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1. Claude

   Jun 03, 2011, 13:24 #8175

   Mick, thank you for your response. The height question is interesting. I believed the same thing about tall defenders until I real a story on Opta stats in one of the dailies--- our best defender in recent seasons with headed clearances was Kolo Toure. Vidic isnt the biggest fella either (he's no midget, mind), but he's a "die in the ditch"kind of defender at clearing danger. Have a close look at Koscielny's performances in recent games--- he is very good in the air. I agree with you about Squillachi. Sometimes it's right to cut your losses, but chuck him after a season? I think we need to keep him for a deep bench and lesser competitions. A seasoned premiership defender to push Kos for a place alongside TV is a must. My fave would be Hangeland. One of the leaders on clearances last season and a threat at set pieces. He'd cost. On the right wing we need not just pace, but dribbling and trickery. Theo had his moments, and his dozen goals are not to be discounted. But he can be anonymous if you dont give him space to run. The young Liverpool LB at Emirates played him as well as anyone. Theo is one of the best finishers. Let him play centre. If we keep Djou on CB roster, we need quality cover for Song. Matuidi? Melo? or Frimpong? Rosicky, probably bye bye. TR7 is a big part of the problem of over elaboration. Where's the guy with the 30 yard rocket? Important season for Ramsey. Arshavin? Thanks and goodbye. New blood needed on the left if Nasri goes--- pace, trickery and goals. Hazard's my answer. Can play both LM and RM. Eboue? good team man and makes a contribution. I'd keep him. Promote Barthley, Lansbury, Frimpong and Myaichi. Sell Almunia, Rosicky, Denilson, Bendtner, Vela (probably) & Arshavin.

2. Mick Appleton

   Jun 02, 2011, 16:37 #8134

   Claude, do you really think that Eboue's only error was against Liverpool? He should not even be a squad player. I haven't advocated getting rid of Kos, he may develope in to a PL class player but we lack height in the centre of our defence & that can only be addressed by buying a big ball winner, I think he would make a good replacement for TV when he's injured but not ideal as a partner. I agree about Djourou, he looks like he could be a defensive midfielder but is too prone to errors to be first choice centre half. Everybody has pulled me on Gibbs but if you read what I've written it says "he may be first choice next year" but I want Baines as first choice just think AW won't spend if he thinks Gibbs can play as first choice. Do you really feel confident with Fabianski in goal? I don't, I stick by my original comment that we should sign an experience keeper to nurse Chesney on with Fab as 3rd choice. Both Theo & Diaby frustrate me, they both have the tools but lack desire to succeed, a change in coaching may remedy this but it has to come from inside them. I agree Theo may be better in the a central striking role & I would welcome that experiment. I don't generally want wholesale changes but 6 years will turn into many more if experienced players & in my opinion, players who have grown up in british football are not added to the squad to add the desire home grown players have to be champions of their own country. I think the players mentioned have been given a lot of rope but it's near time for it to jerk tight.

3. Claude

   Jun 02, 2011, 13:03 #8114

   As usual with Online Gooner contributors you'd throw out the baby with the bathwater. Agree with frustrations, but you guys just don't do measured, do you? Fabianski, Clichy, and Diaby (unlucky with injuries and playing time) all Improved their play last season. Diaby has been excellent in games he's played since Jan. Clichy... Amazing engine, disappointing mostly with final ball, a lot more solid defensively. Cut down greatly on errors, and looks a really classy defender. Gibbs is not yet ready as a replacement. Bombs forward and does not track back to left back to defend. Kos is a beast in the air, reads and intercepts well and wins most of his battles against much bigger guys. A definite success, and first choice alongside TV as things stand. Djou looks like song backup to me, not a proper premiership defender willing to risk concussion to clear balls pumped into the box. Awful positionally, reading and leading. And in your calls for half the squad to go, you underestimate the contribution of squad players. Which world class RB would happily join Arsenal to wait for his chance when Sagna is injured? Eboue is a valuable squad player, and should not be judged solely on a harsh penalty conceded against Liverpool. Denilson struggles with pace and physicality of premiership, but it's schoolboy analysis to call him a waste of space. Walcott? Time to play in the Michael Owen position. His wing education will add to his overall game, but he's graduated IMO. And those of us who value Chamaks contribution in the first half of the season, are mighty relieved that you consider him worth perseveringly with.

