I started this litle article in SFB in the pretext to highlight the significance of the financial problems faced by Arsenal and had subsequently affect the team’s performace.

Point: Arsenal’s board lead by Peter Hill-Wood and Co has not kept his promise to hand Wenger and the fans the supposed budget to buy players.

30/08/2008: Hill-Wood says Arsenal have plenty of money to spend and that Wenger’s critics should stop telling the Frenchman how to do his job. He said: “Everyone tells Arsene how he ought to run the place but no-one is a better judge than him. “We have plenty of money and enough to spend.

19/12/08: Arsenal’s Board have made it clear that funds are available should he wish to spend them next month. Indeed, some reports have suggested that Wenger has been urged to splash the cash by the Club’s hierarchy. At his pre-match press conference, the manager reiterated that HE has the final decision over potential reinforcements. “They [the Board] let me do what I want to do,” said Wenger. “I know how much money I can spend and I will try to do it in a wise way.”

23/12/08: Arsène Wenger admits he is more likely to enter the transfer market next month in the wake of Cesc Fabregas’ knee injury. “Yes [I am more likely to buy], but we also have internal solutions so we are not desperate because of that,” said Wenger.

02/01/09: Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood admits manager Arsene Wenger has a limited budget for the January market. “I don’t think there is a lot of money anywhere,” Hill-Wood said in the papers. “One has got to look ahead - in the future there is probably not going to be much more money coming in.

04/01/09: The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is on a collision course with his higher-ups over the modest transfer budget he has been given this winter. The Frenchman is eager to sign Andrei Arshavin, but Zenit St Petersburg are demanding in excess of €20 million for their star forward - a figure the Gunners have thus far been unable to match.

The North London club have always maintained that they will back Wenger to the hilt in the transfer market, although that claim has rarely been tested due to the gaffer’s low-budget, youth-oriented approach. But now that the ex-Monaco boss has set his sights on a big-money target, the Emirates board are unwilling to free up the funds required to seal the deal. This is is not the first report of friction between Wenger and his bosses to emerge this season. Indeed, it is has been whispered that the 59-year-old could break his contract with Arsenal to join Real Madrid next summer. That remains the remotest of remote possibilities, but if the Gunners fail to secure Champions League qualification this term - they currently sit fifth in the Premier League table - their long-serving manager could consider his options.

May we know where are the 50 million pounds that the board has promised us? Where are the support that was supposedly promised to Wenger, now that we want a player?

We need an answer. Should the fans demonstrate against the Board? SoccerFanBase seeks your valuable opinions.

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Hello everyone, first things first, an introduction. I am the writer of the football blog They Think It’s All Over… and Abayomi has kindly asked me to write weekly blogs on this site. I am a huge Evertonian and so my blogs will focus on football happenings on the blue half of Merseyside, and I do try and write fairly and without bias, but as you will all know, sometimes one’s heart can get the better of you, so I apologise in advance in case that happens. I hope you enjoy reading what I have to say, please leave comments and visit me at my site if you do!

To business then, and I intend today to put forth an argument in contradiction of one of football’s great old sayings, that ‘the league table doesn’t lie’. If we are thinking entirely literally, to challenge it seems insanity itself. The league table displays the stats of each team in accordance with how they have performed that season, it doesn’t make them up, and so it doesn’t lie. However, if one considers the league table to be an indicator of which teams are the best, I believe that, on occasion, it can be found to be fallacious.

The point of this argument and the relation it holds to my club, Everton, is that I firmly believe that Everton are a better team than Aston Villa. Villa currently occupy the fifth spot (but will perhaps move back to fourth once they play Hull City later today) while Everton are in sixth. Thus many would argue that Aston Villa are, at present, superior to Everton as a team. This is probably the view of the media too, who have been quick to praise Martin O’Neill’s men this season, as they have indeed put in some impressive displays.

There is even serious suggestion that Aston Villa may do the unthinkable and break the monopoly of the ‘big four’ on the Champions League places this season, probably at Arsenal’s expense. And I must concede, Villa have had a blinding season so far. Picking up points against most of the ‘big four’ and looking very impressive in beating the lower sides too, they certainly are a forced to be reckoned with. But I don’t think they’re better than Everton.

You see, Everton haven’t had a very good season so far. We haven’t really got into our stride form-wise, and our best players especially have taken a long time to get going - they are now starting to, but so far, the likes of Mikel Arteta and Joleon Lescott have been below par, as was Yakubu, before he got injured.

