24 Aug 2013 15:44:00
So that was not such a bad crisis was it? Fenerbache and Fulham neatly overcome and our fears are just that much less. Of course we are still significantly behind last years to 3 in strength.

However, Chelski are completely unbalanced they have almost a team of superstars in attacking midfield, but there attack is Torres still, and their defence wasn't good last year and is no better this year.

United won by a street last year but jsp like us before them are heavily shaped by whatever RVP does. If he gets injured they suddenly look a lot less great.

City a staggering array of talent, and a new coach with a reputation of achievement. But the question is are they able to play together and will Pellegrini be given time?

Spuds some class signings, the feeling that AVB is a coach on the rise, but Bale is off and without him they would have been mid table at best last year.

So if we make the right signings can we compete? Yes. Will we make the right signings? This is the hard bit, I still doubt it.

Not because we won't try, not because we won't spend, but because:

- Just like Suarez before him I think chasing Benzema is a waste of time. He loves being at Madrid, and he will only leave if he has to. The only chance is if Suarez joins them. That migh happen but it's far from certain, and f it does it will be at the last moment. Too late I suspect for us.

- Di Maria will probably leave once Bale joins, but why will be Arsenal bound? I can't see it. There will be others who want him who are bigger than us and have more money than us - United for one.

- Cabaye is possible unless Paris want him in which case he is coming nowhere near us. But while he's good I don't see the great need he is too similar to Arteta and to a degree Jack.

As for the rest? Well if it's right we are chasing Benzema and Di Maria I fear we'll waste too much time on them that at best we'll be picking up talented but not game changing players.

I'd feel so much more convinced if we were signing Lamela, Martinez, Kondogbia etc.

Oh well fingers crossed and what do I know? I thought we'd only draw today.

1.) 24 Aug 2013
You was not the only mate I thought 1-1 and I agree with your comments about transfers targets
Heybridge Gooner

2.) 24 Aug 2013
Top class post, agree with everything.

3.) 24 Aug 2013
We wast0days doing. what! Have no idea now what we were doing!. think it is to late for the big signings now, should have identified targets and got them, spend top cash on top players, at the next level you don't haggle you just pay the price. we look like amateurs. I worry for the team if we can't recruit the required numbers

4.) 25 Aug 2013
Do think that DiMaria is a possibility and this is the calibre of player that wins you titles.

We do need bodies but 'accepting' where you are will win you sweet fa.