4. Mike Walsh

   Jun 02, 2011, 8:18 #8081

   I agree with most of your reviews but your thoughts about the performances of the key "players" off the field would have been interesting. The trasformation from a proud "never say die" team into a "are we bothered" outfit is the worrying factor whoever comes or goes on the field. With the exception of RVP and Wilshere the other players were all guilty of a lack of fighting spirit and pride in the shirt spirit which will not be tolerated next year. Whoever comes in next season must contribute to re-introducing these qualities back into the squad. So my review would also read - Arsene, start to crack down on those players who let you down and fail to return the loyalty and faith you have in them. You are a legend so please dont get it wrong next season. Pat Rice, please retire as the players are not listening to you and we need a influential and inspirational 2nd in command and most important someone who is willing to speak his mind to the boss when things need to be said. Liam Brady, where are all these battling youth team players who were going to compete with the senior squad for first team selection? If Liam was paid by results he would be out of a job when you consider the millions that have been poured into the youth academy

5. Farcenal

   Jun 01, 2011, 23:56 #8078

   Never mind Arsenal lacking originality or cutting edge, too many 'articles' on this site are the same kind of thing. I mean this is just a list, it would be better on a forum rather than passed off as an actual article.

6. Tony

   Jun 01, 2011, 22:43 #8077

   Wenger WILL NOT buy quality he will carry on signing French rubbish.Koscielny and Squillaci unknown for a reason.They were ****.L'Orient won the lottery when handed over £10m for their carthorse.He wont sign Parker Why? 1.He's English 2.He's 30 3. He will kill Song.Nothing will change. this transfer window will be the same as the last 5.The problem is and will always be Wenger.People talk about Blatter being a dictator but he has nothing on Wenger.They were going to write a musical about Wenger but Pete Townsend already did.Deaf Dumb and Blind

7. Exiled-Gooner

   Jun 01, 2011, 22:40 #8076

   I don't think Traore will be returning to The Arsenal and he can thank Wenger for that.I watched him a few times play for the reserves and against England U19 in his preferred position as attacking left midfield and he looked pretty good,did need to work on his crossing a bit but was quick and could control the ball but promising in any case.Wenger's infinite wisdom,or penny pinching,decided to turn him into a L/B which has proved disastrous both for player and club.I think the Everton game,when Denilson got shot from the crowd,was the final straw for him as he was left totally exposed as L/B and had a nightmare and that i think f****d his confidence.So it's thanks to Wenger that a promising,in my opinion,young attacking player has been shafted and the same is happening to Gibbs,both ARE NOT defensive and it's down to Wenger's penny pinching,stubbornness or stupidity that 2 young players career's might be shafted.Lets hope not!!

8. BNG

   Jun 01, 2011, 22:02 #8075

   may as well send a letter to Santa at the North Pole, OGL loves these cretins

9. Gooders

   Jun 01, 2011, 21:47 #8074

   To GoonerSef, your talking b******s mate. Walcott has totally dissapointed. I expected him to be one of, if not the best players in his position in the league by now, he just doesn't have the passion and guts when it really matters. I agree with pretty much everything the OP said, except for Gibbs, I would be really worried if he was our number one lb. But then again it wouldn't shock me, AW's judgement has hit an all time low. We once had a team full of winners, now we have a team full of chokers.

10. RJ

    Jun 01, 2011, 19:56 #8072

    @Aaron - just how much do season tickets need to go up to fund that little buying spree? Plus wages. We have a much touted £41m in the kitty, £20m in profits from last year, lets say we sell Denil-****, Barry, Sick Note, Clichy - thats £20m? Plus £4.5m from increased season ticket. I make that £85.5. We buy your 5 players - all gone. Plus we have to fund wages. Then we have nought in the pot for next two transfer windows because we have spent everything. What then. Borrow? Brilliant idea. Does "Leeds United" ring any bells? Which point of making the books balance is difficult to understand? My Gooner Comrades - we are fans of a football club. But if we want it to be successful, it has to be run like a business because we do not have an Abramovich / Mansour. Would you rather be top 4 for the next 20 years, with a chance of winning the league most seasons (we should have done it this year with a squad that we all consider s***. Or win the league one more time, then descend two divisions?

11. highbury Boy

    Jun 01, 2011, 19:18 #8071

    Your assesssment is spot on. Well I agree with you,but unfortunately it's M. Wenger who we hope will agree and do something about it. I would go perhaps further than you re Fabianski. He will NEVER be a top gk and rather than be No.3 he should go. I am also not convinced about Gibbs but prepared to give him further opportunities perhaps behind someone experienced like Baines as you suggest.

