Morning, happy Saturday to you all. For those of you who have to work.. commiserations.
Yesterday Arsenal were in talks with Spanish side Osasuna regarding the sale of Manuel Almunia. This news is hardly of great surprise considering that he has been left out of the first two pre-season friendlies and has been training with the rest of the squad perfectly well, so there is no fitness issue keeping him from playing. I believe that there is one major sticking point, Osasuna are the only team interested – the reported interest from Athletico Madrid a few weeks ago is dead at the moment – and Osasuna can’t afford his wages, the £50,000 a week he is currently on at the club.
The way round this might be a reduced transfer fee, reduced to the point where the fee is pretty negligible and the funds could well go in the direction of a bid for Mark Schwarzer whom, according to the Guardian, is going to be the subject of an increased offer from the club. I said yesterday that there might be one more chance to snare him and it has to be taken.
I’m saying this ’til I’m blue in the face I know, but we need another goalkeeper. I can’t stress that enough.
No top class keeper = no trophies
No top class keeper = mistakes = dropped points + low defensive confidence = not good times
The whole defensive system is a weak one to me and it looks as though at every level of football at the club there are massive deficiencies in the defending required to be successful. This is one sacrifice of playing football the way we do, there are going to be players committed and that means there is a much bigger risk of being caught on the counter – so why not alter the style a little?
Players like Arshavin, Nasri, van Persie etc. are all far stronger when we are not camped into the oppositions half, if the players sat back occasionally and then flew forward with pace and power there is a much bigger chance of creating something than having to find an inch perfect pass to get the ball to a player who is already pretty hemmed in the final 16 yards of the pitch. I think attacking-wise we are almost too pure and naive.
We have a goalkeeper who isn’t vocal and who’s confidence is more up and down than a yo-yo, this worries the defence – they don’t know if he is coming or going or probably, even what day of the week it is and when there is a situation like that bad things are going to happen, ie. conceding a shed-load of goals. It might have just been me but last season every single time we were defending it looked desperate, like the last minute of a cup final defending a 1-0 lead – there was no confidence, it was panicky and honestly the players looked a bit scared.
Bringing in a keeper like Mark Schwarzer, who is more vocal and his presence may just build confidence without having to do anything – the situation would automatically improve. The relationship between the main defender (Thomas Vermaelen) and him could develop quickly and given the youthful partner it looks like he may well start the season with, he will need all the support he can get.
I cannot recall another back five that look as shaky and weak as the one we currently have, none of the players can be named and you can say: “Yeah, he may not be the best player in the world but the chances of him making a costly error are small”, Sagna can drop clangers, Clichy can and when he does its almost always a fatal one, Vermaelen can make mistakes and Djourou and Koscielny hardly make you feel confident.
Neglect is a strong word but I am going to use it. Arsene Wenger has neglected the defence and goalkeeping situation for too long. He neglected it last summer, the summer before that and this summer so far. Yes, he has brought Koscielny and Vermaelen in the past two years but you can stick the very best players together, but if the coaching isn’t there they won’t click. Arsenal concentrate far too much on attacking and not on the basics, and the most important aspect; not conceding, especially silly goals.
So far this summer has disappointed, we have brought in Chamakh who might turn out to be a very good player, but the real issues that needed addressing haven’t been. There has to be progress in that area soon or we could be starting with Fabianski in goal, and Koscielny/Djourou next to Vermaelen.
We can’t afford that to happen, there’s just too much riding on this season .Cesc’s future, Arsene Wenger’s future – even our place in the top four, we can’t take it for granted anymore…
This blog has been tinged with what may come across as negativity today but I’m just trying to be realistic, don’t shoot me down for it – feel free to disagree and make yourself heard in the comments, I’ll welcome that. I’ll leave it there for today.
Adios.
Arsenal News 24/7
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No, the blog has not been tinged with negativity, rather with exact facts that most articulate and knowledgeable arsenal fans are aware of. These are the very issues that fans everywhere discuss all the time. I do wander if AW reads these bolgs. I know he is intelligent but he is beginning to be too stuborn for my likening. I expect him to be more pragmatic in dealing with these issues. I just hope for the sake of his reputation and the future of our club, he sees sense and address these issue appropriately.
