July 31, 2010

How to shut up the doubters

How do you shut up the doubters at Arsenal? You have an absolute cracker on your home debut for the club.

That’s exactly what Laurent Koscielny did today, in the club’s 1-1 draw with Milan in The Emirates Cup.

People think he’s lightweight, and I say that ability is much more important. This isn’t the 70s when centre backs are there to be kicked. This is 2010, footballers are finely tuned athletes.

Yes, he will come against a bruiser like Didier Drogba and possibly get out-muscled, but name me one centre-back who hasn’t been beaten for strength from the Chelsea striker?

We won’t be facing Drogba every week. You don’t need to be a good old-fashioned centre-back to handle the likes of Torres, Rooney, Bent, Defoe, Anelka, etc.

The boy looked good. Let’s hope he turns out to be our new Vermaelen, not another Cygan or Stepanovs. Most of the time, Mr Wenger get’s it right.

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July 31, 2010

Exactly what Arsenal need

With just over a month remaining of the transfer window, what do you think Arsenal need to bring us closer to Manchester United and Chelsea, and further away from Liverpool and Manchester City?

Here’s how I’m looking at it. This is what Arsenal have right now.

Goalkeepers: Manual Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski, Vito Mannone, Wojciech Szczesny

Behind every great team lies a great keeper. I don’t believe anyone can show me a quality team, and have an average keeper between the sticks.

Arsenal have not won a trophy for a good few years now, and you’ve got to wonder how different that stat would be if we had a world-class keeper.

It’s clear to me, and most Arsenal fans, that our weakness is our goalkeepers.

We’ve been lined to Mark Schwarzer recently, and that looks like a deal that is going to happen. Is he a good option? I actually think so. He’s the reason behind the success of Fulham last season, and he would not hinder the development of our potential number 1, Wojciech Szczesny.

Rating: 3/10 – We need a new goalkeeper now.

Right Backs: Bacary Sagna, Emmanuel Eboue

I think we’re sound for the quality of our right-backs, but we could do with one more versatile defender who can slot in at right-back if needed. Two sounds like enough, but I’m sure we’ll have a period this season when both are out at the same time. Djourou could slot in.

Rating: 8/10 – Not many teams in the Premiership have two right backs of the same quality as Arsenal.

Centre Backs: Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen

After the loss of William Gallas and Sol Campbell, we are clearly lacking numbers and experience at the centre of defence. Whilst Campbell was a quality signing last season, and he filled in well when we had a number of injuries, the key loss for me is William Gallas. He’s been one of the best centre-backs in the Premiership over the last 10 years, and we are going to miss him. His personality is not good for the team, but his defending definitely is.

Whilst Vermaelen is one of the best defenders around, Koscielny is an unknown quality, and Djourou has only played one game in the last year.

We need two centre-backs. I’d be happy for us to sign one experienced player, and one relatively young player. Alex Song is an option, but he’s too valuable in his holding role.

Rating: 4/10 – We definitely need to improve, and I’m 100% sure Wenger will.

Left Backs: Gael Clichy, Armand Traore, Kieran Gibbs

We have some good options at left-back. Clichy is a quality left-back, but he’s had a knock of confidence over the past year or so, and doesn’t look the same player he was. Seems to make too many errors, but I think the challenge of Gibbs and Traore will keep him on his toes this season.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Gibbs feature more often this season. I do believe he is the future Arsenal left-back. If the rumours are true about a Clichy and Felipe Melo swap deal, then I wouldn’t be surprised if Wenger went ahead with it.

Traore has an amazing recovery rate, and he looks like he needs it. He needs to improve in my opinion.

Rating: 8/10 – Some good options, and decent quality.

Wingers: Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin, Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere

Nasri and Arshavin are the starters for me. Walcott and Rosicky second choice, with Vela and Wilshere the final choices. For me, Diaby should never be an option. He’s useless. With the number of wingers we have, I do worry that Wenger will be using Diaby in the middle of the park more often this season, and that scares the shit out of me.

Arshavin could be key for us this season. After a disappointing season, he could have a point to prove, and be a big, big player.

Rating: 8/10 – I can’t see Wenger signing another winger. We look good in this area.

Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas, Denilson, Alex Song, Abou Diaby, Aaron Ramsey

I’d feel a lot more comfortable with our central midfield options when Ramsey is fit. He’s the natural successor to Fabregas, and he can fill in nicely when the Spaniard is out.

Nasri could feature more heavily in the centre, and I think we need that. I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of Song and Fabregas playing alongside either Denilson or Diaby.

If Song is out, then we’re lacking another defensive midfielder. Denilson cannot do that job.

Rating: 6/10 – One more signing would be nice, but I can’t see Wenger splashing the cash.