12. GoonerRon

    Jun 01, 2011, 19:17 #8070

    I agree with some most of the synopsis but think you are harsh on Fabianski, Koscielny and Walcott. Fabianski was in a run of very good form prior to his injury and made point-saving interventions at key stages of games against Wolves, Everton and Man City (off the top of my head). If we are quick to criticise poor form we should also give credit where it's due. Koscielny - especially considering it is his first season in England - has done very well and for me could become a world class centre back. As for Theo, yes he can be frustrating but I'm not sure asking for his release in a year 'if his potential is not realised' is a bit over the top. His goal ratio is better than one in three this season (better than one in two starts) which is miles better than Ashley Young, Downing, Lennon etc. He is still only 22 so whilst he has been around for a long time now, he still has plenty of time to polish other areas of his game.

13. kev g

    Jun 01, 2011, 17:36 #8066

    He's already trying to persuade denilson to stay... I can't see much changing to be honest for 3 years we've all been crying out for proven quality and it hasn't materialised. He will sign 2 or 3 max and they won't be anyone we've heard of and it won't break the bank

14. Yanto

    Jun 01, 2011, 16:51 #8064

    A 'Fair and Balanced' review, agree with most of it. Just hope and wish the players would come out of their 'tweeting' Ivory Towers to read it. JET was a disaster at Cardiff City this season, is like a very poor Heskey but wihtout the feet & strength to hold up the ball.

15. GaryFootscrayAustralia

    Jun 01, 2011, 15:43 #8062

    @ adarsh - JET is Jay Emmanuel Thomas...by all accounts another player of immense promise who thinks he has his own galaxy of planets revolving around him. Why isn't Keown (or similar) where he's needed, behind the scenes to knock these big - before - their - time Charlies on the head and tell them to drop the superstar complex and lift the attitude? Would he (or Adams, Dixon or Parlour) considered too harsh on Arsene's precious babies? Probably, but they've all worked more than half a day in football - in fact, about 60 odd years worth combined at The Arsenal, so they'd have SOME idea about the right way to carry yourself on the pitch representing The Arsenal, surely? Finally nice to see somebody else mention Vertonghen in the replies...I've been talking about this guy as a suitable partner for Vermaelen / serious challenger to Song for well over a year now...he's Vermaelen's mate, their on field relationship would help sort a lot of the organisational issues during a match (as I have accepted that neither AW or PR seem to be able to manage that bit too well). Hazard would be a nice addition,and as he plays in the French League, is naturally near the top of AW's list... but I think Benzema would prove the best and most likely of all...plus he's also French so Arsene HAS to buy him, doesn't he?

16. Mick Appleton

    Jun 01, 2011, 15:13 #8060

    Donald, if we brought in Benzema we would have 3 main strikers with RVP & Chamakh so I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to let one of our kids have a chance to become a first team regular especially as I don't see AW changing the system. Afobe done very well this season & looks much better suited to the rigors of the PL than Vela & has a much better first touch than Bendtner. The chances of him starting a PL game next season would be slim with only one striker starting but it's a good chance to become assimilated to what goes on in the first team. I think you'd admit that Jack & Cesc are our 2 best players & they both came through that route. Just because the overall youth experiment hasn't worked doesn't mean it should be scrapped totally as we have had several examples of it working over the years.

17. Bill

    Jun 01, 2011, 14:35 #8059

    Walcott's beeen awesome this season, you just don't understand football or the more subtle aspects of the game.

18. Ian McCarthy

    Jun 01, 2011, 14:13 #8056

    Agree with most but Gibbs will never be a left back. When he was coming through the youth team and reserves he played either as a central or left sided midfielder. Wenger has ruined him by trying him as an attacking left back but he obviously can't defend. It's another Wenger experiment that has failed and if Wenger won't try him in his natural position then for the player's sake he needs to go somewhere who will.

19. Aaron

    Jun 01, 2011, 14:04 #8055

    We need players the calibre of the following: GK: Gianluca Buffon CB: Nevin Subotic (strong aerially) W: Eden Hazard CF: Karim Benzema Plus a versatile central midfielder

20. Matt

    Jun 01, 2011, 13:15 #8053

    Koscienly is a class act, needs to play alongside a decent defender in the air but could be a world beater. Walcott has improved so much this season and has added goals to his game, his goals against spurs and Donetsk show why he's such an important asset to the team.

21. GoonerSef

    Jun 01, 2011, 12:46 #8051

    1.Gibbs should not be 1st choice lb next season, i think it'd be hard to find a better lb than clichy if im honest. 2. what are you on about walcott? perfect example of an arsenal fan who expects far too much while thinking he is an expert on all that is Arsenal.

