After the now infamous mauling, the 8-2 at the weekend, Arsene Wenger admitted that he got it wrong, and will make up for the errors. First, he brought in Park Chu-Young from Monaco, the Korean, who is captain of his national side and for his relavite size, is quite good in the air. Then, on transfer deadline day, Andre Santos, a Brazillian left-back in the mould of the legendary Roberto Carlos, arrived from Turkish giants Fenerbache, for around 6.2 million pounds. Wenger decided to withdraw from chasing Bolton's Gary Cahill and instead snapped up the Giant German, Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen for 8 million pounds. It was apparent that Arsene realised that the defense needed fixing, and fast. He went on to, by many pundits opinion, secure the deal of the day by persuading Mikel Arteta to arrive from Goodison Park, and handing cash-strapped Everton a meager sum of 10 million pounds for one of their live wires. To finish off the day, Israeli international Yossi Benayoun was brought in on a season-long loan from Chelsea, the player having been out of favour and his squad number given to new signing Juan Mata. Now, have these players helped Arsenal or have the moves been done in desperation more than anything else?
Firstly, let's take an in-depth look at the Spaniard. Arteta has been around for awhile, now aged 29. The Barcelona youth product has played for the Spanish U-21 but never managed to push himself into the senior team. So, those thinking that he is an ideal replacement for Fabregas should grab a cup of coffee and awake from your sleep. He has no doubt been extremely influential to Everton over the last 5 seasons, and has been the link from the midfield to the attack, supplying the likes of Yakubu, Saha and Cahill over the years. The former Evertonian has an exceptional passing range, be it long or short, and good vision to go along with it. One thing that he lacks is pace, which is essential in big games in the Premier League and more so in Europe. He would be a good stop-gap replacement for Fabregas, but one can't help think that sooner or later, January at the earliest that Belgian whizkid, Eden Hazard will arrive at the Emirates. Until now though, as the saying goes, you have to settle for what you have. For the money, he is worth the buy, though whether he can make a big impact is a matter of time. He will not require much time to settle in the team, though from an Arsenal fan point of view, he should perform better compared to when he was at Everton as players at the Emirates play a similar style to him. His arrival would mean that Aaron Ramsey will have to settle for a role on the bench, as Jack Wilshere will slot back into the centre alongside Alex Song when he's fit. For now though, Mikel Arteta is a stop-gap replacement at the very most.
Enter the Giant, from Germany. Per Mertesacker is well-known in Europe, though at only 26, has made a relatively huge number of appearances for club and country. An ever present in the German back-line, the big man has exceptional silky feet for his height. Good in the air, boasting a 6foot 6 frame, he loses minimal aerial battles, but can be muscled out of a challenge when going against the likes of Drogba, Kenwyne Jones and the usual stout guys in the Premier League. A very clean tackler, Mertesacker is always in the good books of the referees. Again, for the money he is a good buy, but if Arsene Wenger had decided to double the amount, he could've snatched Gary Cahill and settled the problem once and for all. That being said, at least Mertesacker looks like he and Vermaelen will be extremely reliable at the back. I can't help figure if one of the duo get injured, and we're back to square one. One thing Mr Wenger has got to look at is if Mertesacker is facing pacy forwards, as the German doesn't have pace as one of his weapons, though his reading of the game makes up for it, to an extent. However, its better to be safe than sorry. All in all, the German looks like an astute signing by a manager under pressure.
Finally, the capture of Brazillian wing-back Andre Santos from Turkish side Fenerbache is indeed a good buy from Arsene Wenger considering he shipped out two left backs (Gael Clichy and Armand Traore to Man City and QPR respectively). Santos is in the mould of Roberto Carlos, though slightly taller, but overall, both have a similar playing style. What he will bring is consistency, and he has the ability to chip in with a couple of goals. He has very good crossing ability, and a ferocious shot comes as a package, something like a 3-1 thing. Brazillians who have played in the Premier League in defensive positions have the tendency to do well, though the same cannot be said about the attack-minded players. The question as to who will be first choice is all down to one man, though I hope it is Santos for the time being, but there is a possibility that Gibbs could be pushed further forward in away matches in Europe. Then there is also the small issue of the loan signing of Yossi Benayoun. The Israeli international needs no introduction, and is a good impact player as he proved to be at Liverpool. For his and Arsenal's sake, I really hope he is given ample playing time, because he can do what Nasri did, though its unfair to compare the two. He can be a good link between the midfield and attack and can help out RVP when the need arises.