Al was our keeper in 07/08 – and we would have won the league had it not been for the injuries we sustained and a tonne of poor decisions over the course of about 10 games. Almunia wasnt the problem then, so I disagree that a top class keeper is absolutely necessary for a side to win anything.
Almunia is adequate so long as he has a good defence in front of him. A better keeper would obviously improve the side, nonetheless.
And anyway, say a top class keeper IS absolutely required, why on earth would you want schwarzer? Since when has he been top class? Did you see the world cup? Top class keepers dont make mistakes in the world cup, at least not very often. You dont see buffon making mistakes when it’s that important.
@Morris – Congratulations for writing the most arrogant comment in the history of arsenal blogs. It must make you proud to know that all the most “articulate and knowledgeable arsenal fans” all think exactly like you. Lol
Szczesny would inspire more confidence than Fabianski and theres also the long term benefits. If he becomes a starter at 20 he will gain huge experience. He is extremely confident and even if he made some mistakes I think that he will actually learn from them rather than let them affect him. Also the crowd love him so they won’t get on his back like they do Fabianski. We only need one more signing (if we don’t get a keeper) and thats Jan Vertonghen. I’m going to keep saying it until it happens. Power of the mind and all that haha. He can play in Center back, Left back, Defensive mid and Center mid. He’s 6 foot 2, captain of Ajax, 23, rated better than Vermaelen by Ajax fans, Left footed so would be a great partner for Song to sure up the defense but still has very good skill on the ball and passing. He also has a great shot on him which we need in midfield. Would act as cover to Vermaelen and could partner him like he does for Belgium sometimes. Lastly he is Vermaelen’s best friend.
This is an AW quote from UEFA magazine in May.
“I want to succeed by building a team with a style, a know how, and a culture of play specific to our club. If this means waiting for that success instead of bending and buying then I’m prepared to do so.”
This is a manager
The back five – hmm. Thomas Vermaelen was picked on the PFA team of the year; not too bad. The problem is that compared to e.g. Barca, the MF and strikers are not taking the same kind of defensive responsibility. Both Sagna and Clichy are among the top players in EPL in their respective positions. LB – the top three are all from the top three teams last year. RB, I really rate Sagna and there are not many I’d prefer ahead of him (Ivanovic?).
Arsene Wenger is attempting to build a club that not only wins but continually challenges for decades to come. Shortsighted “fans” who complain we should drop 30m on Ozil, 20m on Lloris etc. are supporting the wrong club. That’s not what we are about and never will be. Our facilities and financial situation are the envy of England and most clubs in Europe for that matter. When clubs are over Europe are broke we are solidifying our foundation to be the dominant force in European football. Too many fans of all clubs don’t pay any attention to the actual club and only the pitch and trophy case. In today’s modern football world what happens at the bank is as important if not more important than what happens on the pitch. Even massive clubs like Barca are taking loans to meet wage bills. I for one will take 10 straight years of UCL football, usually going far, maybe not winning anything in return for knowing that Arsenal will still be around for my kid to support. With the UEFA financial fair play laws taking effect, Arsenal will be in as good as shape as anybody in Europe. Mallorca has already been kicked out of the Europa league this season. Other clubs will follow but I guarantee Arsenal won’t be one of them. For those who want Messi, Kaka, Ronaldo, etc. at the Emirates stick to the video games.
As far as defense as concerned our problem is tactics not players. We should be playing 4-2-3-1 (4-3-3 in attack ) with two midfielders shielding the back four. At the rate our defenders pour forward, somebody needs to take up a mainly defensive role. We have enough firepower and creativity up front that we don’t need 10 players racing into the final third every time we are in possession …… Rant over
Great post as always! Neglect is the correct word to use for how Wenger has ignored the defense and keeper problems. I hope your right and Almunia is sold and Schwarzer is brought in with the same cash. That way we can spend the Eduardo money on another CB. I think just those two more moves make us title contenders.
