, it’s Arsene Wenger, how he’s kept us at the top for so long, I don’t know but its why we love him. The trophy drought will end this year in my opinion, but it’s more likely going to be the Carling cup or FA cup, Arsenal to finish 3rd again and retain that coveted UEFA Champions league spot for next season. Baby steps.
In Arsene We Trust.
COYG
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Hey, JD is not deadwood! He’s a gooner through and through! Your vibes on Poldi are lukewarm, I don’t get that either. Otherwise, enjoyed the writeup.
thanks for the feedback mate, i like Djourou too tbh, but most gooners consider him as Deadwood so i had to include him there, even though he’s probably ahead of Squillaci in the pecking order. and as i said, it is unlikely both will go, it just depends on Demand, and i have a feeling no one wants Squillaci. As for Podolski, i thought he was our best buy until Cazorla came, if by “lukewarm” you were referring to my opinion on his game in Cologne, i was just telling it how i see it.
Hey, Thanks for your reply. Appreciate your feedback. But did you not SEE Poldi’s blistering shot of a goal!!! Wish they could clock those, like they do in baseball!
i did see the the goal, it was an impeccably timed finish, especially when you consider the angle and the movement of the ball etc. but you have to admit, he was mostly anonymous for that half either than those 2 goals, it was Giroud that was threat mostly, shame he didnt get 2-3 goals.
Yes, Giroud will come good in short time. He was undoubtedly under a lot of pressure in his debut. Now how about our Gervinho. Most improved player from last season, or just a tease. IMO, this will be his breakout season. Looking forward to your article on him.
i think Gervinho has been excellent in the pre-season games and in the sunderland game (although it seems many are still divided whether he is good enough for Arsenal or not) he just really needs to work on that final ball/pass because he can beat defenders with ease and is lovely to watch when on form. i hope he can pick up 10+ or so assists and goals, and hopefully prove his doubters wrong. and my next article will hopefully/maybe be a preview of the Stoke game so keep an eye out for it and follow me on twitter (@morphjin) if you have it!
Wow! Thanks for that. It’s like you read my mind. Looking forward to your analysis on Stoke. Have a great day.
umm, one more thing. Do you think you could post your comments about Gervinho at the Goonerholic bar located at the AFC website. The folks who comment there are divided over him (just as you point out ). I’m in the camp of thinking this could be his breakout year if he can do what you say! If you visit the bar, I promise to give you a big shoutout.
haha ill try my best
just copy and paste the link here (not sure if it works), or DM via twitter if you have it…im sure theres some means. there’s actually stats that suggest he’s better than Edin Hazard while they were at Lille!