16 Apr 2014 06:51:15
Did anybody else see Podolski's body language after scoring the first goal? More like saying "hey Wenger, you see what I can do?" I hope he stays. I really love the guy plus he is a really good finisher no doubt.

1.) 16 Apr 2014
Hi. agreed.

I was surprised/ sad:( looks like he may possibly be going. I hope not.

hopefully as you say, he was making some statement. he's the only one who can kick the ball towards the goal:) at the moment:)

on another issue:) WD TR7! wow, energy energy:)we could do with all 11 with his attitude:) nice result:) wd to all the lads:)

COYG andi:)

2.) 16 Apr 2014
To be fair I agreed with the post match assessment from gary neville and paul merson.

he just does not show enough urgency to want that position. yes he has scored, but I have seen him play many times at a similar level to giroud.

the worst bit being, Giroud may be at his actual best while poldi maybe half trying, that to any manager or supporter is beyond infuriating.

much like ozil has been coasting or Santi cazorla until yesterdays game.

Yes we can make the top 4, but once again these players are the ones who let us down the most, because their capabilities were proven to us in the first half of the season. its wengers fault for not strengthning but make no mistake, Cazorla, giroud and poldi along with Arteta were a major let down when the chips were down, the only players who showed up or wanted a fight were the Ox and Rosicky.

3.) 16 Apr 2014
I was about to post a similar article about Poldi's body language. For the last few weeks he has looked furious whenever he has played.
I think it odd that he can play so often for Germany and play well, score goals and contribute to the team - maybe Arsenal are not using him to his strengths? No doubt he is a clinical finisher when the chances fall at his feet, can we afford this to be his only contribution though. maybe the new manager will be able to motivate him further?

4.) 16 Apr 2014
I know podolski has not given us 100% so far but when you look at it, its obvious top 9 is not his strength. he is better as a second striker so there is no need to clamour for him to lead the line. he can't do it but he operates better in the space created by the main striker just at the edge of the six yard.
it makes me wonder what Wenger had in mind when he signed |Podolski. what did he have in mind? to play him as the main striker? or as a second striker? or on the left side of midfield? did he not do his home work on poldi? knowing he would always go with a 4231 formation, where did he intend to fit poldi? these are questions I wish I could get answers to. though I know poldi also needs to up his game and work his socks off. over 100 international caps is not enough reason not to work hard when required. success doesn't come that cheap.

5.) 16 Apr 2014
@dEllyOsh Good post, good perspective.

We've seen this before from Wenger. is Podolski the new Arshavin? Bought with high stock but never utilised properly so never reached potential? Lots of similarities between the two.

6.) 16 Apr 2014
For those of us old enough to remember Jimmy Greaves in his prime. he didn't do a lot either oher than score goals, goals, goals. Bill Nick built the rest of the team to play to his stength. Podolski is head and shoulders the most clinical finisher we have got and if we give him the ball inside the box he will put it away. If he puts it away more often than the lot at the back are letting them in we win the game and get 3 points and win the league - simples!

7.) 16 Apr 2014
Look I agree with the formation. we need that formation, as it enables us to use our midfield strength.

If our objective was to build around poldi's strengths we would not be going very far. He is but a Cog, some players have to adjust and fit in.

Do you see cesc fabregas complaining he is being played all over the pitch? what about iniesta? Or even mascherano. Yes they maybe having a terrible year even by our standards but atleast the players show desire to play when they are put on.

I do not believe that a player has to play to a specified location, that makes the player one dimensional, much like theo is.

Ox, ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla, do this better than most give them credit for, no matter where they play they make the best of it.

Poldi on the wing is not the end of the world. all he needs to do is track back and give the LB some help and put crosses in for the forward. However he has been lacking in those situations.

Ok so dribble past the opponent? No he wants to be in the box to take that shot.

Its true that he is our best finisher, but he generally does not make the runs or the movement required for that position, neither does giroud but that's because he is as good as he can be, poldi is another arshavin, talent is boundless the ambition is not.

I don't think we need 6-7 players to win things, we need depth obviously but we need 2-3 additions this summer of quality to push on further.

Im not sure how liverpool will do next year, I would be well impressed if they can put up a contest in 3-4 different competitions.

Man utd are due a bounce back with or without moyes, Everton will slide back unless they manage a top 4 this year, spurs will be spurs and chelsea and city will be the only two teams who improve in terms of personnel and ambitions.

{Ed025's Note - i agree with a lot of that lakerville, but how do you see everton sliding back?...i think thats more in hope my friend..

8.) 16 Apr 2014
16 Apr 2014 13:35:33
I think when Wenger bought Podolski he meant to use him as LW with a front 3 of Podolski/Van Persie/Walcott. I think that's where he plays best for Germany. But at club level he has played as a CF or second striker.

Considering his crossing, speed, positioning and shooting, his best position should be LW. I think he'd play better with Gibbs behind him, Ozil in CAM and Ramsey to speed things up to siute his style of play. he's very direct.

On a side note. Why doesn't Santi shoot from range anymore? He has a great shot on him.

9.) 16 Apr 2014
People say you need a big brute up top to play 4-3-3 but I think Suarez has proved that wrong this season! Pod could play up top for us and I think we would see a lot more of a pressing game getting in behind defenses with Giroud as a back up if we need to change tactics. At the moment we seem to just try and hoof it to Giroud as our plan A which is not the Arsenal way at all.

10.) 16 Apr 2014
Ed its based on the quality of players everton will be able to land next season.

hypothesis from my end obviously.


If lukaku, deulofeu, are not replaced with similar level of talent then its only going to be harder, especially with Manchester United back in the frame.

If Everton land champions league the squad depth would not enable you guys to put on a fight on all fronts.

Depending on how the summer goes and the teams most likely to spend money to fix issues, Liverpool, Chelsea and City will make the cut and its between Arsenal, Everton and Man utd, and I just feel United will take that unfortunately.

We have not progressed and its only going to compound our situation.