The mega signing everyone was hoping for never arrived, though there were stories blooming that Eden Hazard had submitted a transfer request. I for one, cannot verify the facts, but the deal could still happen in January, or most certainly next summer. By then though, a bidding war would have erupted and the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea or Man. City would be in pole position to secure his coveted signature, though Madrid is likely to come out on top.
As for now though, the transfer window has slammed shut and most clubs have pretty much got an idea of how good their squad is, though the most disappointing team, transfer wise, has got to be Tottenham as the North-Londoners failed to bring in needed quality other than Scott Parker for a reported 5 million pounds. For a manager of Harry Redknapp's repertoire, it is quite shocking as he is known to be an expert in wheeling and dealing.
That's is for now, my next posting will be a build-up to Arsenal's next game when the welcome Swansea to the Emirates. I wouldn't say that it's a must-win game, but if Arsenal fail to do so, then the Premier League might as well prepare coffins for all the players and bury them in the ground at the Emirates, and let Arsene Wenger be the presider for the mass funeral.
Jay Jay
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
NASA is gone, but Arsenal Still Found a Way to the Moon.
Many United fans would remember the mauling they gave to Arsenal, the famous 6-1 in which they were rampant, and Andy Cole was playing like a man possessed. Well, for those who have a certain amount of amnesia, or 'mad-cow disease' as I would like to call it, then, August 28th 2011 will be a day to last in memories, and will definitely go down in the history books. Prior to the match, 99% of the fans gave Arsenal absolutely no whisker of a chance. That's exactly how it turned out to be. Mauling, daylight murder, beating, spanking. I think I'm running out of words to describe the events of August the 28th.
United came into the match brimming with confidence, after back-to-back wins with the second edition of the 'Babes', first by the great Sir Matt Busby, and now followed by Fergie's Fledglings. Jones was alongside Smalling in the centre of defense, with Tom Cleverly pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Rooney supported the surprise package of the season, Danny Welbeck. On the other side of the fence, Arsene Wenger had only two players from the starting 11 from last year's fixture, them being Wojciech Szcezsny and Laurent Koscielny. (Djourou did not play in OT last year). Traore started at left back, in place of the injured Kieran Gibbs, and Carl Jenkinson was on the opposite flank due to Bacary Sagna's illness. Aaron Ramsey sat alongside 19 year old Frenchman, Francis Coquelin, who returned from a season-long loan spell with Lorient. Tomas Rosicky was given the free role in behind RVP, who was flanked by the out of form Russian, Andrey Arshavin and probably Arsenal's best player thus far this season, Theo Walcott. I will not dwell on the happenings of the game, because many witnessed it, and it is not at all fun for me even writing this article, so I will go into the effects of it, and what has to be done by 'Le Professor', to stop the bleeding, or whatever you want to call it.
First, and most importantly, I wouldn't point the finger at Arsene Wenger. Yes, he does have a unique way of handling things, but it is too early to jump the gun. The number of players that were missing were staggering, either to injury or suspension. First three games, and Arsenal have more red cards than goals. Gervinho, Song and now Jenkinson will be absent come the next game, but Frimpong should be back. The difference in the performance could be witnessed, the games between Udinese and now United. Gervinho's directness was missed, as Arshavin was quite blunt. In the middle of the park, it was easy to notice that Arsenal were being overrun without Song, though Coquelin tried his best, but after it was 3-0, every Arsenal player's head dropped. Thomas Vermaelen was indeed missed, and his influence is extremely vital if Arsenal want to have to chance to be in the top four this season. Also, I was surprised to see Arshavin start ahead of Ryo Miyaichi, because the Russian dynamo was really disappointing. If half the players mentioned were on the field, Arsenal would have played much better, but then again, I will not go into the "if's and but's".