And there’s another point, injuries. Now one cannot make excuses and I am not trying to do so, there is no gurantee that we would have fared any better without the injury troubles we’ve had. But I think it is fair to think it entirely likely that if we had had slightly better luck with injuries, we may have fared a tad better so far this term. I mean, what team wouldn’t suffer with injuries to the likes of Cahill, Arteta and Yakubu? As well as others to Pienaar, Osman, Anichebe, Vaughan, Valente and more at other times? There has not been a single game this season when Moyes has not been forced to name a teenager amongst his substitutes, and while we have some great young talent (boy, do we!), it can leave you short of experienced options, which are important.

But aside from a lack of form and troubles with injury, it was the start of the season that really struck us down. We had a very unsettled summer. Huge frustration in the transfer market led to the season beginning without any major signings and then in the last few hours we payed a hell of a lot for a big Belgian fella’ with funny hair. Don’t get me wrong, Fellaini has done well since he joined, but it wasn’t the Summer we all pictured after last season’s fifth place finish.

But then, we are not a club who has ever had a lot of money to spend. Moyes spent fifteen million (ish) on Fellaini and pretty much bugger all else on the others, and that has probably done us for the season. But aside from financial stringencies (which in the current economic climate are looking more and more sensible as time goes on) we had the other upsets of a manager hesitant to sign a new contract and a stadium move that was flickering on and off more than a bloody strobe light.

Moyes’ indecision over whether to put pen to paper on his contract was bemusing. He stated a number of times that everything was essentially in place and so we were just thinking ‘well just sign the damned thing then’. But it rumbled on and on and it got to the point where I actually thought that the best young manager in the country (go on, challenge that statement) might leave our club. Whether it was a lack of transfer funds or just a genuine patch of cold feet we may never know, but certainly, since he signed, we have gone uphill quite quickly. A bit of stability goes a long way at a football club.

The other thing was the ground move. I for one am hesitant to leave Goodison, especially for somewhere outside the city, but it seems the club are keen and we ‘need’ to so they pushed on. Unfortunately it all seems to have gone tits up and has left a rather bitter atmosphere around the club. None of this should affect the players really, because as long as they have a pitch to play on, that should be enough, but somehow in football, if there is unrest at a club at all, it does tend to filter through and have an effect on the playing staff.

All in all then, things were looking a bit grim. And then we had a very dodgy start to the season, and as we were holding our heads in our hands thinking things couldn’t get any worse, we went out of Europe. For me, that was a big thing. We got a really tough draw against Standard Liege, incredibly tough compared to the other English clubs, especially considering we were the top English qualifier and Man City snuck in because they ‘play fair’ (what a load of nonsense that is, just by the way).

We gave Liege a run for their money, but fair play to them, those Belgians are a top side and deserve to be in the UEFA Cup group stages as much as we do, which is a lot. Either way, the competition was going to lose a good team and we were it in the end. And that was disappointing for the club. We had such a great run in it last season, losing only on penalties to Fiorentina after having beaten the eventual champions Zenit St. Petersburg relatively comfortably in the group stages. To then find ourselves with no hope of repeating the adventure gave the club a huge dent to morale.

And we have a history in that department. A few years ago, after we finished fourth (yes, it HAS been done before, thank you very much) and qualified for the Champions League, we were all set for a rollicking good time in Europe when we crashed out. Drawn against (another toughy) Villareal we were unfortunate to be knocked out after Duncan Fergson had a goal calamitously ruled out in what was, without doubt, the worst decision in the career of the world’s best ever referee, old beady eyes himself, Pierre Luigi Collina.

Bounced into the UEFA Cup we then fell at the first hurdle against Dynamo Bucaresti (I think, but don’t quote me on it) and found ourselves not in Europe at all, despite our magnificent fourth place finish. That then had the added knock on effect of causing the players to lose morale almost completely and have a very stuttery first half of the season, almost like we have this time around, after again going out in the first round of the UEFA Cup.

So there we go, a (not so) brief summary of the various things that may have impacted on our season in a negative way so far. I say again, these are not excuses. There is no guarantee that things would have happened differently under different circumstances and many of them were our own doing, or at least avoidable, but I think it is fair to say that all of them, to some extent, may have hindered our progress through this season’s Premier League campaign.

And so we return, eventually but inevitably, to the reason behind this whole article. Because Villa haven;t had any of these problems really. They’ve had a few injuries, but who doesn’t? And it’s been nothing on the scale of what we have suffered. Their best players (indeed most of their players) have not been struggling for form. Gaby Agbonlahor have set the League alight and even earned the privilege of being mentioned in the same breath as ridiculous and doubtlessly career ruining moves to some of Europe’s top clubs in the English press.

