It is hard to imagine Gervinho has only been gone for half a season. It somehow feels a lot longer. It is fair to say the man with the LCD sized forehead was not a great success at Arsenal. But I reckon Arsene did not give him long enough, as he, uncharacteristically, let him go after just two seasons.
I don’t think we, the supporters, always realise enough what an incredible step it is for an African player to come and play in Europe; and a move from a medium sized city like Lille to world city London is also not to be pooh-poohed at.
Gervinho clearly lacked confidence at times, but in each and every game there were at least glimpses of his potential. I guess his low point was the League Cup game against Bradford, on a cold, wet and windy autumn night in the grim North. Giroud was rested and Gervinho led the line. He missed a number of sitters and the rest is bleak history. It was not just Gervinho who had a below par game that day; the whole team let us down badly.
After that, many fans had it in for our former meandering Ivorian and he never got properly over this. I was not Gervinho’s biggest fan, but I could see his potential and value to the team. He had speed, dribbling skills, decent first touch and close ball control. He was the only one of all our players who could penetrate a well protected box. His understanding with fellow players was not great and neither was his finishing. The question is, though, could this have been worked on within the team and on the training ground?
Four goals and four assists in sixteen games for Roma tell us he is settling quite well into his new environment. I have seen him play a few times and he appears to fit well into his new team. Roma play with pace and quickly turn defence into attack, and for this Tricky Gervais is a great outlet. His winner (1-0), against Juventus for the Italian Cup, will no doubt be one of his club career highlights, and I am really pleased he is doing so well right now.
I don’t really want him back now, but I do wish we had kept him a bit longer, especially now that Theo is out of for the season.
Time for our Lion of Flanders to motor us forwards again?
The transfer window closed without any reinforcement in our defence or attack. I said jokingly yesterday that Wenger was after a player starting with a ‘K’, as we were being linked with Klose, Kalou and Kim Kallstrom( KK). We got KK who is supposed to help out in the box to box position; but then he arrived already injured, apparently. If the squib wasn’t already damp enough last night, it became saturated this morning with the announcement that our only signing arrived with a back problem that will keep him out for at least six games.
I don’t know what to say, guys and girls…. So let’s move on.
With Flamini out and Arteta seemingly struggling with getting back to 100% fitness and form, we have to ask ourselves who can strengthen and reinvigorate the so important double DM pivot of our team. Flamini and Arteta looked slightly sluggish and disorganised against Southampton, and although I reckon the DM pivot will not be tested as much tomorrow as it was on Tuesday, we will need to make some changes to get the team motoring again.
We will do a pre-match tomorrow morning, during which we can discuss the best line-up against Crystal Pulis’ park-the-bus formation in more detail.
In this post, I would like to discuss what we can do to replace Flamini’s defensive and leadership qualities. Furthermore, it would be good to discuss who should play in the box to box position, now that Rambo and Wilshere look to be out for a few games at least.
I reckon we are missing a trick with leaving the enthusiastic and powerful Vermaelen on the bench for so many games. If Arteta is fully fit, he should normally play but if and when we need to have more steel in midfield – somebody who is good in the air and can tackle properly – Vermaelen could be our man. He also offers additional thrust and has a venomous long distance shot. On top of that, he offers presence and energy and he is now wise enough to contain himself when needed (I hope!).
The above is linked with the second question: who to play in our box to box role?
I am hoping Rosicky is recovered enough to play tomorrow, and in the foreseeable future, in this position. The combination of Arteta and Rosicky could work a treat, as both are experienced and multi-disciplined midfielders.
It would be good to have a second option, though, in case of fitness/injuries issues for Arteta and/or Rosicky. Should Santi play in the box to box role, next to Arteta? Wenger tried Ox there against Coventry recently, but that was with Jack providing the defensive cover (which is not his core strength, is it?). It did not really work and I reckon that either Cazorla or Ox can only play in the box to box role if they get proper defensive cover.
I have my doubts whether Arteta will be able to do this, especially in the big games coming up. Therefore, I am hoping Wenger is going to try something different here; and for me Vermaelen could be the answer to our midfield puzzle. With the Lion of Flanders protecting the back four, Rosicky, Ox, or Cazorla could play deeper whilst supporting the four in attack regularly. I could also see this being done by Nacho or Sagna, but TV5 is the best option of them all imo.
I would also like to see Ox play properly in the box to box role, although Rosicky will have to be our first option until Jack or Ramsey return.
What do you think fellow Gooners?
With Theo and Rambo out, and no additional striker bought in January, who are going to score our goals?