Forwards: Marouane Chamakh, Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner

If we play with two forwards this season, then we clearly need to sign someone. If we play with the lone striker like last season, then I think we’ll be absolutely fine. All three players are good options up front.

I have a feeling Chamakh is going to be big this season. I’m looking forward to seeing him.

Rating: 8.5/10 – Looking good if we play the lone striker.

Looking at the analysis, I have created a shortlist of what we need.

We need:

  • Goalkeeper – I believe we do need an experienced keeper to fill in until Szczesny is ready. Mark Schwarzer or David James.
  • Central Defender – Two would be nice. Not really sure who the realistic options for these positions could be. As mentioned, I’d like to see Wenger sign one youngster and one experienced player.

We would like:

  • Defensive Midfielder – We need someone young and tenacious, who is willing to play second fiddle to Alex Song. Blaise Matuidi of AS Saint-Etienne could be a good option.
  • Forward – Depending on the formation we play, another top quality striker could be needed.

Based on this analysis, it’s not all doom and gloom for Arsenal. I honestly believe we are only a goalkeeper and a couple of defenders away from being a world-class team, who could challenge for all honours this season. Will Wenger make the signings? We will find out in the next month or so.

Article written by Scottpuffin

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July 30, 2010

Safe hands? Anyone?

It’s the 15th of August, a sunny afternoon at Anfield. 65 minutes on the clock. Arsenal have started the season well and are leading Liverpool by a goal to nil: Andrei Arshavin in the 52nd minute after some good link up play with Van Persie. Since then the Gunners haven’t threatened much and new signing Marouane Chamakh is warming up. Carragher knocks it long to Gerrard, the England midfielder finds himself in space – he attempts a shot, it’s speculative…but OH!!! WHAT A TERRIBLE MISTAKE BY FABIANSKI!!! ….

This is the nightmare scenario. And it is why when I check for Arsenal news and transfer gossip every morning, I skip past the obligatory ‘Cesc to Barca’ story and look for even the smallest hint that we are seriously looking for a new keeper.

Although we have been consistently linked with Mark Schwarzer (otherwise known as the short-term solution), I don’t think the Fulham stopper is the answer. While it is understandable Wenger doesn’t want to stifle the career of the very promising Szczesny by signing the ageing keeper, surely the boss has to see what the absence of a top class goalie has cost us in recent years. The mistakes are too numerous (and painful) to catalogue.

At this stage I’m not even looking for another David Seaman (not that there are any out there). The situation is so bad I’d settle for competence. We need a promising, highly rated young keeper, a Stekelenburg or Akinfeev. I understand Arsene isn’t playing Football Manager and he has to work within his budget. I’m happy to support a young, developing team and I’m very proud of how our club is run within its means. But if it comes to 4:00pm on 15th of August and Almunia or Fabianski lines up – I don’t think I can watch.

Article written by Mary O’Connell

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July 27, 2010

Had Enough of Transfers? Then Let’s Talk Real Tattoos

If, like Didier Drogba, a slight tap on the ankle is enough to send you into spasms of pain, then visiting a tattoo parlour may not be your idea of a good time. But ‘getting inked’ is all the rage with top-flight footballers.

And it seems this trend is not just down to vanity. Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie suggests that tattooing offers teams a psychological advantage. Speaking exclusively to Arsenal Opinion in the wake of The Netherland’s 2010 World Cup Final defeat, RVP explained:

We were surprised – no, shocked – when the Spanish team emerged from the tunnel. Everywhere you looked there were tattoos, 3-day beards and long, unkempt hair. Some of the lads thought we’d stumbled into a Hell’s Angels convention and started kicking out in blind panic.

Visibly shaken by their ordeal, the Dutch failed to play their best football and eventually crashed to a disappointing defeat.

Our research shows that RVP could well be on to something. When the world’s most talented midfielder, Zinedine Zidane, inexplicably head-butted an opponent in the 2006 final, he was in fact lashing out at one of the most tattooed footballers in history – Marco Materazzi.

Then there’s Arsenal’s own midfield, which has been lacking bite ever since Freddie Ljungberg left for Upton Park, taking his abdominal panther with him. Pure coincidence?

Worryingly, the current crop of Arsenal players appears reluctant to endure the needle for the good of the club. On the contrary, Armand Traore is actually undergoing laser surgery to have his tattoos removed.

When Arsenal Opinion contacted Arsene Wenger for an interview he refused to comment. However, a source close to Le Boss has revealed that we are currently preparing a bid in the region of £5m for David Beckham’s right arm. Man City have already joined the race for England’s ex-captain, offering £28.5m for his upper back and a further £12m, phased in over two years, for his left elbow.