Next, the lack of incisiveness in midfield was evident. Aaron Ramsey was given too much of responsibility in trying to help Coquelin and also orchestrate the Arsenal attack. With Fabregas and Nasri gone, they lack a cutting edge and the sense of urgency Wenger's side always had. What Arsenal had to do was have the front three interchanging at all times, similar to what the Catalans do. In that way, the marking by defenders can be neutralised, and it makes it easier for the playmaker/s to find their men. Often a time I could see Ramsey caught in two minds on whether to push forward, or hold back and let Rosicky play the offensive part of it. It is without a doubt, that the Czech loves to play in the centre, but he cannot do it alone, plus with him, age is a huge factor. Yes, Jack Wilshere is still in the building, but the boy is just 19 years old. The question remains as to whether he will want to remain at the Emirates if the club is not in the Champions League next season. If it were up to me, I would sign a good striker, someone in the mould of Jermain Defoe, and play RVP behind him. That way, the need of a playmaker can be quelled for now at least, until January arrives. Defoe would be a great signing, plus he's not a starter for Tottenham. A trade with City for Tevez would've been absolutely great but that is almost impossible. There are rumours of Kaka coming in, but it's like clutching at straws really.
If a striker can be brought in, but not Park Chu-Young, because I doubt his abilities to lead the Arsenal line, then Arsenal could be firing again. Another name I can think of is Karim Benzema, but he would cost at least 30 million, and Wenger is not going to spend that amount for a single player. If Arsene doesn't want to sign a striker, then he has to play Walcott through the middle and let RVP be the link. That however means that either one of Arshavin, Miyaichi, or Alex Chamberlain has to play on the right, and I would play Chamberlain anytime, with Miyaichi on the opposite flank. If that happens, then the Gunners' attack will be full of pace and guile, but then again, nothing is without a backbone. The Defense.
Last night, Arsenal's defense was comparable only to that of the Malaysian National Team. That leaves only one word to describe damn. Mediocrity at its finest hour, or in this case, ninety minutes. Djourou was AWOL was most of the game, and Carl Jenkinson was caught out of position more often than not, getting a shellacking from Walcott in the process. The young defender was finally exposed at Old Trafford, after the rave reviews he got from pundits and fans alike. There might be a need for a left back, though the fish in the sea are decreasing by the hour. It ain't my job to look for players, but I would recommend Marcelo from Real Madrid, but then again, this article would never reach Mr Wenger. Gary Cahill MUST be brought in, along with Chris Samba, because I think Phil Jagielka is overpriced. (What will Wenger think?).
The bottom line is, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger must've been awaken from their siesta, because never in my life have I witnessed the team that I love get thrashed and bullied in such away. Sure, most players weren't there and what not, but in the end of the day, it was Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal. My advice to Wenger is not to take this too hard, but learn from it. Maybe he woke up on the wrong side of bed, but this cannot, and should not happen again. The international break could be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal, and for the first time in a while, United have started very well. In the past, they have stuttered at the beginning, but picked up after January. For the sake of the Premier League, let's just hope that the tables have turned this time around.
United came into the match brimming with confidence, after back-to-back wins with the second edition of the 'Babes', first by the great Sir Matt Busby, and now followed by Fergie's Fledglings. Jones was alongside Smalling in the centre of defense, with Tom Cleverly pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Rooney supported the surprise package of the season, Danny Welbeck. On the other side of the fence, Arsene Wenger had only two players from the starting 11 from last year's fixture, them being Wojciech Szcezsny and Laurent Koscielny. (Djourou did not play in OT last year). Traore started at left back, in place of the injured Kieran Gibbs, and Carl Jenkinson was on the opposite flank due to Bacary Sagna's illness. Aaron Ramsey sat alongside 19 year old Frenchman, Francis Coquelin, who returned from a season-long loan spell with Lorient. Tomas Rosicky was given the free role in behind RVP, who was flanked by the out of form Russian, Andrey Arshavin and probably Arsenal's best player thus far this season, Theo Walcott. I will not dwell on the happenings of the game, because many witnessed it, and it is not at all fun for me even writing this article, so I will go into the effects of it, and what has to be done by 'Le Professor', to stop the bleeding, or whatever you want to call it.
