Arsenal Banter Archive April 30 2015

30 Apr 2015 20:30:24
So, I've been thinking. This could sound crazy or maybe it makes sense. Judge for yourselves.
Wenger is a guy with a plan. He wants a particular type of player and then he goes out and gets one.
If you look at the players we have been linked with in the past and the ones we have now, you'll notice a striking similarity. All have certain common characteristics. And if you compare them to previous teams, you'll still find similarities. For example, we have Alexis Sanchez in our team. But before him, we were linked to Pedro, El Sharaawry, Gervinho and before that we had Pires. So, it's clear that Wenger wanted a tricksy winger who can cut in on the left and he got one. So no more left sided players anymore.

But what does he want on the right side? Not a similar player. It would disturb the balance. Instead, I think he's looking for a player like Ljunberg or Walcott. Somebody who's quick and direct. He gets in when he needs to and he stays wide and stretches play the rest of the time. We have players like Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain who fit the bill. Well, sorta.
Who could we buy? Lacazette? Aubameyang? Those are my guesses. A Right Winger who can finish and cross, pretty much. Maybe Wenger will try now or wait till either of those two are available.

And what about the defense? If we look at all the targets we've had, Manolas, Sokratis, Ginter, Subotic and Gabriel, whom we've bought. There are two types of CBs here. The quick ones and the measured ones. Mertescieny-esque. We got Gabriel who is a lot like Kos and we've currently got Chambers who can read the game and hold fort. So, it looks to me like we won't buy any other defender this summer, unless.

Chambers moves to midfield. Our midfield works best on a one-man pivot. Coquelin. 4-1-4-1 is what Wenger tried in the beginning, but failed. But with Coquelin in the team, it's been working. So our DM is a player who can run about, cover up mistakes and recycle the ball. We don't need him to dart forward or make through balls. So, who could do this. An unassuming role that involves a lot of work. That's something a big name signing won't do happily. That's why I see Schneiderlin not being the best option this summer. And gundogan makes no sense at all in this system so rule him out. So whom? Maybe Gonalons? Luis Gustavo? Carvalho? Maybe Chambers moves up or Bielik's promoted.

Well? Does it make sense outside my head too?

30 Apr 2015 23:32:25
Very fine post.

01 May 2015 09:23:53
i agree with your analysis, however i can't be sure that is exactly what wenger is planning on doing. he has to buy what's avialable.

in the past it was more to compete for top 4 and keep the club afloat, and that's where gervinho comes in, but in the past 2 seasons, ozil and sanchez, players of extreme caliber, so he is now building a team worthy of a title fight.

the style of play has always been attacking, technical football, hence barca come shopping here first, they have a similar philosophy and being mugs take our finished product.

30 Apr 2015 14:15:36
Comment on Red Rooster's comment lower down. I think Ospina has been fantastic so far. I do not think we need someone to replace him. A reliable deputy is what he needs. People have reservations about his height, but then again, Sczezney is taller than him and how many howlers has he had? Ospina has done nothing wrong to warrant replacement. I do not think it is a coincidence that ever since he commanded the first team jersey, we have kept so many clean sheets and let in very few goals. He is a good keeper methinks

30 Apr 2015 14:50:29
Thanks for feedback Rue, I totally agree. What does Ospina have to do to get some respect for the record he has?

Would still like someone a bit more stable as number 2 Scezza is a good one- on-one shot stopper but freaks me out on every dead ball. In fact my bartender loves him as he drives me to drink.

30 Apr 2015 17:45:03
Totally agree. Ospina has all the traits of a top keeper and is certainly a better option than Szeszncy. He is more commanding, better at taking crosses, decision making, shot stopping and distribution aswell. The only trait Szeszncy has is a better reach and reactions, which means every now and then he can pull off amazing saves.

Id be happy if we kept Woijcech as second choice aslong as he shows maturity and improves to try break into the first team. Id never play him in big games as he is a liabilty due poor decision making. Eg Southampton in Jan and Bayern first leg last year.

30 Apr 2015 11:15:30
My transfer window shopping wish list is as follows:

1. Pacey striker with mad dribbling skills - Insert name of your choice here

2. DMF or CM with good defensive mind - Schneiderlin

3.

We have been playing very well, impressive run. But does anyone get the feeling that we are lacking something? We are always trying to pass the ball into the net. By the time we try and play the ball into the box, usually there are about 4-5 opposition defenders in there. Sort of seems like our attack is a little slow. Unless Sanchez is leading a counter attack, then very rarely does it amount to anything. So many times I have seen Hazard and Costa go on a 2 man counter attack and get a goal, but for us it just doesn't seem to happen. I think we need a pacey striker up front to compete with Giroud

30 Apr 2015 11:27:47
Well I've just started reading stillness and speed (the english edition) and I want Bergkamp back, or a clone of bergkamp. Is that too much to ask for

{Ed025's Note - he would be worth the same as messi or ronaldo saint...great great player..

30 Apr 2015 11:38:11
for me higuain is not the player that we need. he will cost serious money and i'm not sure he can handle the physical aspect of the league, rather go for benteke.

a CB is a priority, backup or future prospect.

GK, well it will depend.

CDM - let's hope its schneiderlin.

and the winger/striker - reus although as ed002 said don't hold your breath.

these 4 positions can help us win the title. i reckon we should be able to get a CDM and a CB atleast.

30 Apr 2015 11:54:46
Gabriel, Koscielny, Mertesacker and Chambers. Surely that should be enough CBs Lakerville. Unless we looking to unload Mertesacker or sending Chambers on loan, I am pretty sure 4 centrebacks will suffice. If we do get horrible injuries at CB, Monreal can also put in a shift there

30 Apr 2015 12:12:42
I would loan chambers out next season and sign a defender. Give merts one more year at a push two

30 Apr 2015 16:19:35
Rue, i do agree chambers can aptly fill the 4th CB position, however i dread him being the 1st option, if injuries hit our main two.

i don't rate him against the better sides, but i'm sure he can show his worth against the weaker teams, however he does need game time so i see your point, perhaps a CB position is not an absolute priority, unless we sell one

30 Apr 2015 09:30:29
Hello everyone. I've got a question for you. If we sold Walcott, would you be happy with Gnabry as his replacement? Assuming we're going to sign one forward in any case.

{Ed025's Note - a big NO from me iceman..

30 Apr 2015 10:11:07
gnabry is injury free will become a better player than walcott and he is a proper right side player. love him

{Ed025's Note - we will see..

30 Apr 2015 10:50:29
I would be very happy

30 Apr 2015 11:12:48
gnabry needs a lot of gametime. ox might have replaced walcott, but if we do sell walcott id rather get a player who can replace ox and push him to compete for that spot