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Fifty grand a week and useless, he should take up politics.
I can`t agree he`s not vocal though, even if I can`t understand a word he`s saying but Wenger made him captain in Cesc`s absence which always worries me when he starts appointing captains, not his strong point I`m afraid.
The season has not even begun and I certainly don`t want to put the mockers on our side, but right now I don`t have much confidence, like many others Mr Wenger, convince me.
The Emirates Cup will be most interesting.
I really do hope we sign Schwartzer. Those who don’t are obviously ignorant to how good he really is. I have followed his career right from his first international and he is absolutely first rate. He commands his area and the respect of his peers. Yes he made a couple of gaffes at the world cup but who didn’t with that stupid ball. Maybe if the haters go back and look at everything else he did in south Africa and everything prior, and then their voices might fall silent.
AW knows his reputation is at risk but will stand by his goalkeeping and defensive coaches and scouts for one final season. The goalkeeper who performs the best against AC Milan and Celtic will become AW`s first choice.
Totally agree, comments too. I’m shocked at the lack of vision. Quality centre back – Vertonghen is an excellent shout, Sol is not enough on his own And a Keeper Pleeease! You have the money, now what are you waiting for Arsene, chopchopchop!!!
Good article and observation. Just hope the quicker Almunia and his deputy Flappianski goes the better Arsenal.Now Schwazzer is the only realistic keeper we can get the Arsene get him fast.Please also address the center back issue Jagielka too expensive and older get Cahil from Bolton or pursue futher cheaper foreign options in any of these Tasci/Mertesacker/Zapata or Vetroghen. Melo/Inler or Moussa Sissoko to play alongside Song in DM. If Cesc leaves have Ozil or Hazard in the team then get Connor Wickham to grow in Arsenal then let start challenging for trophies 5 years trophyless too long.
Fred Nyakiamo
Nairobi,Kenya.
i wish Wenger could listen to that.Really wht is wenger up to?.He has delaying tactiscs and finally he does nt do anything sensible.We need strong defense.I wish wenger read and buy some advise.
Infact, u really speak the truth.
Our keeping situation is so frustrating, because when you look at our “team of” 4 keepers they pretty much stack up against any of our rivals (Man City & spurs, probably have the best)
Arsenal – Fabianski, Almunia, Mannone, Sczcesney
Manu- Van der Saar, Kucsack, Amos, Devlin
Chelsea – Cech, Hilario, Turnbull, Sebek
Spurs – Gomez, Cudicini, Alnwick, Button
Man City – Given, Hart, Taylor, Gonzalez
Everton – Howard, Mucha, Turner
Liverpool – Rieira, Cavalieri, Itandje,
Aston Villa – Friedl, Guzn, Parrish
Where we fall down is we do not have an outstanding keeper from our quartet. This is why i do not want Schwarzer as by signing him we will still not have an outstanding keeper, and so not address the problem. Stats show that Schwarzer is no better than Almunia, you only have to watch a re-run of the last match of last season to see that. IMO we have yet to give Fabianski a run in the first team (12 league starts) i think given the backing of the manager he will regain his confidence and show why he was best keeper in poland for 2 years running. Dont forget, until recently, Fabianski, had kept, Boruc, Dudek and Kuczack out of the Poland team at times. All that said i would be ok with Schwarzer as our no.2 if we went out and signed a true world class keeper, of which there is only 2 Buffon & Caesar. I still believe Fabianski could come good.
Good piece of article. Wenger has taken fans on a ride in the name of revamping, restructuring and building a team for the future yet that future seemingly will never get here. He should dedicate this window to strenthening the defense. The only and best way to bolster his defense best is by sacrificing. Buy Cahill or taylor at newcastle/any other defender(but i prefer English) at whatever cost since the team can cope with what is there in other departments.