In a separate deal, reportedly worth £42m, City are also understood to be lining up Amy Winehouse as cover for the injured Craig Bellamy.

Article written by Kevin Archer.

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July 26, 2010

So who do we need?

It’s the first question on every Arsenal fan’s mind, so let’s throw it around a bit shall we? I contend that we need 5 things to win the league:

Cesc Fabregas. Before we even get to potential new signings and the usual litany of names associated with the Arsenal, let’s be very clear about one thing. We need Fabregas to stay, to be committed, and to be inspirational if we are going to win the title finally. It SOUNDS like the determination to keep him may be paying off.

A goalkeeper. I know it’s obvious, but just cast your mind back to all the horrendous Flappy Handski and Almunia mistakes at critical times. It’s just not good enough. I’m a big fan of Joe Hart and I just don’t understand how he thinks he’ll be England No1 sitting on the bench at Citeh. I would also welcome Schwarzer, Stekelenburg, or anyone else that can catch. This needs sorting. Now!

A centre back. We absolutely need the cover. Thrilled that Sol has re-signed and think he can still be useful. Djourou has a bigger part to play and Koscielny is promising but unproven. I think there is truth in this Jagielka tale and I would keep my fingers crossed that this gets done before the start of the season.

A defensive midfielder. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Alex Song. He was the best player on the pitch for so many games last season that I lost count. He’s a brilliant young player. BUT, we need depth. When Alex is out we have Denilson. That’s it. The younger players are not ready yet. Plus, for a Man Utd or Barcelona game maybe you want a second defensive midfielder in ALONGSIDE Song, so you need options. I would really welcome a Felipe Melo or, as most recently suggested, something like a Nigel De Jong from the Citeh Firesale.

A bit of luck. Especially with injuries… Keep your key players fit, have a strong start to the season and anything can happen.

You will note the complete lack of attacking players on my ‘wish list’. Unless Cesc leaves (then we need Ozil or similar), then I truly believe we are well set up from an attacking perspective. Especially assuming we play 4-3-3 with one target man as per last season. Then you have three players competing for that role, led by Van Persie. Chamakh and Bendnter are then competing for a starting birth once Robin gets injured. Under this system, we then have Cesc in behind the main striker and a choice of Arshavin, Theo, Nasri, Vela, Rosicky on the wings.

The priority should absolutely be the defensive part of the squad. To go into the season feeling like we have good depth and good cover really would fire my optimism through the roof. Come on Arsene, sign a couple of cheques.

Article written by Mark Howden

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July 26, 2010

Separating Fact from Friction

There is no such thing as a genuine news story any more.

We live in a world where people are eager to comment on events that are yet to happen, and to give heartfelt opinions on ideas that remain pure conjecture. The result is a melee of meaningless mush that is almost impossible to wade through.

Will Cesc go to Barcelona? Will Barcelona have the money to pay his wages? (To pay anyone’s wages?) Did Cesc look upset when he was forced to wear the Barcelona shirt? Why does Puyol still have a perm?

Although most of this rubbish is simply there to antagonise true supporters, some stories do raise serious questions. For example, who does Iniesta think he is, wishing Arsenal’s captain the best of luck in his ‘last season at the club’? And, most importantly of all, who is that bearded Spanish git, that Guillain-Barre bloke, who claims to be an expert on all things connected to the beautiful game? And why doesn’t he admit that his real name is in fact acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome can strike at any time (Photo SSN)

On the plus side, this insatiable drive for future news does produce some amusing stories. In the past week or so, Harry’s revelation that ‘Spurs can win the title’ was eclipsed, but only just, by the horrifying prospect of Cheryl Cole (sorry, Tweedy) ‘losing her voice’ as a result of malaria. What voice? What title?

What bollocks.

Arsenal supporters can frequently be heard moaning that the club is reluctant to announce signings until the ‘i’s have been dotted and the ‘t’s crossed. And then re-crossed with permanent marker. In red.

But the fact remains that Arsenal do things properly – they actually wait until a player has been signed before announcing… that a player has been signed. Arsene talks about winning the title when it looks like the title might be won, not before a ball has been kicked.

Tradition and truth. Not meaningless mush.

Rejoice in the difference.

Article written by Kevin Archer

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July 25, 2010

Arselona

This is how i see things panning out at Arsenal. If Sol Campbell signs for another year, Arsene will definitely sign a goalkeeper and will not sign any other Centre backs. If Sol doesn’t sign, there will be a defender signed and no keeper will be signed. This should see Fabianski become the number one and Almunia leaving, the young pole and the young Italian deputising. Fabianski is very highly rated despite his proneness to errors; he has very fast reactions and a quick recovery time.