They don’t have any particular financial worries either. Indeed, their foreign owner is probably the sort of foreign owner that Carlsberg would profess to provide (that is; the best foreign owner in the world). He does not lavish them with money and it’s good friend, pressure, but he provides for them what they need, and has the sensible nature to not mess around with affairs that are beyond his expertise. That meant that Villa had a good little summer, bringing in a few players to add good strength in depth to an already promising squad, without upsetting the apple cart by splashing out massively, as say, Tottenham did.

A much more accommodating draw in the UEFA Cup first round meant that they didn’t have much trouble getting into the competition proper and avoided the sort of blow to morale that has affected my club. All in all then, Villa’s path through this season has been altogether smoother than Everton’s rather bumpy one. Which suggests, to me, that the league table does, on occasion, lie.

I’m not saying categorically that Aston Villa are worse than Everton. Nor am I denying that on current form, Villa are superior to my beloved Toffees. But what I will contest is the assertions made by certain elements of the English media that Villa are the most worthy and most likely challengers to England’s ‘big four’. For one thing, people easily forget that we did in fact break the monopoly a few seasons ago. And for another, I think we are just as likely to do it again, as Villa are to do it.

Because if one takes away all the factors that I discussed above, Everton’s season would perhaps have panned out slightly differently. Because although we have had a poor start to the season form wise, we are still in sixth position. We are still only three points (maybe six by tonight) behind Villa themselves. We are still very much in touch for the European places. Imagine then, if our season had been as smooth as Villa’s. We could be well up there with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd as well as that other Merseyside club. You know the ones I mean.

So for people to jump to the conclusion that Villa are the best team outside the ‘big four’ is to make a mistake I think. It is to do us a bit of an injustice. Because yes, they have been great, and yes, they hold their current position on merit, but, the league table doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story. Everton’s season has been blighted by disturbances and they are not reflected in the table, nor should they be. But I think the table may read differently if they had not occurred.

So before jumping on the Villa bandwagon, I say, give it some time. Let the road run it’s course. We have had our fair share of bumps and hopefully will not suffer too many more. Villa may have a few around the corner, and the true test will be if they can stand up to them as well and as successfully as Everton have so far. Villa and Everton are two very, very strong teams and I think they will push the ‘big four’ all the way. Let us wait and see the final league table before we make our final judgements though, because that table is one that doesn’t often lie, I will grant you that much.

Thank you for reading, I hope you found it worthwhile. Please visit my site if you did, by clicking the banner below. Cheers.

The header says it all.

But I didn’t came up with the header for no reason. Only a real, major turning point can make me give an article a title so harsh, so clear-cut title. So what is that major turning point?

Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal.

Not convincing enough? How about this:

Clearly, Aston Villa had more chances, although they lack possession. Aston Villa should have won. What? Oh my gosh.

In the past it’s always Arsenal being in Aston Villa’s position, having lots of chances, dominating possession but they just somehow, someway, doesn’t get the win they deserve. Examples include the match against Stoke and some will argue Sunderland and Hull. This time it’s Aston Villa who have lots of shots, forcing Almunia to make saves, and the defence to be tested to the limit.

Kudos to Sagna

Yep, kudos to him. Man of the Match in my opinion. In attack he was delivering crosses, and at the back he was making superb clearances and well-timed tackles. For now I would say he’s better than Clichy, as he’s more consistent, and defending or attacking is a no-problem for him.

Sagna - Better than Clichy

Diaby

I had to write an article specially on him just for his incredible backheel-plus-nutmeg. Check it out.

Ashley Young’s one of the hottest youngsters at the moment

The Ronaldo Impersonation attempt

Last season he already drew media attention with his performances, but this season he establish himself as a key man behind Aston Villa’s attack. Perhaps one of the players that is responsible for the league position Villa are in, he’s fast, he dribbles well, he’s an expert freekick taker, he can score and he can create. What more do you ask from a 23 year-old winger? And honestly his dressing style kinda reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo, you know, the long socks and the shirt sleeves. No wonder Real Madrid wants him. Can’t get the original? Then go for the imitation!

Don’t bother aruging, it WAS a penalty

Yes, it was a penalty. Normally people tend to use excuses such as poor refereeing to blame for their under-performance, but it is a penalty, and long time watchers of football should be able to tell that Gallas’ tackle had no contact with the ball, and it was an obvious penalty. I don’t really blame Gallas for that though, he was just unlucky that it wasn’t somebody else committing the tackle.