22. Richard Ansell

    Jun 01, 2011, 12:33 #8050

    A good summary of individual player performances, Mick, but academic I am afraid while AW remains in charge. Whilst other big clubs will take a long hard look at their squads and their supporters can happily speculate on where better players will be signed and under-performers shipped out we at Arsenal have a spineless pillock in charge who, I am sure, will perform his usual Scrooge role during the summer and then turn in to every Arsenal players favourite uncle Arsene come September. Oh for some of our dross to be given some Fergie style 'hair-dryer' treatment that their performances deserve and for Wenger to have the courage to spend some real money this summer. Fat chance of that happening and so the torture goes on.

23. Don

    Jun 01, 2011, 12:12 #8049

    I still think the goal keeping situation is a problem.I agree with my fellow Gooners that Szczesny is the future but i dont think he is the here and now.He still makes bad mistakes which is understanable because of his age but when you look at Utd and 40 year old VDS there is no excuse for top class experience.Its criminal that a keeper of Given's standing is sitting on City' bench.Biggest mistake Wenger made was not signing Given when he was at Newcastle.I dont ever want to see Almunia and Flappy in goal for us again.They have had too many chances.For too long(since 2007)Wenger has treated the goal keeping position as a joke.What other top European club would have Almunia and Flappy anywhere near their teams.

24. truj

    Jun 01, 2011, 11:49 #8047

    KOS is getting better and better. After just one year in the first division in France he found himself in the first line because of injuries. TW and Kos is my favourite CB pair. Keep ARSAVIN, he is experienced, talented, just needs more motivation like the rest of the team. Mental fragilities not only his trademarks... He can create, score and improved his defensive workrate by the end of the year. GIBBS is a big question mark. Can he make it next year? If Clichy leaves (i want to keep him too) we must buy somebody as 1st choice. I do not know if we need a new experienced keeper. AlMUNIA is over, the two POLES are very good but, i do not know... Its a gamble not to buy. Hope that the CAPTAIN and NASRI will stay. We badly need a DM, some competition with SONG. Up front a partner to RVP is needed. Thats going to be the most expensive. But for a team that declares wants to go for the PL it's a must.

25. Brigham

    Jun 01, 2011, 11:29 #8045

    I am another who agrees with this synopsis of our squad, especially with who to sell/move on. INs for me are - Given/Friedel, Samba, Benzema and another midfield player who can battle and defend the cause. I particularly like Samba, he is a big powerful and non nonsense defender, exactly what we have been missing the last few years. Also, he is very good at set pieces, both attacking and defending, another area we have been woefully short lately. Of course, we can all only hope that Wenger is able to see the shortfalls and he purchases players in the right areas, but how many times has he come up short the last few years? If Eboue, Dennilson and Rosicky are in the squad for the 2011/12 season, I will hunt down Wenger and chin him. [wink]

26. J Westie

    Jun 01, 2011, 10:54 #8044

    So from what you are saying you want 14 players to leave and you only think we need 4 signings + 2 returning players? Surely THIS will leave us well short next season? I agree with the players you mention under performing but surely it is a combination of the players, the naive management and the failure to deal with injuries that has impacted on our season? You can't get rid of everyone! The training methods need to be looked at, a defensive coach and a new number 2 need to be brought in - Adams and Vieira anyone? Surely now is the right time to involve former successful players that have passion for our club. The obvious issue is the defence, and if Wenger were to buy a centre back partner for Vermaelen this summer, this would be admitting that the signings of Koscielny and Squillaci last year were a failure? I think he is too proud for that. Our Club Captain was in Spain whilst the rest were playing our final game of the season - I think this tells it's own story. Cesc has been a great player but you can see in interviews his hunger and passion for our club has gone. When he leaves I agree with the writer that Nasri should be given the Cesc role next year, its obvious that Nasri's dip in form from January was due to Cesc coming back and being put out on the wing once again. And the Captaincy should be Vermaelen's, he appears to have a degree of leadership qualities we so desperately need.

27. GoonerGooner

    Jun 01, 2011, 10:42 #8043

    Totally disagree about Walcot, i'd keep him all day long. As for that utter pussy chamakh, I'd sell him as soon as i could find some club mug enough to buy him. Arshavin I'd also keep cos he is quality. All the others I agree with.

