25 May 2016 16:09:13
Long time lurker. Etc. Etc.
So, I've seen lots of others' thoughts, and tons of criticism of AW, and I do think tactically he should have tried something new to mix it up (although arguably he's done that by conceding possession more this season) , but I do hope there's a grand plan.
Here's what I'm thinking/ hoping:
GK - obv Cech for a while yet, so just wants a solid backup who will bide time before taking over. Ospina? Sczes? I don't think it'll be either tbh. Who? No idea. A But land would be good. Nothing this season unless ospina wants to move.
CB - its got to be King Kos and Gabriel this season. AW weening mertesacker out of the team. Still a role when not playing so high, but exposure too likely now. I really think AW is planning for Chambers in that role longer term, so think an experienced centre back not likely unless someone of real quality becomes available (as cech for gk) . Otherwise How would you keep gab and chambers?
Rb - obv It's bellerin's to lose, so want another young fb who will bide time. Jenkinson is decent enough cover, if he stays (debuchy even better, but don't think he will) , but will look for a hot prospect over next season. Still have Chambers as emergency cover.
LB - Hope Gibbs gets a chance this season. Him and Montreal are good going forward. Have seen a lot of teams exposing our left side though. If either leaves, would hope for a more defensively minded left back. Can't see anyone established coming in unless one leaves, so only young prospects until then.
Midfield - Looks good to me! Hope xhaka is strong and takes control. Cazorla, Ramsey, wilshere, coq, elneny all staying. Will try different combos of AM+DM and rotate, but hopefully competition will help them all. Aw to double up DM with xhaka+coq to close out games or when trying more counter style play (as against barca) . A couple more youth players to get a try this season too perhaps.
Ozil and Sanchez pick themselves.
Getting to he nitty gritty now.
Iwobi - done really well. Will play wide or central in absence of ozil, but in rotation only for now.
Ox - I still think he's great. Often the most direct, and actually shoots. I just think his confidence dips when doesn't have a run of games. If AW doesn't plan to give him that, should let him go.
Walcott - Always hoped he would come good. Still think he could really perform, but one major flaw - he's part of a team! Was watching just him for long periods in games and he was making good runs behind defenders, and the ball was going to Sanchez or other wing. If AW is keeping him, he either needs to demand other players (ozil in particular) make more effort to release him, OR rotates him up front. At the min, he is lost out wide without supply.
Cfwd - Giroud is a really solid rotation option, and when arsenal need some presence in the box, or we plan to bring Alexis and Theo in to the game. As with everyone, I think this is the position most in need of a real quality injection - fast, proven striker. Who? I don't know enough, but AW has to get a name that will inspire the team. Other teams have their deadly strikers - kane, aguero, vardy, sturridge. I always wonder what benteke could do with our supply given what he did with villa, but too similar to giroud. I know nothinflg about morata. Only player that looked possible was higuain, but gone now? If aw doesn't buy, it can only mean AW is gambling his reputation/ legacy on Theo being that player. I like his dedication, but if it backfires, will cost us the title again, and importantly will make big players doubt the teams potential and may move on. Too big a gamble.
My thumb is knackered. I'm off.
25 May 2016 19:09:08
Welcome aboard Jim.
25 May 2016 20:24:08
Thanks G62.
25 May 2016 22:37:35
Think you covered most of the topics there although i flash read some of the bits. You covered defence well, I think chambers has a roll to play at Arsenal. He is at a great young prospect for me and very agile with his positioning. yes he needs to fix a few things in his game but I think nothing more then game time could fix.
I think AW needs to make the move and bring another centre back in with a little pace (maybe one that can play left back as cover also). We have a good left back set up but you do have to wonder about the injury consistency. For me i would like at least 1 more CB and a decent attacking option that scores a lot of goals. that's what they call wishfull thinking tho.
Good post, chins up fellow gooners (there always CL qualification again next year) .