AB wrote this succinct comment which is directly linked to the above question:
“TA you said it’s our midfield that delivers these [goals] – we don’t need more in the way of strikers. And I agree that’s the model that Wenger has built. But without Walcott and Ramsey, the model looks less sound. Oz and Ros are more creators than scorers, although I have never fully understood why given their technical skills. Gnab and Ox both look like they will score goals, but are yet to really break through on this front, and it’s too early to count on them. Which leaves Santi and Pod, both proven goal scorers. However, neither has hit sustained form this year (partially excused given injuries) and Wenger does not seem minded to play both together. They are going to be really important for us in the next 6 weeks – not least because Giroud is as much a space creator as he is a goal scorer.
This all adds up to goals being harder to come by in the next 15 games than they were earlier in the season. The importance of our defence being water-tight is therefore all the greater.
What do others think – where are the goals going to come from if we are to put 2 or 3 past opposing sides?”
What can I add to this?
I reckon, Wenger will need to start playing Pod more now, and with Santi possibly in the box to box role it could work a treat. We could play Pod – Ozil – Ox/Gnabry behind Giroud and Arteta/Vermaelen-Santi/Rosicky in the ‘DM’-pivot. We would have three regular goals scorers in the team with Pod, Giroud and Cazorla, whilst Ozil, Ox, Rosicky and Gnabry also can contribute. I don’t think it will lead to goal fests but it might be enough to win a lot of games, especially if our defence keeps performing so strongly…. for which we need a good replacement for Flamini…
Ozil is learning to play with OG as our ‘holding striker’ and has some way to go;
OG is not the sort of striker who can take full advantage of Ozil’s vision and passing ability.
There is potential for a clash of styles here and, as a result, a risk of frustrating/not getting the best out of Ozil in the process.
And these questions:
Which formation should we play?
Should they play together at all?
Who should play around them to get the best value out of both players – do we need to buy or is there a solution within the current squad?
This was my first response:
TA – Fine post, much needed. Thanks.
I cannot be very original in my response as much has been said already. So take it as read that, time (to get know player’s preferences), first season (different challenges from a more competitive league), and changes in personnel (altering the balance of the side, as well having different contributions to make) are a given ….
But then as I continued my reply, I quickly realised this post raised some really deep, fundamental questions that needed to be answered, but too much for a simple reply, even the length some of my replies run to? So this post was born. Hopefully answering some of those questions, and raising others. I began with this:
I query the question Ozil and OG playing together less well, than say, Santi and Ozil, but that too may work out in time. The trouble is, in this season and the position we are in – i.e. being TOTL and being hard pressed by two of the moneybags clubs: One who spent heavily at the start of the season with their changed manager already at the helm, as with Man City; and the other, whose new manager inherited an expensive set of players, but is now retuning, by buying and selling in this January transfer window, Chelsea. – Whereas we haven’t really got the time to work through mini clashes of style, at the expense of possibly losing valuable points?
So to answer these questions I ran through the following arguments.
What will liven up our attack will be the introduction of Ox, Gnabry and Draxler (JD) (WHEN) he arrives. I don’t believe there is much of a problem with OG, that other threats on goal, particularly in and around the box, will not cure. Mostly when we play, OG is isolated. In the Villa game a few times we saw a typical example when the high ball is played forwards they had two or three players close in quickly for an easy turnover ball, because he had no immediate support. JD will be the player that AW has in mind to be the CAM who will be near enough to help out, as he has the speed and dribbling ability to get past defenders so that, if my theory holds good, they will not be able to put more than one on Giroud. That will change the whole dynamics up front?
Gnabry is the player we have, who, as the audio commentary team reminded everybody, played second striker (to Akpom) last season, which is probably more his natural position. Even AW since has said ‘the middle is where he (Gnabry)will end up’. Also, it might become a double threat with JD on the left and SG on the right in the future?
We have now played Fulham since TA’s original post, and I believe it showed how the side might develop as the players get more time together? It still had the same problem that TA alluded to in his post, that Ozil struggles to make key passes when those around him are not moving into viable spaces, and particularly where such passes would lead to goal opportunities. It is not Giroud’s strong point to drop a shoulder, twist turn and dribble on his way to score. We know that. Another reason is partly due to the amount of bodies wanting to be in the central area, from our own players pulling in defenders? Even when the opportunities did come, the lack of clinical finishing meant the chances went begging.
However, in the first half there was a lot of movement from our midfield, as well as with Giroud. A lack of composure from young Gnabry, and a not so sharp Giroud meant the score stayed at 0-0. The real point to me was, probably for the first time, the whole of the midfield was involved? The heat map of Gnabry showed bright spots on the left and left centre, but the heaviest involvement was centre right and right wing. But he also had his moments deeper helping the defence. Ozil’s heat maps usually show a similar pattern, but with less emphasis on the central area. Whereas, Wilshere would have shown a distinct bias in a broad central strip.
In this game Cazorla was the main beneficiary, whereas in the Villa game Ozil had more say in pulling the strings.
So who will be the Chief Puppeteer?
