Gavin Garthwaite
As the deadline day conclusion drew closer last Monday, I for one was extremely happy with the business that Arsene Wenger had conducted going into the final part of the season. It wasn’t the normal feeling of anxiousness I have felt in previous windows, where maybe we have left things until the last minute and have almost be led into a panic buy or two.
I feel the lack of transfer activity in the summer, coupled with some abysmal performances, put a lot of pressure on Arsene and asked the question as to whether he still had the credential to ensure Arsenal challenged on all fronts this season. All credit to Mourinho as he identifies a payer he needs and does his utmost to make a deal happen. He has no room for sentiment, as proved with Lampard, and always wants what is best for the team. Maybe the financial situation has hindered Arsene in the past but it appears as though he has caught on.
Whilst I feel Gabriel could and should have been signed 3 months earlier, I think we are now in a very fortunate position at the moment. With key players returning and finding their feet and the strength in depth allowing sufficient rest periods being offered to various personnel, we can look forward to a potentially successful campaign.
I liked what Thierry Henry stated in the week as he commented that in the January transfer window sometimes you have to settle for what is available, whereas in the summer you can go after the man you want. With Coquelin’s recent performances I think Arsene can afford to wait until the Summer to nail the signing of Schneiderlin and then mount a serious challenge for the league title next year.
It also shouldn’t be forgotten that the young Polish lad, Bielik, joined the Arsenal ranks and whilst only 17- could this be the latest gem off the conveyor belt in Arsene’s long list of discoveries…
Commenting on the current season, thus far, Sanchez have been a revelation and whilst I admire his unbelievable work-rate, we need to be looking after him and making sure his in tip top form for the entire run-in. I’m curious to see what Arsene considers will be his strongest 11. With Welbeck and Wilshere returning it’s a great problem to have. He probably won’t have had that level of selection headache since 2005, when the max exodus of the Invincibles started.
Ospina has looked assured in goal since acquiring the number 1 jersey. If he can perform at that level consistently, then I am sure this will drive Szczesny to reclaim his spot. I do rate Szczesny but at the moment his naivety lets him down and a break was needed for him to reflect on some of his actions.
The squad now looks like it has cranked up another level and whilst we have wanted this type of squad for many years, I can’t wait for the summer and to be able to fully compete against the likes of Chelski and Citeh. My question to the supporters is who would you sign and why and who would you look to release?
My opinion is:
Buy: Schneiderlin + World class striker
Release: Flamini, Diaby, Arteta