Johan Djourou has looked a bit rusty and even though I’m glad to see him back, i don’t think he is the answer to our defensive problems right now.

I was in despair during the first half of the Sturm Graz match as i was watching the same defending that saw us concede a lot of goals last season. In the second half the defending didn’t improve but what did improve was the control of the game and the possession. It got me thinking, Puyol is not the best defender in the world nor is he very tall, Pique is prone to errors, so is Ramos and Capdevilla but they still won the WC, how? Because their midfielders starve the other team of the ball. This means they are rarely troubled as a defensive unit. Arsène Wenger wants to follow the same principle. In Vermaelen you have a defender who has a lot of heart, good in the air but not very tall ala Carles Puyol. Then a youngster who can read the game well and grow into the role like Kos/Djourou.

During the first half of the season there was something distinct about Arsenal. They played like Barcelona; they pressed up the pitch, worked hard off the ball and rarely gave away possession.

My worry is how Arsenal are going to line up, if 4-3-3:

?????
Sagna     ?????     Vermaelen     Clichy
Song
Fabregas     ?????
Nasri     Van Persie     Arshavin

These 7 are possibly the only players that are nailed on to start these leaves a few guys that think they should be probably starting every game now

Bendtner
Rosicky
Chamakh
Diaby
Denilson
Walcott
Vela

i think it will Give Arsenal a selection problem. Where will Chamakh fit? What about Bendtner, Theo Walcott and Rosicky? These four might be fighting for one position on the right and maybe the left. Now i will try to put what would be my preferred starting 11 would be, using Barcelona’s model, who I hate but respect.

Fabianski

Sagna     Djourou     Vermaelen     Clichy

Unless another defensive player is signed this will likely be the back 5 that we will see come the Liverpool game and I won’t explain much on this.

Song

Rosicky     Fabregas

I know how Rosicky plays, yet he has improved in his passing game. He keeps is tidy and keeps it moving, he is the reason why the match against Graz stabilised in the second half. There is a clip floating somewhere on how he just kept it ticking with simple passing and not giving it away. To me he is Arsenal’s Iniesta, he is unspectacular, and he works well with Fabregas, and he keeps things moving.

Fabregas is like Xavi, but I genuinely believe Fabregas is better than Xavi. Xavi had the best pass rate at the World Cup but Fabregas is better in the final third of the pitch. Fabregas is a more composed finisher and is a great assister. He is also the captain of this young side.

Nasri     Van Persie     Arshavin

In essence what you will end up having is 11 players that can pass the ball pretty well; I hope this is what Arsène will go with. Nasri has looked more physically stronger and more determined, he is different to the Nasri we saw last season and with no injuries in pre-season he has a point to prove. Arshavin had a disappointing season by his standards and he has looked sharper and hungrier. Sources say the Russian will sign a contract extension which shows his commitment to fight. Van Persie smarting from the WC, and is sick and tired of being a nearly man. He was there when Arsenal nearly won the Champions League in 2006, he was there when the young Arsenal team lost out to Chelsea in the Carling Cup, and he’s been there when Arsenal nearly won the title last year and 2 years ago. With his injury woes he is a man with a point to prove and will be hungry.

Article written by Emmanuel

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July 25, 2010

Would you like to write football articles?

Would you like to write football articles for Arsenal Opinion? If so, please forward on your articles to scott@arsenal-opinion.com and I will be sure to publish the best articles.

Super Cesc, Betfred, Danny Watson, Thomas Rooney and Tom Wallows have all written articles in the past for Arsenal Opinion.

Please do try to keep the posts to a maximum of 300 words, and I will publish the most interesting articles.

You can write about whatever you like, as long as it’s related to Arsenal Football Club.

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July 25, 2010

The best penalty ever?

I’m watching the Spain v Italy in the U19 Championship, and I think I’ve just witnessed the best penalty I’ve ever seen, scored by Spain’s Ezequiel Calvente.

Check out the video below, and let me know what you think of this ridiculous penalty.

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July 25, 2010

RIP The Hurricane

This is an Arsenal blog, not a sports blog. But sometimes, football is put to one side.

We should all take a moment to remember one of the legends of Snooker, Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins, who died of throat cancer, aged 61.

Personally, I’m not a fan of snooker, but Higgins can almost single-handedly take responsibility for making the sport worth watching, and really did introduce the sport to the TV viewers.

Higgins received his nickname ‘Hurricane’ due to his speed and flamboyance, and his unusual technique really did make him stand out amongst the rest. He was a breath of fresh air.

Higgins struggled with financial problems and drunkenness throughout his career, but still captured the hearts of millions during his twilight in the early 80s.

Love him or hate him, Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins was an absolute legend, and will never be forgotten. RIP The Hurricane.

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