Wilshere had a third game where he showed his best form, and he is also key to how this master plan unfolds. The reason why his game flourished in the Fulham game I think is twofold. One I think is his ‘maturity’ in getting a ‘true’ feel for being a creative midfielder, rather than trying to carry the team single handedly. Others are there now, so he can concentrate on what he can do best? What I basically mean by that, he was playing a supportive role, rather than trying to be the conductor? Secondly, operating straight down the middle, to play and receive balls, he did not displace Cazorla from doing his creative work in the same area, and so they complimented each others play. Which works well as long as others moved around intelligently, which they did. Ultimately, it was Santi’s interaction, with Wilshere in particular, across the box that enabled him to get the two snap shots away that produced the winning goals. Perhaps that is the one thing Ozil does not do often enough, as he enjoys providing for others. That is a subtle difference between them?
But there hangs the dilemma. With the rise of Cazorla’s performance, Ozil became more of a peripheral figure as the game wore on. Not that he was not contributing, but there were only flashes of his genius to make key passes?
It will take time I think, for him not just to link with specific players, but get more familiar with the space, and for the others to get to know that same space where the ball is played? I would guess that is why Ramsey can do well playing with Ozil. When he is high on his confidence and simply playing intuitively, he too can see the same space. This is what we need more of, as well as see the whole midfield working as a complete unit?
Gnabry, in just two games, has improved no end with his off the ball movement. So, with his dribbling skills and shooting with both feet will be a joy to behold by the time he is 20. But in the meantime he is still another option to be developed into a goal scoring threat. As it stands at the moment, he may not be enough of one to drag defenders away from Giroud, but that will change?
The Ox too, could play this role, but he too will have to get up to speed. The key to all these players, OG included, is how well they will link with Ozil? Podolski has not got the goals he has by being a duffer either. I agree with those suggesting it has been a fitness issue that may have kept him out recently. The calf wrapping shown in the training photos before the Fulham game lends support to this? Also AW has an aversion to doing early substitutions, so rather than start a game, I think he will do more ‘last half hours’ for the time being?
That then is the case for the attacking threat. We have the players, and are likely to add to it before the transfer window ends. Who ‘they’ are, if more than one, or even less than one, we will know on February 1st.
Ozil, ideally needs quick thinking players who have the necessary pace around him, and then his true value to the team will surely blossom. So, the combinations that work well with Ozil are; the ‘mutual admiration society’ candidates Rosicky at the head; Ramsey, playing on ‘instinct’ higher up the pitch; Wilshere in his ‘mature’ mode, but still a work in progress; Cazorla on the evidence of the last game also still needs work on how to involve Ozil more when playing together? Ox, as another creative, attacking midfielder, will like Gnabry become the alternative scoring threats, and will only get better the more they play?
However, the fundamental question asked was, should we change our current style and bring in a striker who fits the requirements of Ozil, but changes in quite a big way, the whole set up of the way we are playing at the moment?
The case for Giroud, who is our main striker, and as such would be expected to be our main goal scorer. The fact that he is not a quick, nimble footed striker, he does not fit the natural mould of what sort of player Ozil would like to play key passes to? But does that make him redundant? Do we really need to find a replacement, as TA’s post asks?
I do not think AW is looking to replace him, going by the intention of getting Suarez, or indeed, the ‘new RVP’ in JD? I support that view. I will now try and answer the ‘BIG’ question – Does Giroud hold Ozil back?
The lack of natural fit is a hard one to argue with, regards the Ozil/Giroud combination. But I will deflect that by looking to see if that is who Ozil should be interacting with regards to getting goals?
I have a slightly radical idea that Giroud is not actual a proper No 9. Instead he is more an atypical false No 9, and would do a lot better if he were to drop back 10 or 15 yards? Basically, to where such false central player would play? Now instantly you will think ‘he ain’t going to score many goals from there’?
True, but what he does well is hold up play, and give knock downs and flicks to others if the options are available. By being that bit closer to our midfielders he should not only have more options, but also be less heavily marked. He is, by and large, our main outlet ball from our goalkeeper, be that free kicks or long punts up field. But he does not have to be the furthest player forwards to be effective?
So I believe the right striker, should we get one, or JD, or both, or the Ox, the Gnabry, would be the ones to drive forward in the middle. But should another winger materialise, then a knock down ball to Ozil could have a field day spreading passes out wide? Balls cut back should still find Giroud in space, and with the right one-twos and movement in the box Giroud could be deadly with his best weapons, his feet, whether assisting or scoring?
Where are the Jack’s, Santi’s, and Ozil’s when we switch to attack. Perfecting what they did in the Fulham game. Pass and Move. Pull defences out of shape. Make the openings for a number of bodies to score. Since Giroud has been with us we have scored more goals overall that in the RVP year of being the ‘one man band’. Let us not lose sight of that fact. Giroud does not score many goals with his head, so have him pulling defenders away from the keeper so others can? On set pieces we have Mert, Kos, Sagna, and even Ramsey can all put the ball in the net from headers, as well as knock it back for people like Cazorla, Wilshere, Gnabry, Ox, and yes, Giroud to score from slightly deeper positions with their feet.
