Peter Hughes
On the face of it after last season everything seemed very simple. Get rid of the deadwood and make four or five signings. Clichy going was a no brainer. He always did his best but his performances over the last four years had steadily declined. I hope his comments upon joining City were merely poor interpretations or taken out of context. One of the reasons we remained without a trophy was Clichy's erratic performances and errors often at crucial times. For him to supposedly say he was fed up with Arsenal falling short each season when he was one of the prime reasons why is ironic. I can only hope he continues at City in the same vain. Denilson & Bendtner both want to leave but there are obviously no takers at present. They need to be shipped out as soon as possible. Eboue has become a liability at the back with his schoolboy positioning and antics. Almunia - nice bloke but thanks and goodbye. Rosicky no longer has what it takes. I like Vela but he could not get into West Brom's team and early promise has long since evaporated. Arshavin is not going to get any fitter so we simply cannot carry him.
There are one or two players I would give a last chance. Diaby if he can remain fit can prove his critics wrong. He has never eclipsed his Carling cup final performance against Chelsea when he tore them apart in the first half. If he cannot stay fit in the first half of the season he needs to move on by January. Walcott has flattered to deceive and really owes Arsenal a big season. He has not reached his potential even though he scored more goals last season. Every Gooner would be afraid that if we did let him go he would take off elsewhere. No one can blame Fabregas wanting to join his boyhood team but if he stays will we get the best out of him? If there is any truth that Nasri is not going to sign a new contract I would let him go. He will be off next year anyway and again will we get the best from him in the coming season? The knock on effect could be that we fail to attract players if we lose our best ones. I am not convinced with Chamakh. He started fairly well, but any forward looking to pass to a colleague when in the opposition’s six yard box, does not instil confidence. He does on the positive provide an aerial threat we have generally lacked.
We still need to sign a couple of defenders. Traore is simply not good enough and needs to be sold or given a free transfer. Squillaci I would keep as third reserve centre back. Djourou looked to have solved a problem after some excellent games especially at the Nou Camp. He looked fragile later in the season with several costly lapses in concentration. A new centre half is therefore vital for the new season.
I have to say for the first time in over 44 years of support I am not yet looking forward to the new season. I have pushed it to one side in my mind perhaps not wanting to face the fact we may not challenge for major honours in the coming season. The disappointment of recent years have led to optimism being replaced by a real fear we will no longer be one of the major players in the Premiership.
