Clock End

By Boris Mellor
August 15 2008

Predictions are for mugs, ask any bookie. I am not about to predict that Arsenal will finish first, however I will not be predicting a place outside the top 4 either. Nor will I claim that Arsene's squad has enough depth. The events in Holland exposed that particular myth.

  The result was great, but I wouldn't want to suffer watching that first half every week. As Twente did a good impression of a stylish WBA we could have problems if the midfield was that weak on a regular basis.

Lest we forget

It has to be remembered that last season we finished 4 points behind the eventual Premiership winners. I stress remember as many of those who predicted that we would finish behind Spurs seem to have forgotten.

Most of the pundits, but not Lawro, predicted that Arsenal would lose their top four status, none of them have given Wenger credit for maintaining it. Instead they have seized on the fact that Lehmann, Gilberto, Flamini and Hleb have left as evidence that their forecasts will come true this season.

How many? Does it matter?

That's certainly a lot of experience to lose in one season, but how much does it matter? Well Lehmann is easily dealt with, he only started 5 EPL games, yet the team did better than the previous season without him. Gilberto did not start more than 10 prem games, and once again we still improved on last season. If Gilberto had been prepared to drop back to centre half he could have extended his Arsenal career. Wenger has no use for midfielders who can be overtaken by a tortoise on speed.

So I would argue their leaving is the usual ageing and changing process that squads go through. It is nonsense to say they were irreplaceable; they were not missed last season. It was Sagna and Eduardo who were missed last season.

Of course Flamini and Hleb are a different kettle of fish, players still at the top of their game. But for Hleb it was a season of two halves, the first half he shone, but in the second half, in particular after the Birmingham tragedy he became erratic, saving his best performances for the Ice Cream makers.

I believe Hleb's treacherous behaviour in Milan had a detrimental effect on Arsenal's season, and had far more impact than the Man U cup defeat. If they were so scarred by that defeat how come the victory in Milan? Yes he was a greatly skilled player but with 7 assists and 2 goals he might be the reason for the myth that Arsenal never shoot. I will be dealing with that issue later.

However he has been replaced and only time will tell if the replacement is better or worse. Nasri will need time to adjust to the EPL, as indeed did Hleb. Clearly without Fabregas there could be all kinds of problems, but with Song, Rosicky, a speedily developing Ramsey, and a new signing, things can only get better as the season progresses.

The only player who is a definite miss is Flamini, and as he was hardly Pele, and not even from Romford, he is not irreplaceable. It is clear that Wenger wanted Diaby to replace him, but Rosicky needs company on the treatment table, and it is clear he cannot be depended upon. Thus Wenger is now making a belated attempt to get a much needed replacement. So in terms of the midfield Arsenal are one player short, and even that might have been overcome if the Greeks had not played football in the ancient Olympics (They didn't you bloody idiot. Ed). So whilst we cannot sing Song song as he is in China, we might never know if he could have hacked it.

The case for the defence and other myths Part 2 follow here:

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Players to be Missed & Other myths 08 Prev Pt 1

Discussion started by Arsenal Times , 15/08/2008 12:41

Arsenal Times
15/08/2008 12:41

Players to be Missed & Other myths 08 Prev Pt 1

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djarse
15/08/2008 13:33

And another good post !

Though I do think people generally are too harsh on Flamini's record for us. I remember well how fantastic he was for us a few seasons ago at left back (as opposed to the other 5 people Wenger tried before him) - only to be cruelly dropped for the Champions League final to make way for the traitorous Cole. No wonder he was disenchanted. Twice he stepped into the breach and played superbly. We will miss him this year.

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Rockstaar
15/08/2008 13:39

good article..but I would be shocked if we missed flamini this season..not because I didnt rate his performance last season..but because I feel that whoever plays in his position will step up just like he did

most of our reserves are excellent players who just need playing time to show their quality

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Optimistic Gunner
15/08/2008 18:10

Very good article and I totally agree with all the points made.

I also agree with Rockstaar, though signing a solid DM/CM is still needed.

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brian from the b.o.f
15/08/2008 18:18

A Vieira type player in midfield is required as soon as possible...this may mean spending over 10 million

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Padre Pio
15/08/2008 19:51

I agree Rockstaar. Flamini needs a replacement but not hard to replace, but nothing as special as Vieira. There are no vieira's out there and that includes Paddy

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Optimistic Gunner
15/08/2008 20:18

Yup, just solid DM/CM with a good engine, between the age of 23-29 would do just fine.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:15:20:19:26 by Optimistic Gunner.

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