The key is finding space. That is what Ozil is about. If we get JD, fine. We will have a player who can make use of his skills. If we get a striker who is also quick, and maybe able to head the ball, that too would be a bonus. But above all, we want players that compliment our squad, because the players we are developing, in time, are likely to be better than those available now, JD excepted, as he too will develop along with them. But all will appreciate having the unselfish Giroud and Ozil doing what they do best.
We should too?
So, my answer to the statement in the previous title;
‘Are Arsenal Getting The Best Out Of Ozil – Is Giroud holding him back?’
The answer is No, but Giroud is not the problem.
The answers to other points raised:
Q.- Ozil is learning to play with OG as our ‘holding striker’ and has some way to go?
Answer; Should read learning to play ‘around’ OG, and that has some way to go?
Q.- OG is not the sort of striker who can take full advantage of Ozil’s vision and passing ability?
Answer; True, in the direct sense. But vision and passing ability is Ozil’s department, and he should be using it in more appropriate areas, eg out wide, or in the box, to players that can benefit?
Q.- There is potential for a clash of styles here and, as a result, a risk of frustrating/not getting the best out of Ozil in the process?
All players get frustrated when their efforts are not rewarded with an end result. However, by focussing on Giroud as his only outlet for a successful conclusion is where this observation is misplaced, and Ozil’s if he feels that?
And these questions:
Q.- Which formation should we play?
A.- That depends on two things; Who is available; Where they can best be used. But a variation within 1-4-6? That allows for a variety of patterns to be formed according to who is bringing their strengths to the game. Our usual 1-4-2-3-1 may be adjusted to allow and extra body up front?
Q.-Should they play together at all?
A.- If the ‘they’ refers Ozil Giroud together, I believe the strength’s of both can be used very effectively.
Q.- Who should play around them to get the best value out of both players – do we need to buy or is there a solution within the current squad?
A.- This is the bigger question. From the above I have argued for both points. We do need a player who is a threat in the box. Ideally that player will be quick, nimble and score goals(JD), but in time, both Ox and Gnabry could become that type of player.
Time, in this season we do not have, so buy is the likely option. A different type of striker is also a possibility, but that depends what else he can add to the squad. I should also add, that should Bendtner recapture his best form, he too could benefit from any addition, and has the addition of being a good header of goals?
But that is only half the problem. At best, with Giroud and Ozil playing it leaves just 3 players to fill the remaining places. One B2B, two creative/attacking MFs, so getting the right balance will be the most important. Should a solid DM be on the shopping list, then possibly 3 rather than 2, out of the 7 or 8 possibilities to choose from? AW is going to be very creative to keep all parties happy, and more importantly, fresh and ready to start when needed? But any kind of pecking order will lead to frustration if over used?
Combine that with who works best with who, and you have a balancing nightmare if all stay fit?
If AW was prepared to play Ozil twice in every three games, not that strictly regimented, but say, over a period of ten games, he starts in six of them? Then, I would say alternate Ozil with Cazorla, based on recent evidence. Similarly, Ramsey and Wilshere. Rosicky, as I have said already, will work around whoever else starts. The younger pair, Ox and Gnabry, and to some extent Podolkski, would have to take their chances as they arise. Mostly from the subs bench I would guess, except when the need for width arises. But may be this is where new signings may also compete?
None of this is set in stone, but it is going to take a great deal more flexibility within the squad for all to maintain the unity that the smaller squad offers?
However, for this to fully work with this many MF’s committed to attack, you need a holding DM behind them to slow down attacks to allow the proper defensive lines to take shape? This is covered as long as we have both Arteta and Flamini fit. If Frimpong goes out on loan, we have the returning Frances Coquelin to assist. He is quick, but also likes to get forward. The replacement we need is someone who ‘commands’ that space behind. A ‘Presence!’ no less. More importantly, if we are continuing to use our FB’s as wingers/wing backs, a single DM allows us a more dynamic midfield, but probably neither Arteta or Flamini are capable of doing on the their own? However, if wide attacking players are used, then the need for advance FB’s diminishes? That could at least defer the need for the SQ DM until a suitable one is available in the next window?
In conclusion; Ozil will find his space no matter who else is playing, but how effective he is depends on how well they all work as a team. If you play Cazorla in the free central role, the ‘Arshavin’ best position, working across the line of opposition defenders, it will bring the best out in his game. Ozil can pull the strings with the wider players and create spaces for the central bodies to work better. You then have Rosicky and Ramsey for energy and drive, Wilshere for the central support. Gnabry and Ox for width, and Podolski as an alternative frontline striker, unless we get other options in this window?
Such are the complexities within our midfield, that the best combinations will gradually be found. But I also think having the one of the most creative midfielders around, we should not get to be too reliant on just his input in every game? We have talent to spread the load, we should use them?