First, and most importantly, I wouldn't point the finger at Arsene Wenger. Yes, he does have a unique way of handling things, but it is too early to jump the gun. The number of players that were missing were staggering, either to injury or suspension. First three games, and Arsenal have more red cards than goals. Gervinho, Song and now Jenkinson will be absent come the next game, but Frimpong should be back. The difference in the performance could be witnessed, the games between Udinese and now United. Gervinho's directness was missed, as Arshavin was quite blunt. In the middle of the park, it was easy to notice that Arsenal were being overrun without Song, though Coquelin tried his best, but after it was 3-0, every Arsenal player's head dropped. Thomas Vermaelen was indeed missed, and his influence is extremely vital if Arsenal want to have to chance to be in the top four this season. Also, I was surprised to see Arshavin start ahead of Ryo Miyaichi, because the Russian dynamo was really disappointing. If half the players mentioned were on the field, Arsenal would have played much better, but then again, I will not go into the "if's and but's".
Next, the lack of incisiveness in midfield was evident. Aaron Ramsey was given too much of responsibility in trying to help Coquelin and also orchestrate the Arsenal attack. With Fabregas and Nasri gone, they lack a cutting edge and the sense of urgency Wenger's side always had. What Arsenal had to do was have the front three interchanging at all times, similar to what the Catalans do. In that way, the marking by defenders can be neutralised, and it makes it easier for the playmaker/s to find their men. Often a time I could see Ramsey caught in two minds on whether to push forward, or hold back and let Rosicky play the offensive part of it. It is without a doubt, that the Czech loves to play in the centre, but he cannot do it alone, plus with him, age is a huge factor. Yes, Jack Wilshere is still in the building, but the boy is just 19 years old. The question remains as to whether he will want to remain at the Emirates if the club is not in the Champions League next season. If it were up to me, I would sign a good striker, someone in the mould of Jermain Defoe, and play RVP behind him. That way, the need of a playmaker can be quelled for now at least, until January arrives. Defoe would be a great signing, plus he's not a starter for Tottenham. A trade with City for Tevez would've been absolutely great but that is almost impossible. There are rumours of Kaka coming in, but it's like clutching at straws really.
If a striker can be brought in, but not Park Chu-Young, because I doubt his abilities to lead the Arsenal line, then Arsenal could be firing again. Another name I can think of is Karim Benzema, but he would cost at least 30 million, and Wenger is not going to spend that amount for a single player. If Arsene doesn't want to sign a striker, then he has to play Walcott through the middle and let RVP be the link. That however means that either one of Arshavin, Miyaichi, or Alex Chamberlain has to play on the right, and I would play Chamberlain anytime, with Miyaichi on the opposite flank. If that happens, then the Gunners' attack will be full of pace and guile, but then again, nothing is without a backbone. The Defense.
Last night, Arsenal's defense was comparable only to that of the Malaysian National Team. That leaves only one word to describe damn. Mediocrity at its finest hour, or in this case, ninety minutes. Djourou was AWOL was most of the game, and Carl Jenkinson was caught out of position more often than not, getting a shellacking from Walcott in the process. The young defender was finally exposed at Old Trafford, after the rave reviews he got from pundits and fans alike. There might be a need for a left back, though the fish in the sea are decreasing by the hour. It ain't my job to look for players, but I would recommend Marcelo from Real Madrid, but then again, this article would never reach Mr Wenger. Gary Cahill MUST be brought in, along with Chris Samba, because I think Phil Jagielka is overpriced. (What will Wenger think?).
The bottom line is, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger must've been awaken from their siesta, because never in my life have I witnessed the team that I love get thrashed and bullied in such away. Sure, most players weren't there and what not, but in the end of the day, it was Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal. My advice to Wenger is not to take this too hard, but learn from it. Maybe he woke up on the wrong side of bed, but this cannot, and should not happen again. The international break could be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal, and for the first time in a while, United have started very well. In the past, they have stuttered at the beginning, but picked up after January. For the sake of the Premier League, let's just hope that the tables have turned this time around.
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