Back to the title

Back to my heading. So Arsenal fans, i suggest you stop talking or thinking about winning the league and how you all “still stand a chance”. It’s over, and I can only imagine Arsenal getting as far as 3rd. In fact they should even be happy they can qualify for the Champions League, because Aston Villa’s a really good team this season, and i would expect a close fight between the Villains and the Gunners, just like how they did with Spurs 2 years ago.

Remember the kiss on Highbury's turf that just got Arsenal into the Champions League? Expect the same this season, just that it's gonna be a slap on the face

I want to hear from all the Arsenal fans out there. Surely you feel the same way I do? Or you still stubbornly think that Arsenal can still win the league? Tell me more in the comments box.

Dariano

Abou Diaby.

Years ago he he would be associated with the “Alex Songs” and “Amaury Bischoff” kind of players today, if you know what I mean. That means, if he was injured, it wouldn’t be such a big heartbreak of Fabregas’ proportions. If you’re still so “old school” and feels it’s the same Diaby now, then watch how he played in Aston Villa vs Arsenal. Maybe he didn’t really put up a “hero of the day” performance (that title goes to Sagna), but that backheel of his, oh it was sensational. One of the best in recent times perhaps.

The big thing about it isn’t the backheel itself, it was the player who executes it. Abou Diaby. What in the world? You kidding me?

This kid has really gone a long way, years ago he was “strictly right-footed” and could only operate in the centre. But now, he’s two-footed, left foot, right foot, no problem. When he first came to Arsenal he was dubbed the “new Patrick Vieira” by Arsene Wenger. Okay, I know Vieira outmuscles guys, has long legs, can head well, but I didn’t know he could do a fantastic backheel-plus-nutmeg. Diaby can. it shows how good Arsene Wenger is at re-training players, and how good Diaby really is, let’s just say Diaby’s potential is a treasure chest, and Arsene Wenger is the key to unlocking it. Not every manager has the right key, but Arsene Wenger owns Diaby’s.

For those who didn’t see the goal, maybe I will post a video. But for now, I will tell you exactly what he did.

Diaby was shielding the ball from Curtis Davies, and out of nowhere, he does a clever backheel, nutmegs Davies in the process, and got onto the ball. He then finds Eboue, and credit to Eboue, for bringing the ball into the box and executing a pin-point, perfect pass to Diaby, who then finishes it pass Brad Friedel. Mind you, Adebayor needs a couple of clear cut chances to score, but he only needs one.

Oooh what a goal. Sadly it wasn’t enough for Arsenal to get a win, or else he would be making headlines.

Dariano

Although it sounds rather absurd and stupid, there were rumours that Arsenal may be signing Liverpool’s Robbie Keane, as Keane hasn’t played the football and scored the goals he wanted to in Liverpool. And the ironic thing is, Keane was the one who scored a stunning goal in Liverpool’s match against Arsenal.

But the chances of him moving is really slim. Liverpool wouldn’t really just sell a player they bought for 20 million after half a season. It’s not a smart financial move, and seeing Arsenal and Liverpool are rivals (not the right time too, 20 years ago, everybody know what Michael Thomas did), Liverpool wouldn’t want to sell and the asking price may be high. And will the fans accept it too? I don’t know. This is a man who once played for Arsenal’s fiercest rival, Tottenham Hotspurs, and he may have changed club, but the history is still there.

Finally, Robbie Keane’s goal against Arsenal was fantastic, and that may just be what Keane needs to start his goalscoring run.

So from what I think Robbie Keane won’t be moving.

So, the Champions League draw have been over, and I have to admit one of the most anticipated matches is Inter vs Man Utd. Italian champions vs English champions. I’m an Arsenal fan, so I’m rather happy about it. Man Utd think they are the best, well eat this! Let’s see how you get past Inter.

But there is another fixture I’m very much looking forward to. Roma vs Arsenal. Why? Both are my favourite teams, and they are 2 very similar clubs. Mirror image in other words.

Firstly, both clubs are having some financial problem. Which is the reason why both clubs doesn’t spend big. Look at the players Arsenal and Roma have signed in the past few seasons: While big stars like Cristian Chivu left, instead of getting a big money replacement Luciano Spalleti got Juan for a mere 6.3 million euros. When the legend of Arsenal, Thierry Henry left, many people was thinking whether his replacement could lived up to expectations. Arsene Wenger chose to fork out only 8 million to sign Eduardo Da Silva, and although he’s injured at the moment, his future looks bright.