We are, as it stands at the moment, reliant on Giroud to be our ‘holding striker’, and he is very capable of scoring many more goals this season. But if we can share that burden with whoever is available to play for us after January 31st, then he too will find life a lot easier?
Nobody said managing a football club was easy. Thank heavens we have got somebody who has practical experience running our club, rather than my theoretical aspirations to what might work?
Comments will be appreciated if they go beyond one liners. But on the fundamental question of changing our approach to accommodate one player’s needs, is very much open for discussion?
Mesut Ozil was a great signing for Arsenal, and indeed, the country. The former Real Madrid player oozes class and composure; he is a constant island of calm in an ocean of turmoil. His technical skills are of the highest order and his vision and speed of thinking are right there with Fabregas and Iniesta’s.
He is not the sort of player that dominates an area in midfield, like Cesc used to do for us. There are times when he goes missing from our TV screens, and you will never hear him shout at fellow players. He sometimes looks misunderstood and perhaps frustrated with his fellow players, but he’ll get on with his job immediately again. He is a tireless worker but in an almost effortless way, it seems.
It is a real shame we will see very little of the Ozil-Theo partnership this season, as the German appears to love fast and clever attackers around him who are capable of appreciating and devouring the contents of his silver service. Theo is ideal for this, and much more so than our relatively mostly slow midfielders, and our main CF: Giroud.
Those who read my blogs regularly will know that I love Giroud a lot. He is strong and works tirelessly for the team; he holds up the ball well and allows our midfielders to get close to the box where they can hurt the opponent – as a result, many of our goals are scored by midfielders and we are not over reliant on one or two super-sharp and productive attackers; we can play compact in midfield, which both allows us to protect the back four better as well as attack in numbers if and when we play the parked busses teams; he carries enough goal threat to pull away defenders, creating vital space for other players in the process; and he produces assists regularly, and actually still scores a reasonable number of goals. Many supporters do not seem to appreciate all these qualities enough IMHO.
However, I also admit he is not very clinical and he is not very fast, and his technical ability is good but not brilliant. I reckon he will always be our marmite player: some will love him and others will want to see him on the bench at best.
His big plus is that he allows us to play 4-5-1 which I still think is the best formation for sustained success for Arsenal. Surprisingly, there are not many CF’s around who can play that role as well as Giroud can, and are willing to sacrifice their normal striker instincts and needs to such a large extent as is expected by Wenger.
Three things are clear to me:
Ozil is learning to play with OG as our ‘holding striker’ and has some way to go;
OG is not the sort of striker who can take full advantage of Ozil’s vision and passing ability.
There is potential for a clash of styles here and, as a result, a risk of frustrating/not getting the best out of Ozil in the process.
My question to you fine, fellow Gooners is, how can we get the best out of both players’ fantastic attributes:
Which formation should we play?
Should they play together at all?
Who should play around them to get the best value out of both players – do we need to buy or is there a solution within the current squad?
Let me open with a disclaimer. This article is not based on any news, be it rumor or fact. All I did here was have a look at the two best strikers that could be available in January and knowing we are in need there, I chose to analyze the two best options and what they’d bring to Arsenal. I reiterate we aren’t linked with them in any way (and if we are, I am not aware) so this article is purely a ‘what if’ scenario.
That said, it’s very rare to find top quality strikers available in ANY transfer market, let alone a January one. In this one, there are two; Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski. Same age but very different styles of play. Let me begin with Benzema.
I’ve been a long time fan of Benzema, since he played for Lyon and scored both home and away against Man Utd. Benzema AT HIS BEST is a striker few (if any) defenders can handle. This is because he has it all. Pace, dribbling skill, fantastic ball control, power, aerial ability, intelligence, a commendable degree of ambidexterity, team play, passing and finally, finishing. When he played for Lyon, he looked like he was (at 19 years old) a player set for world domination. His first season at Real Madrid showed signs of that continued promise but since then he never really hit those heights again.
Don’t get me wrong he always returns 15+ goals a season which is not too bad but for a player with his capability, it really should be double that. To be fair to him, he plays for Real Madrid which has CR7 as their main man. Add that to the fact that history has shown much like Chelsea, some players just don’t do well there ( ask Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and company) and maybe it is just a case of being in the wrong team. That said, its is difficult to ignore his glaring inconsistency while there. He will score 5 goals in 3 games then go on a 5 game goal drought.
Also, over the years he has suffered attitude problems but this looks to be a thing of the past. Therein lies the problem for me. Ideally, he would fit seamlessly into our side but he is an unknown quantity (as per now). Thing is he is still not yet in his prime so Arsene can turn him into a world beater like he did Henry. And believe me, all the qualities are there. In fact given the midfield we have, it could take him very little time to adapt.
