Kevin Whitcher
The US trip was a promotional and marketing exercise, although losing doesn’t exactly enhance the brand. Picking out areas where things need attention is perhaps unfair given the players that were not available. However, I do feel there was, perhaps, a bit too much tikka-takka to Arsenal’s forward play. Still, if Tomas Rosicky is centre-forward, perhaps that is understandable. With Nacho Monreal playing the entire game at centre back, accompanied by first Isaac Hayden and then Ignasi Miquel, it would be churlish to be critical of that department, other than to note the obvious about a lack of strength in depth. The theory is that Callum Chambers will solve that problem, and if Vermaelen remains, it should, on the assumption that Chambers can perform in the role as well as people are saying he will.
For those that did not watch the match, the highlights were Thierry Henry moving the ball around. The level might be lower, but he still has that certain something which made him such a joy to watch. Tim Cahill has not forgotten how to play dirty and took out Jack Wilshere a couple of times. Arsenal might have done better to sign him rather than Arteta in 2011. The Gunners did create a few chances, but the Bulls’ keeper had a very good game. Overall, the performance of Wenger’s team was typical pre-season, fairly rusty, and not helped by the unfamiliarity of the line up. I trust those that travelled from the UK to see the game enjoyed New York itself as it was a long way to go to see that performance.
One assumes that if Vermaelen is allowed to leave, it will only be when the club have secured a replacement. If he remains, it will leave the club to continue the situation whereby the club captain and the on-field captain are different individuals, and if a defensive midfielder is signed, then Arteta could well be demoted too, a move many feel is necessary if the team are to credibly challenge in the coming season. One imagines that would leave Mertesacker wearing the armband, a popular choice.
With Ospina and Chambers secured, the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together much earlier than we have seen before. It has been suggested that there may be a new modus operandi in the transfer negotiations, and whether that is simply Arsene Wenger being willing to spend after years of baulking at market value, or someone else taking over the process of sealing deals, so far, so good. A replacement for Arteta is the one area that really remains unaddressed. There is talk of Wilshere being given the role, but a Wilshere – Ramsey combination was that which started against Villa on the opening day of last season. It does not work defensively.
I accept some would also like another striker, but my thinking is that if Giroud does not cut it, then Sanchez will move in from wide, and as it stands Joel Campbell is an Arsenal player. If Sanogo is demoted to fourth choice for the position, then I can live with that. Realistically, I can’t really see the club spending more money once they have bought a defensive midfielder, although at a pinch, they could at least see what Vermaelen is capable of in the latter role, an idea that seems never to have been considered.
I did mention previously that I would make a pdf of the collected entries of my World Cup diary available for download with this piece. Just give me another week on that, as I have been a little snowed under. Will aim to have that in place for the editorial after the Emirates Cup weekend.
Regarding the print issue of The Gooner, we have found that most of our regular buyers do not attend the Emirates Cup weekend (and those that do attend are not fanzine buyers), so we are going to delay the first issue of the season until the Community Shield at Wembley, where you will be able to buy it on Wembley Way as you make your way from Wembley Park tube station. Seller Alex may be on a stepladder to make it easier to spot him!
Aside from that, I have co-authored a sequel to Arsènal – The Making of a Modern Superclub with the erstwhile Alex Fynn. It is entitled Arsène and Arsenal The Quest to Rediscover Past Glories. It takes up the story of the club from the last update of the previous book, and can be bought online here.