Secondly, both clubs have been praised for their brilliant attacking football. Arsenal was believed to have played the best football ever seen in England during their “Invincibles” season (2003/04), and up till today they do just that. Roma have been praised by pundits for playing exciting, attacking football since Luciano Spalleti took over and deployed the 4-5-1 formation. Normally in football it’s “the beauty vs the beast”, but I believe in this match, both clubs will be known as “the beauties” and will be fighting their asses off.

Roma's golden boy, Francesco Totti

Lastly, both clubs have their own “star talisman” of the team. Francesco Totti have always been associated with AS Roma, and up till today the fans still “worship” him. Francesc Fabregas, although only 21 years of age, has been one of the most popular players in Arsenal at the moment, and seeing how similar both players’ style of play are, it’s certainly a battle of the golden boys. However years ago this could be even more intense, when Thierry Henry was still at Arsenal. I’m sure about 4 years ago everybody wanted to see the 2 best strikers at their peak facing each other on the football field. What a match it would be.

Arsenal's club legend, Thierry Henry

Dariano

Do you agree with me that arsenal and Roma are actually very similar? Or do you feel there’s actually another Serie A club that is even more identical with Arsenal (eg. Juventus?)? Tell me below in the comments box or register at our forum, it’s fast and easy. Thanks for reading.

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green should be given another chance at international level according to his manager Gianfranco Zola. The Hammers boss says that Fabio Capello should do ‘the right thing’ and call up Green for the next England squad.

The 28-year-old only has one England cap to his name and this came back in May 2005 when he was still a Norwich City player. Capello hasn’t named him in any of his squads since March with David James, Paul Robinson, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland all seemingly above him in the pecking order.

According to Zola though, this needs to change soon and Green should get the ‘rewards he deserves’ for the fine form he has been showing for West Ham in recent weeks. Zola went on to say that Green is looking ‘very comfortable’ in his game right now and that as long as this form continues in the coming weeks, England will come calling.

In fairness to the West Ham keeper, he has helped his side go three Premier League games without conceding a goal. The latest came at Anfield on Monday night where Green made a number of fine saves to prevent Liverpool taking the lead.

Personally, I have always been a very big fan of Robert Green. He has all the credentials to be a top-class keeper and deserves more of a chance at international level. The fact that Carson – who has made mistakes in his last two England appearances - is ahead of him beggars belief.

Then there is the injury prone Kirkland and the inconsistent Robinson to contend with, but to be completely honest – Green is far more reliable than these two. I’d much rather place a football bet on England keeping a clean sheet if Green was between the posts. Just give him that chance Fabio!

The problem for Green at the moment though is that there isn’t an international game for a while yet. England’s next fixture is a friendly against Slovakia at Wembley in March. I suppose all Green can do it continue to impress for West Ham and make it impossible for Capello to leave him out of the picture again.

There is no doubt that Green has the confidence of his club manager; it just seems that his international manager needs a little bit more convincing. He has the ability though and I for one hope he is England’s top keeper by the time 2010 comes around. Time will tell.

By Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about football betting

Curse of the Gal-less

At least one man must be smiling after Arsenal collapsed at Stadium of Manchester City and that is none other than ex-Arsenal captain, William Gallas. The former Chelsea player was axed as the Gunners captain and suspended on Friday following remarks made to the press about his team mates and was also dropped for yesterday’s trip to Manchester City, which the Gunners lost 0-3.

His defensive lapses, an infamous sulking performance against Birmingham City last season and a recent photograph of the 31-year-old with a cigarette pursed between his lips have all served to prove that he is not right for the armband. But all these actions did not break the iceberg until Gallas was dropped for revealing infighting in the dressing room and criticizing the squad’s lack of determination.

Gallas’s Brace
Some may wonder whether dropping Gallas is the right decision in the midst of turmoil. And my question is whether he was right in his outburst, to publish the dirty linen in public? Somehow, I am starting to believe to a certain extent that Gallas’s intention maybe good after all.

But at least I believe that Gallas’s words are working like a charm. As a gooner, I hate to say Wenger is wrong but I know Gallas is right when we are trophies-less already in the fourth season since we won the FA Cup in 2005. In my view, his motive wasn’t wrong as he needs to give Arsenal a wake-up call. As the team captain then, he has the every right to remind them of their shortcomings. His method probably isn’t right, but I guess that is the only way to highlight the significant of the problem.