Then there’s Lewandowski. He is a very different kettle of fish to Benzema. Lewandowski reminds me of Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Except he is better at holding up play. Lewie is not the fastest of players but he is ruthlessly lethal. In fact if I didn’t know better I’d think that rather than normal training, Klopp locks him in a room where he undergoes non stop target practice. Lewandowski does not suffer goal droughts simply because his intelligence levels are sky high. He guarantees 30+ goals every season.
My issue with Lewie is that he is a poacher, pure and simple. He has scored roughly 90 something goals the past 3 seasons but there are a fistful (if any) spectacular goals because what he does best is finish off moves. If you look at Arsenal’s recent history, there aren’t any poachers save for Eduardo so would he fit in? But then again, with the midfield we have, do we really need anything more? Besides Lewie is still 25, so he still has room to learn new tricks..
Anyway I put this question out to you. Which of the two (given the choice) would you rather see playing at Arsenal and why?
Over the past few weeks I have read various posts and had numerous discussions about how Santi (last season’s best player) and Ozil (our new record signing) would play together in the Arsenal team when they are both fit and firing. This is a discussion based on the fact that when both of them are fit and in form, they are both indispensable. Many have argued that one might have to step down for the other, while others believe they can be played side by side. I’m here to give you my take on things.
Let me begin by declaring that Mesut and Santi can, and probably will, be played together to form a midfield that can be arguably in the same league as Barcelona’s, once they gel. How? You may ask. Well, it’s actually rather simple. Santi will be played on the left with Ozil in that number 10 role. Many people have argued that moving Santi to the left takes some sting out of him, but these are people who I’m beginning to think don’t watch Arsenal too keenly.
The movement in our midfield is incredible (and so is Ozil’s). You see, the German is not like the Cesc Fabregas/Paul Scholes kind of player who will occupy the middle of the park and dominate it quite statically. He is more of the Cazorla kind of player who will pop up anywhere he will find space to cause damage. Case in point, on his debut, his assist came from the left. Both chances he created for Theo were from the middle. Against Napoli, he assisted from the right.
This typifies his game. He moves all over the pitch.
This is perfect because Santi is the same and this means that he may start from the left, but during the game you will definitely see a lot of interchange and by the end they will both have played everywhere. It makes us even more potent because they will share the creative burden, and it is likely that they will be even more prolific goal scorers because they give each other the freedom to get into dangerous positions.
This combination has the potential to be devastating. It could make us unplayable simply, because having two players of that kind of ilk play together could mean that we dominate games, sometimes without even trying.
Add Ramsey, Theo and Flamini to that and you realize that this form we’ve seen of late is still second gear. Once Theo begins scoring, Ramsey/Flamini keep up their form, and even possibly improve, and Santi and Ozil click, we will turn up the heat for sure.
With that midfield, Theo can occupy the CF position even more during games because of the license to roam he will be given by his midfielders. I know Santi isn’t exactly match fit but I’d still like to see him link with Ozil on Saturday.
The combination of keeping the squad together, adding steel with the re-signing of the Flame, and adding another footballing dimension with the arrival of the Ozicle, has led to vastly improved football, both in terms of gathering points and, at least occasionally, by playing some very easy on the eye stuff.
After two years of struggling to play anything like Wengerball, we appear to be getting back on the dance floor again. And Arsenal have been doing this with the fine dancers of Podolski, Cazorla, the Ox and Theo not even on the bench in recent weeks. With the imminent return to fitness of at least two of the above mentioned players, the entertainment level/ beauty of our football is likely to increase further. Happy Happy days for us Gooners.
The prospect of Ozil, Jack, Aaron, Santi and Theo playing together properly and fully fit, is simply fantastic. And the likes of Rosicky, Podolski, Ox and Gnabry etc will also add further rhythm and soul to the party.
If that was not enough, Arsene still has a bag of gold coins stuck under his desk, and with Arsenal now looking closer to winning silverware, and with the ‘attraction’ of Ozil in our team, we might well be able to spend it wisely once more during the next transfer window.
As suggested by some BK regulars, it would be interesting to discuss who we feel would both add real value to the team and help us to return to true Viennese Wengerball.
With Ramsey currently shining in the box to box position, and more options available for this position, I don’t see how we can make a huge improvement there.
With Ozil playing in the hole and the likes of Rosicky and Jack able to play there as well, I don’t think we should buy another nr.10 right now. And with Giroud starting to show more and more mastery of the holding striker position, I personally would not want us to buy a replacement for him, although we do need good back up for him.
On the ‘wings’ we have a number of players who can play there effectively, especially in our current formation of 4-2-1-3 (and sometimes, 4-5-1). We have Podolski, Theo, Ox, Gnabry, Santi and one or two others who play there. But none of them bar Gnabry, and to some extent Theo, has all the required skills to play as a more traditional winger. And at times we appear to miss this added dimension to our football.
