Comments on: Arsene Wenger Faces His Most Important Preseason Yet

By: chengiskhan

chengiskhan — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:24:22 +0000

People forget that players do improve, and no doubt will that be the case again at Arsenal. In the past we have always had players suddenly become indispensable (Flamini, Hleb, now Song). Who will it be next season? Adebayor, Denilson, Diaby, Eboue? I know it sounds crazy, but who would have guessed Flamini or Song?

If Rosicky can recover and attain his previous heights, then we will have a starting midfield of Rosicky, Arshavin, Fab, and Song. That is quality! We would have Nasri, Walcott, Diaby, and Denilson on the bench, not to mention extremely promising youngsters like Traore, Wilshere, Merida, etc. waiting in the wings. It is not all doom and gloom.

The back four certainly needs a little work, but we are not miles away from challenging for the title. Just remember, we were VERY close to winning the league last season. 2 key departures and a spate of injuries kept us at a distance this year, but if AW can keep the team together this year, we will be a potent force next year. That IF is the key.

By: James

James — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:41:26 +0000

I think we are just a couple of players short. We need a good CB and a good defensive midfielder. We have a good strike force. Look at our goals for — right up with the MU and Chelski. Only Liverpool outclassed everyone in this category. The glaring stat is goals against. We gave up far too many goals (36 vs. 23/22 MU/Chelsea). A good defensive midfielder and better CB will fix this. Of the two positions the midfielder is far more important. A good defensive midfielder (or two!) would provide the cover our back need so desperately. I think with this position filled our back four would perform up to next level.

By: Jaime

Jaime — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:07:40 +0000

Chelsea isnt on form though. It would be a different story if we didnt play well against them. We dominated possesion, shots, and chances but the problem was that we couldnt finish. They capitalised on the few chances they had and that was the difference. Arsenal showed a lack of maturity with not wanting to shoot and squandering chances. As far as United are concerned it was the same story. They were able to capitalise on sloppy defending and a lucky, all be it nice, shot from Ronaldo. Had we better defending it would have been a different tie.

By: Tyson

Tyson — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:55:17 +0000

I think they could defintely do better but I don’t think this week is necessarily their biggest low point.

United have been playing very well lately and would give any team in the PL trouble and Chelsea are a resurgent side after the screwing they received from anti-EPL UEFA.

I think Arsenal do need new players but I don’t know when United and Chelsea have been on form(though admittedly their both shadows of what they were the previous season) they’ve been hard to beat so I don’t know exactly how damning it is.

By: brn442

brn442 — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:41:31 +0000

You are not supposed to win a league with kids. Three years ago Arsenal made one too many passes to score the perfect goal, now they pass the ball because they’re scared to take a shot. Ever since Gallas’s meltdown, Arsenal has gone wanting for leadership on the pitch. Stadium or not, Arsene should go out and get at least three experienced players: A gritty midfielder with some spine, an imposing centre-half to marshal that defence, and a greedy, scrappy centre-forward, a la Inzaghi. These players don’t have to cost a fortune and may not even be long term solutions (they could be all 30+) but until Wenger’s kids turn into men, this maybe his only option.