On The Defensive?
Aug 10th, 2007 by 'holic
It is starting to look as though I should have waited an extra day or two before publishing my preview. The appointment of Willam Gallas as captain and the subsequent loan move for Johan Djourou have got me wondering if we are on the right track defensively.
The Gallas promotion is a strange one given that he is probably the least secure of what is likely to be the ‘first-choice’ back four. His partnership with Kolo Toure has yet to come to fruition, although to be fair the former Chelsea defender did spend a good chunk of last season on the injured list.
This summer has been the first opportunity for William and Kolo to work together in pre-season and hopefully we will feel the benefit of that in the coming weeks and months. At least the reason for Gallas’ more constructive public pronouncements of late is clearer.
There is, however, only one serious challenger for that central defensive berth. The decision to allow Johan Djourou to spend the first half of the season with Birmingham City is a strange one. I can only assume that Arsene Wenger hopes he will get regular Premiership action at St Andrews in order that he can return in January and step straight into the shoes vacated by Kolo Toure when the African Cup of Nations gets underway.
I am not too concerned that we are only one injury away from Philippe Senderos being a regular. He has looked at his best in pre-season. I am a little worried that we are two injuries, or suspensions, away from having to switch Sagna, Hoyte, or Gilberto into a less familiar role.
For that reason I find myself enduring ‘Groundhog Day’ again. The phrase ‘we must buy a centre-half’ is running through my mind. Even though Arsene has once again publicly ruled out the need for further signings I cannot help but think that is a smokescreen to cover the fact we are close to one or two new arrivals.
More optimistic are the noises about a potential contract renewal for Le Boss. Various sources carry the story and Wenger is quoted as saying “We’re talking and usually when we talk, there’s always a positive outcome. At the moment nothing is done, but hopefully soon”. I do like that word, soon!
3 Responses to “On The Defensive?”
Right on, Goonerholic. Gallas is steel – no worries. I’m with you on Djourou.
Chim chimney, chim chimney, chim chim cheroo, who needs Sol Campbell when we’ve got Djourou?
Wenger has said, “Let’s go with Big Phil Senderos as the third central defender.” Big Phil would be devastated with a loan move. Djourou can handle it, and he’ll get more playing time than he would in North London, and he really does look the genuine article and will come back ready to play.
Arsenal are spoiled for choice at center back and this loan move relieves some of that tension. Djourou will come in Kolo is away – barring injuries, it will all work out brilliantly.
Now Gallas as captain.: It had to be Gallas , Kolo, or Cesc. Kolo and Cesc have achieved more with Arsenal, but Wenger recognizes what Gallas has achieved with France and Chelsea, and he does not discount that experience simply because it was not with Arsenal. Also, Gallas is the first one, and sometimes the only one, who will call a spade a spade. Like Hleb’s bone-headed foul that led to the free kick that knocked Arsenal out of Europe – Gallas is the only player I heard who told the truth – that it was a bonehead move. And after the world cup final, Gallas was the only player who said what everyone was thinking, that it would be nice to beat Materazzi to a pulp.
I’m trying to think positive so as not to attract what we fear the most i.e. injuries! Surely we’ve had more than our fair share the last couple of seasons? As long as we keep the key people fit, it will all work out. Djourou will benefit from the experience and in turn this will help AFC.
The appointment of Gallas as captain seems a strange one on the face of it. However, he is a leader of men. Was Keane a nice guy? No. Was he a good captain? He sure was. Was Vieira a nice guy? To us Gooners he was, but do you think he seemed nice to other fans? Not a chance. Was he a good captain? Well I think our performances during his time as captain speak for themselves. Gallas shares similar qualities to those two midfielders. While I can’t say I’m thrilled that he has been given the armband following his outbursts, it is the right decision.
Gilberto did a fantastic job last season, but he’s a nice guy. Toure is also a very nice guy. While Cesc is a strong willed lad, he is just that – a lad. Not yet mature enough to lead a team.
I’m sure Wenger woul dhave told Billy to calm down the outbursts.
11 hours, 45 minutes to go…