In my view, if we want to get even closer to proper Wengerball football we need to add a quality winger, so we at least have the option to operate one wing properly (if and when required).
It would be good to hear whether you believe a new, top quality, traditional winger is indeed what we need right now; and if so, who you would like to join us.
And if it is not a winger for you, then tell us which position you would want to strengthen and with whom.
As always, it is just a bit of fun to make us forget the dullness of the inter-lull! 🙂
One of the most intriguing footballers is without any doubt, Nicklas Bendtner. The tall Dane is a footballer with a decent amount of talent, and what appears to be a boundless amount of confidence. I say appears to be, as the few highly confident people I know don’t seem to need to tell everybody in the world how great they are (going to be); and I have a feeling that deep down he is not that confident at all. It is all show with Nicklas Bendtner.
But he somehow convinced Wenger, and many others, of his great potential. Arsene gave him a number of chances to deliver on his self-proclaimed imminent greatness. In between ’07-’10, NB52 played 81 league games for Arsenal in which he scored just 20 goals: 0.25 goals per game. In the following three season, he played only 54 games – for Arsenal, Sunderland and Juventus – hitting the net on the inside a meagre ten times.
Bendtner is now 25 and looks totally lost. Life seems to have become unbearably light for him. He is still under contract with Arsenal and, as a result, draws a large weekly salary; and there is nothing for him to worry about. If he had any ambition, any drive, he would already have signed somewhere else, where he can put his sleeves up and works his socks off to somehow get back to playing proper football again.
Instead, he smells the place out like Sunday morning Danish Blue leftovers. A few clubs have put their neck out and tried to sign him this summer, so it appears. But every time his bloated ego, adorned by his preposterous wage demands, stands in the way from giving his football career another go. The man truly does not know any humility and neither does he have any real sense how lucky he is to have made it into the top echelon of football.
After his loan fiascos at Sunderland, and especially at Juventus, only very few clubs will be tempted to sign him up on loan again this season. But I cannot see him move anywhere, and I reckon the Malaga rumours will remain just that.
He has got 11 months left on his contract, and he clearly has made no attempt whatsoever to fight for his a place at Arsenal. So, what is going to happen next with Nicklas Bendtner?
His one saving grace is his international career for Denmark. There still will be clubs out there who will want to take the gamble on him, but it is highly unlikely the haughty Dane will consider them anywhere near good enough for him.
I reckon, if he is not sold or gone on loan before the TW has finished, Arsene should give him ball collecting duties for the squad for the remainder of his contract.
But what would you like to do with our Great Dane?
No need to worry about defence or attack, the key area in need of progress lays in midfield!
It is only early days, but those first two friendlies are showing us we might be okay with scoring goals this season. I have argued in a recent post it is quite likely that Giroud, Podolski and Theo will score significantly more goals next season. The first two have now settled in the PL and are entering their very best years, and our young English winger/striker is getting better and more productive every season.
If Cazorla can equal his PL goal scoring tally of last season, then between the four of him, Pod, Giroud and Theo they could score in excess of 60 goals next season (compared to 48 last season). I am going to make a statement by saying we will be fine up-front next season and there is no need to buy a superstar striker.
If we can get a top, top established striker who is PASSIONATE to come and join Arsenal this season then let’s go for him. But I don’t get the feeling Higuain, Rooney or Suarez have Arsenal on top of their wish lists, and if so, I don’t want them; they can sod off.
However, we DO need back up: one or two players who can come off the bench, or start the occasional game, and can hit the ground running. A Michu, Demba Ba or Benteke would do fine for us.
I am also happy with our defence now, although I would welcome a fourth CB as, unfortunately, Miquel does not look ready yet.
The key really lays in midfield. We have fantastic footballers, and if one day they all manage to be fit, we’ll have one of the best midfields in the country.
I have little doubt that Arsene will continue with his double-DM pivot of Arteta and Ramsey. I really want us to buy a ‘beast’/classical DM who can play a bit of footie too, and this might still happen, but it is more likely we will get somebody who can be back up to the Spaniard and Welshman.
With Le Coq out on loan, Diaby out injured and Frimpong’s future uncertain we are light in this area. Wilshere can play in the double-DM pivot, but other than him, Arsenal have no quality defence-minded midfielders available. Unless, of course, Arsene will move Vermaelen or Sagna in midfield if and when required.
But let’s say we will be a bit lucky with injuries next season and even see one of the youngsters step up from time to time; let’s say we will be fine in midfield from a defensive point of view so we can focus on another key requirement for our midfield.
The bigger question is who is going to score goals from midfield next season?
If we take out Arteta’s penalty goals, Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky and Arteta scored less than 5 PL goals between them last season! Luckily, Cazorla scored plenty – 12 PL goals in total – but he was often deployed more as an attacker than a midfielder.
We need more goals from our central midfielders and it is hard to tell whether we’ll see progress next season.