Facing the Music

But again, few can tolerate his actions which is not acceptable as a captain of a “Big-Four” team much less a player. Two years ago, I was laughing my guts off at my Chelsea mate for the decision of selling Gallas in the Ashley Cole part exchange with additional 5 million. But now, I guess my Chelsea friend has the last laugh.
At the moment, the storm won’t subside until the mess gets cleared. Should Gallas apologize and make up, could we see him enough and face his manager and team-mates. Or will he just sulking for the rest of the season.

Either way, William Gallas’s future in the club would definitely in a doubt after all he had done and even if he doesn’t speak up today. Heads are expected to roll soon, and Gallas could be the first to face the guillotine.

To have something like this to happen is not a bad thing to an already soul-less team. I don’t know whether it is a blessing in disguise but one thing for sure Gallas is not the talisman of the team. And only time will tells.

Gunny

You can discuss more about this topic in our forum!

3-0

Money CAN buy you trophies, if not matches

Some says this match was a match of “Rich vs Poor”, but Man City just shut the hell up of Arsenal. They beat them 3-0, so what could Arsenal say?

Excuses, yet flaws

Last season, Arsenal had to learn it the hard way. This season, they wanted to learn the same thing again. And that is, you need to have backups. Good backups. Come on Bendtner (Read below)? Song and Denilson?  Djourou and Silvestre? If they were in the first-team Arsenal would have been relegated. Sign some good backups, Arsene. You can’t stand if you don’t have backbones.

Speed, speed, speed

Kudos to Man City. A 1-0 or 2-0 win even would be considered lucky by some. But 3-0? You can’t say they scored 3 lucky goals.

The main difference between Arsenal and man City is SPEED. Look at Robinho. He and his teammates counter attack with such speed and accuracy that everytime they attack they have a 45% chance of scoring. It’s because they are quick, as compared to Bendtner who can’t even hold the ball for more than 3 seconds and isn’t fast enough to beat the defenders, and they are lethal, as whenever they attack they bury their chances, unlike Bendtner (AGAIN) whom instead of aiming into the net he shoots straight to Joe Hart. Speed and accuracy, learn that Arsenal.

A new champion is crowned

In the past, Gooners always call Eboue the “worst player to have ever played for Arsenal”. This time, a new young kid from Denmark comes up and “usurp” Eboue’s throne. That kid is Niklas Bendtner. Congrats, young Dane.

This match against Man City was the crowning ceremony, the crowning of a new “champion”. Or should I say, the last few matches. Against Man Utd, against, Aston Villa and now against Man City. he barely had a dangerous shot. Specifically, he didn’t even scored a goal.

It’s really puzzling how a hot prospective 20 year-old kid could “overthrow” Eboue. Years ago, when he was playing with Birmingham, clubs all drool seeing him play. Now, he loses the ball easily, has to really improve his ball control and the only thing that could get his some goals, his head, is failing either. Yet the problem is that Arsene Wenger is playing him too quickly, but then, as if he had a choice. Arsenal had no more strikers, besides Vela. i would certainly love to see Vela play, but what’s stopping him is his experience. Yet surely I can tell he is at least 3 times better than Bendtner. Arsene should have given Bendtner more time,  don’t rush him.

Bendtner oh Bendtner

Just because it worked once doesn’t means it will work 3 times

In the match Arsenal vs Man Utd, Arsene Wenger chose to play a lone striker in Bendtner with Diaby supporting him. It worked quite well in that match and Wenger said “He may use that tactic more often.” Well, just because it worked once, it doesn’t mean it will work thrice. Knowing that it didn’t work against Aston Villa he should have reverted back to normal, then re-evaluate again. In fact I feel Diaby should be playing instead of Denilson. He’s become a good player, 2-footed, trying tricks and when he first came Wenger dubbed him “the next Patrick Vieira”, so naturally he should be made a holding midfielder and allow Fabregas to roam forward.

So after everything, it wasn’t a matter of “Rich vs Poor”.

It was a matter of “Spendthrift vs Thrifty”.

Dariano

Now, now, now. Let’s look at the table:

Some would say it’s only 13 matches played, and it’s still early in the season. But the point difference is 9, and 9 is a very big number in the premiership. In fact, Arsenal’s next match is against Chelsea. This fixture is very important because the match against Chelsea will be the answer, to whether Arsenal can still win trophies or not

The important fixture against Chelsea. Yes, Arsenal did well against Manchester United, and that was one of the best matches I’ve seen so far this season. The Chelsea match, will tell us, if they are still championship material. Of course, