A Year On…
May 1st, 2007 by 'holic
It’s a strange day. Listening to the hourly news bulletins about this weeks Champions League semi-finals only serves as a reminder that twelve months ago we were celebrating becoming the first London club to qualify for the Final, courtesy of mad Jens last minute penalty save in Spain.
In the twelve months that have followed can we say we have made progress. In the cold light of day this season has perhaps not been the complete disaster that some would have us believe.
We have become used to having a title challenge or a Cup Final to look forward to at the end of term. This season our Final came in February so the sense of anti-climax since PSV knocked us out of the Champions League has been heightened.
On the plus side we will not face a last day battle for Champions League qualification as last year. There is even a possibility we could improve to third place in the final reckoning and earn a few extra bob in the process.
We have seen Cole, Campbell, Cygan, Pires, and Bergkamp depart and Gallas, Rosicky, and Baptista arrive. The loss of experience has almost certainly affected us on a number of occasions, but the introduction, at varying rates, of Hoyte, Clichy, Walcott, Diaby, Denilson and Adebayor bodes well for the future.
A look at the squad now and I am comfortable that our striking woes will be just a bad memory next season when Henry and Van Persie return fit and refreshed, to be supported by Adebayor and Bendtner, and possibly by the enigma that is the ‘Ox in the box’ (thanks arsers!), Baptista.
In midfield we have a central quartet of Gilberto, Fabregas, Diaby, and Denilson that leaves a back-up berth for either Song or Muamba to return and fill. On the left Rosicky has established himself, and Walcott could play as required. On the right the jury is out on Hleb, outstanding in the first half of the season but more recently off colour. A summer import of a winger would not be a surprise.
However I am convinced that any available funds will be targeted on the defence. Toure and Gallas have yet to gel as a pairing, although in fairness the outspoken Gallas spent much of his debut year on the treatment table. I am more concerned that next season coincides with an African Cup of Nations that will rob us of both Toure and Eboue for a spell. The existing cover looks a little thin to me and I’m sure Wenger has in mind a player or two to strengthen our spine, and hopefully add a little experience at the same time.
So on balance I have my rose-tinted spectacles back on. We should have some money coming in from somewhere for Reyes and Aliadiere which hopefully will help with the three signings I expect to see. The kids will be a year older, the knackered will be restored to health, and the Grove will feel a lot less like an away ground.
This time next year we could be looking forward again to a competitive end of season with a trophy or two in the offing. Convinced? Let me know.
6 Responses to “A Year On…”
Good article. I agree that a new striker is not necessarily needed, but rather, a true winger that can contribute some goals. I’d go for Queresma over Ribery but I think the latter is a more likely. Marseille is pretty close to qualifying for the Champions League however, and that might be enough to keep Ribery in France. Defensively we need a keeper and a defender for cover. Gordon has been linked, he would be a great signing. I’m not sure who Arsenal should sign for defensive cover, I’d like to hear your thoughts.
I’m with you ‘holic – I had a moment’s doubt after that half-hearted performance on Sunday, but having had time to reflect, the score’s the thing that counts.
The odd defensive lapse will be less of an issue when we have more firepower up front to convert those umpteen chances we create in every game. A killer instinct is all that we’re missing.
Also, why has everyone forgotten about Walcott when talking about a speedy, goal-scoring winger? I’m sure that CC final goal was not a one off and now that his shoulder is fixed he could be the one to fill that gap.
jrock, welcome and thanks. I don’t really go in for wishlists because the one thing we as fans cannot know enough about is a players character. That is something Wenger looks at very closely. I think all I would ask is that we buy at least one top notch defender, preferably with Champions League experience, who will not be going to the African Cup of Nations. I wouldn’t be so pleased if we spent a chunk of money on another prospect (i.e. Curtis Davies) who may fall behind Senderos and/or Djourou in the pecking order if he’s not ready.
Passenal, good point about Walcott, but his long term future is intended to be as an out and out striker, so his availability shouldn’t stop us going after a wide player with 10-15 goals a season in him.
Du musst ein Fachmann sein – wirklich guter Aufstellungsort, den du hast!
Thanks figa.