Arteta and Rosicky are not getting any younger and the former is deployed too deep to get himself in scoring positions often enough, whilst the latter lacks consistency in terms of finishing chances.
Will we get more goals from Wilshere and Ramsey next season? Well, if they are going to make it at Arsenal, we will need to see goals from both of them more regularly now.
I reckon, if Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey and Wilshere (and maybe Diaby in the second part of the season, and Eisfeld if given a proper chance now) can score twenty goals between them, Arsenal will win the PL next season.
Our defence and attack will continue and further improve from last season’s performances; I have little doubt about that.
But will our midfield be able to deliver 20 PL goals without us buying one or two experienced, quality mid-twenties midfield players who can hit the ground running and score goals regularly?
That my Gooner friends, is the question I am putting to you tonight! 🙂
Written by Total Arsenal.
Please note, I am considering Ox as an attacker rather than a central midfielder, but this could change next season.
As always, I am going to pick a piece of transfer news that has been doing the rounds and analyze it a little. I’m sure you’ve all heard the Suarez rumours, and Wenger’s conspicuous failure to rule them out, will most definitely fuel them even further over the next few weeks. I expect him to have done a few medicals (like Higuain did) by the time August checks in. Jokes aside, though, I’d like to have a keen look at Luis Suarez as a player, and where he would fit in our line up.
The name Luis Suarez is synonymous with controversy. I mean with his deliberate hand balls, diving, and poorly thought out rants on the media, and most recently biting, it is easy to see why he is one of the most hated players in world football.
I can tell you for a fact that Africa hasn’t forgiven him for his handball in the 2010 world cup against Ghana in the quarter finals that denied them the goal that would have sent them into the last four (and probably will not for a very long time) . One thing is sure; Suarez is an unpredictable and very volatile character which makes him a massive risk to take. You do not need to look past his current 10 game ban in the EPL for biting Chelsea’s Ivanovic to see my point. I mean seriously, who does that?
That said, you can not question his talent, skill, ability and commitment on the field. In fact I’m going to play devils advocate for a minute here and say that all these antics of his stem from his desire to win.
If you think about it, his handball against Ghana sent Uruguay into the semi’s. Had that ball gone in, Uruguay were out. His diving have led many times to penalties being awarded and goals being scored. I’m not saying that these are good things; I’m just saying that his hunger for success is there for all to see. That is a character you want in your line up. Then there is his loads and loads and truck loads of talent and skill. There are few forwards as skilled as he is in the EPL, if any. He scores all kinds of goals, makes plenty of assists and is an all round, fantastic player.
Now comes the part where I look at him in the context of Arsenal football club. The first thing that I have to point out is that Suarez is not the out and out forward we are looking for. He is not at all a target man rather plays best alongside one. Most of his goals last season were scored at an angle because he spends a lot of his time on the flanks. He is one of the most effectively mobile players I’ve seen in world football. His body size also hinders him from being the kind of out and out striker Drogba was. However this means nothing. Suarez would most probably have been the golden boot holder had he not been given his ban.
Right now, Arsenal need a proper centre forward, and Higuain is still my first choice. I have however been campaigning for us to acquire a player to complete that attacking trio upfront with Jovetic being my preference. That is of course before Wenger called Suarez a ”realistic target” a couple of days ago.
Suarez is 26, at the peak of his powers. He showed last season that he is the best scorer in the league. He is fast, skilful, an absolutely fantastic passer (and crosser) of the ball. His acquisition would translate to instant goals, plain and simple. In fact I’ll argue and say if he could achieve what he did at Liverpool, imagine his output when played alongside Wilshere and Santi. Ideally we are talking 30+ goals a season.
To conclude this brief post I am going to tie everything I’ve said together. Suarez has already come out and called us out by name as a big club. He has shown that he wouldn’t mind playing for us at all. He would cost a whopping 35-40 million pounds. Reports suggest that we’ve had a 30 million offer rejected. IF this is true then we ARE capable of getting him. It would just take selling Gervinho (who is currently in the middle of a bidding war between Roma and Marseille) for anywhere between 8-10 million, and we are home and dry.
Therefore, Arsenal should first and foremost complete this Higuain transfer that has made me grow grey hairs at my tender age. He should be the one leading the line next season. Then, acquire Suarez (if we can) who would play to the left of Higuain. This would mean that Higuain would be our centre forward, flanked by Walcott and Suarez. Behind them Wilshere, Santi and a new DM.
This is ambitious; I know, but bear with me. This is a Champions League contending if not winning team. It would INSTANTLY give us the best attack in the EPL and with the acquisition of a proper DM, one of the best (if not the best) midfield. Suarez would need some work on his volatility but to me he is a risk worth taking. I mean we would blow other teams out of the water (I’m even getting excited thinking about it).
Realistically speaking though, given Arsene’s comment I would rate the rumour at 5/10 and the chance of it actually happening at 3/10.
Bergkampesque 