28. Norms

    Jun 01, 2011, 10:41 #8042

    A really god overall assessment, I would agree with every comment with the exception of Koscielny.....I think that he was far better than you give him credit for and he was definitely a success. We will need him next season.

29. chris dee

    Jun 01, 2011, 10:36 #8041

    Arsene could bring in John Terry,Vidic,Ferdinand ,Puyol etc but they would all struggle with our total lack of defensive organisation or determination.. Everyone rightly raves about Barcelona's football but Pique and co are protected by the hardest working midfield and hardest working attackers who make it hard for any team to break down their defence.That doesn't take skill it takes commitment,a will to win for your club and teamates. Instead we have mopey Arsharvin and Theo who made about five tackles between them in the whole season,Alex Song and Cesc who are far to posh to dirty themselves with tracking back and harrying opponents. Youn naive Jack was the exception but Arsene will soon knock that out of him. By the way if Chesney is still first team goalkeeper next year them prepare for another season like this one. He is talented but need a few more years yet to be considered a first choice,so we'll see what Arsene does next season.Probably nothing.

30. Donald

    Jun 01, 2011, 10:36 #8040

    Traore has been a disaster at Juve, Del Neri dropped him a while ago after costing them one too many games. Good article but sorry author, GIBBS is rubbish. He is never in a million years a defender, he is a liability! Diaby is the biggest c*** in this squad well said. One thing I do not like is the author saying 'Bendtner should bring in 8-10 mil so we can play Afobe/Sunu' etc. WHY? WHY are you advocating making a profit on Bendtner and then replacing him with kids with ZERO PL experience?? Has AW not spent enough time f*****g this club over with cheapness? ENOUGH please. Agree on Kockielny, he is a 4th choice defender at best. The fact he cost £10 mil shows everything you need to know about AW's complete lack of know-how in the transfer market! Squillaci, Chamakh, Kockielny all shocking buys. But guess what? ALL FRENCH! Nasri is NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO REPLACE CESC get that in your bloody heads.Nasri cannot even do half of what Cesc does, anyone thinking Nasri, Jack and Ramsey can supplement Cesc is dreaming hard-style. I still remember all the ppl claiming Vieira could be replaced: WHAT HAVE WE WON SINCE? Arsenal are in NO position to release world-class players. It makes me laugh how often i hear fans saying 'Oh sell Cesc bla bla etc'. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE TOP PLAYERS AS THIS CLUB IS KNEE-DEEP IN RUBBISH!

31. Gooner Kev

    Jun 01, 2011, 10:15 #8039

    'Fabianski - Pretty much the same as Almunia, produced the odd good performance like at Wolves but should be 3rd choice at best next season.' Fabianski barely did anything wrong this season when he played, he was outstanding in a few games, not just Wolves. His performances were the best of all of our keepers this season, even Szczesny's, but basically people have already made a judgement that he is not good enough, so quickly cast aside his good games. Dont get me wrong Szczesny for me is the best for the job because he has a presence but Fabianski deserves praise for the way he turned round his performances this season after the disaster of the previous season.

32. Dave

    Jun 01, 2011, 10:07 #8038

    Good Article just about summed up the way i think about this squad.It is vitally important we bring in an experienced keeper as competition to Szczesny.The last two seasons we have had to go back to that clown Fabianski.This has to end.He is not good enough.Get in a Given,Schwarzer or a Friedel for Szczesny to learn off.The only thing he will learn off Fabianski is cocking up.We need a commanding CB,he doesnt need to be a ball player just a solid out and out defender with premiership experience.Song is not good enough as a DM he is brainless.Get Parker in and make him captain as well.We need to replace Cesc and Nasri as well that means spending £30-40m (Some chance!!!)to replace them.As for strikers get shot of the worlds best striker and the other Mexican in the prem(the **** one).Benzema would be great but tight arse Wenger wont spend £20m on anyone.5th place here we come

33. danalovAFCXI

    Jun 01, 2011, 9:43 #8037

    Some pretty fair summaries there. I won’t bother suggesting who we should sign as Wenger won’t even look at proper signings and I frankly can’t face more disappointment with this team. I won’t criticize anyone for transfer dreaming but I like your suggestions. However Wenger has a youth policy when it comes to transfers, frankly I don’t see him changing it. So the most we will end up with is some passport less teens from South America and possible the latest gone off Chelsea or man united defender or winger. Wenger will not find a keeper as he just doesn’t see it as a priority. Personally I would keep Arshavin I think he can always give something, sure, maybe every other game but at least he does it. The Barca match at home showed he can take a chance when it comes. For what its worth I would like to see us splash the cash on established defenders big ****ers with criminal records for assault preferably. Oh and a proper goalkeeper, one that can prevent goals and not look like a dick in big games.