One other area that has continually let arsenal down over recent years is the flanks. Theo is not good on the wings as his last goal against wigan last season will tell u; he would do serious damage in attack. Remember against Barca, Rosicky and Eboue did not at any single moment go past their markers. Compare that with the sort of perfomance from Valencia, Malouda, Johnson(City), robben, and and mueller. Ours simply don’t cut it.
I think Sol is an absolute waste of time; yes he perfomed very well last time out, but he is not getting any younger. I’d rather we play Nordveidt instead to give him the much needed experience coz he is sure to grow into a better defender in future for Arsenal than Sol who is set to grow into a memory
Mathews, Nairobi Kenya.
really odd thing is, that when Almunia is captain, he preforms really well
@Tactician – I totally agree with you. We need to play two holding midfielders, especially when playing against top opposition … 4-2-3-1 is indeed a better option … Finally, I’d rather have the young Pole in goal!
Look Arsenal have plenty of top players. They have brilliant players coming throught the youth system; but as every fan says its not about next season or a season 2 years away. It’s now. If you look a our team we currently have a team that is technically superior to any team in the league. Players like Van Persie, Fabregas, Nasri, and Arsharvin some up incredible technique. More so than fatty frank and shrek at united. What makes a team win in balance and the right blend of players. Arsenal have too many technical lightweight players. They have good individual defenders and okay keepers. But the team do not defend well collectively. You are right that they are naive and maybe too pure in the attack. Wenger now needs a top keeper to reflect on Arsenal being a true top club. There are plenty of keepers better than what we have. CSKA’s keeper Akinfeev is probably the best one available that would significantly inspire confidence. He also needs one experienced centrehalf. Djourou is now unproven and unreliable due to a long injury. just look at eduardo and rosiky for these inconsistencys. Nordveit could be good but unproven. He needs a proven defender like even milito or a decent kjar or sakho. Richards would be a great signing. But for the love of god Abou Diaby is the weak link in our team. I will say the worst midfielder ever to grace the Arsenal shirt. And from all these blogs I can’t believe how many fans still rate him. He has one good game in every 5 or 6. And against big teams look out of place. it is Wengers loyalty to some of these players who are rubbish that infuriates me. considering I’m a season ticket holder and pay to watch some awful players. You have money to spend – do what you promised at the end of last season. So far Chamak – free. koscielny – 10mill. OUT – senderos, gallas, silvestre (FREE), Eduardo 6mill. Hm 4mill spent so far. and 2 players less in squad with wage bill slashed with gallas wages. Buy some bloody good players in a GK and CB! And to add some better depth in quality! Stop lying to fans and just do it. we pay for your lack of success! If he fails to win anything this year I think it will be time for another manager!
we definitely need a new GK. Schwarzer fill the bill (experienced & world class). We should send Wojcieh on loan in a top league.
We would need 2 defenders. 1 CB & 1 RB. If campbell stays we could neglect the CB. (should send nordveit on loan in a top league).
We would need 1 striker:
RVP is top class but physically ‘weak’.
Bendtner is too clumsy.
Vela does not have power in his shots.
Chamakh only good with the head.
So we need someone in the caliber of Dzeko or Balotelli (strength, pace and power).
We may also look for a defensive midfielder who tackles hard. Someone like Felipe Melo would do.
Adam, agreed.
@David. In as much as I appreciate and acknowledge that everyone, icluding yourself, is entitled his/her comment.I do not tolerate people like yourself who come onto this forum to insult or call people all sorts of absurd names.
I have simply agreed with the blog, which by all criteria,I am entitled to. I have not said, neither do I subscribe to to the notion, that AW should pay OTT price for some over-rated players. Everyone can see and acknowledge where arsenal weaknesses are, and those areas need strenthening, neither have I suggested any name. This is because, I know that irrespective of the numerous name that are suggested here or elsewhere, AW will always do what He thinks is the best for the team and club. No one knew or suggested TV before AW signed him but look at him now.
So, David and others like you, make your point or contribution without resorting insulting or name-calling others.
[...] seems that the wage demands of Manuel Almunia are putting off Osasuna, even if they paid a very reduced transfer fee for him – leaving him [...]