34. Allez Gooner

    Jun 01, 2011, 9:22 #8036

    Almunia - sell Fabianski - a more than capable No2 Szczesny - Our No1, now and for years to come! Clichy - The only remaining invincible. Unless we can bring in better, keep him. Gibbs - Not good enough, yet. Not a natural leftback. Sagna - RB of the season. Eboue - should be a mascott Vermaelen - Djourou - Amazing season, considering his history of injuries. Koscielny - A very good, tenacious, ball playing defender. Squillaci - Sell. A panic buy. Not suited to Premier Leaugue football and old habits die hard. Fabregas - Would not be in his interest to leave this summer. The talisman. Rosicky - Sell, Unfortunately. Seems to have lost what he had promised. Nasri - should be retained at all costs. Walcott - Getting better. should be given a season to play through the middlee Denilson - Sell. Has regressed. Way down in the list of players in his position. (never has and never will be a DM) Ramsey - Will play a huge part next season, with or without Cesc and Nasri. Song - 1st choice DM, but should have some competition to keep him on his toes. Diaby - A transfer Dilemma. Could be an absolute world beater, but doesn't seem to want to push himself. I say keep him - a great squad player, and if he wants to be anything more he'll have to prove it. Wilshere - Not enough superlatives to describe his talent and hunger. Arshavin - Undecided. If the offer is good enough, take the money. Frimpong - A great prospect. Should provide the cover for Song. Van Persie - "the one who cares" Pure class. Better in the hole, with a CF playing off him. Chamakh - A mixed season. But why some people are asking for him to be sold is totally baffling. Bendtner - I think his time is up. He will probably mature to be a fine CF, but maybe he needs to leave us to fulfill it. Vela - The marriage of potential talent and it coming into fruition is yet to be a happy one, but should be given a season to prove himself. Sell - Denilson - Bendtner - Rosicky - Almunia - Squillaci - Arshavin Bring in - Vertongen - Samba - Hazard - Gervinho or Benzema or Falcao

35. Sandeep

    Jun 01, 2011, 9:11 #8034

    Sell- Almunia Squillaci Traore Eboue Denilson Rosicky Vela Bendtner Sunu Watt Buy- Cahill Hazard Benzema Phil Jones Chamberlain Promote frimpong,mannone On loan- Lansbury Bartley Miyachi Afobe Coquelin JET

36. adarsh

    Jun 01, 2011, 9:02 #8033

    Who is jet

37. Fozzy's mate

    Jun 01, 2011, 8:57 #8032

    Mick, I agree with most if not all of what you say. Most of those you identify above should have ben moved on 2 seasons ago and like a lot of the laon players, reviews of which I have been reading on that other website (not much positive), would struggle lower down the leagues. I have been critical of Wenger for ignoring the obvious defects as readers will know but I think the likes of Rosicky, Arshavin and Bentdner in partiuclar have let him down badly. Experienced internationals who are miles away from where they rate themselves as being. If I see Rosicky try one more flick or backheel! Arshavin is disgracefully unfit/willing and as for Barry, non-existent control and when deployed as a lone frontman hardly breaks a sweat. Meanwhile contrasting Vela and Hernandez displays the problems with buying cheap (and young). Vela was a far better prospect at 15, that says it all, while Chamakh and Squillaci are typical Wenger buys of recent times, Cheap/free and not good enough. Koscielny I agree is an expensive 4th choice. Time for an overhaul, but as you do, I fear another summer of searching online for speculation only to read it about our rivals.

38. OM

    Jun 01, 2011, 8:55 #8031

    Agree in most but fear Gibbs is has stalled and I would worry if he was our first choice left back. I may be deluded but I think Fab may stay if Wenger makes 2 world class signings in next two weeks. I think Fab is 80% gone but 2 w/c signings could persuade him to stay. Who would they be? Benzema/Neymar as the striker headline signing and either Eden Hazard/Ashley Young as the winger headline. Then add Cahill/Samba as the solid CB. Easily 50m but minus 10m for Bendtner, the 20m odd from last seasons profit and its not exactly going to make the club broke!

39. Website Editor

    Jun 01, 2011, 8:37 #8030

    How has Traore done at Juventus? I have a memory of him being injured in the first part of the season, but does anyone know how he did after that? Did he become a regular or was he on the fringes?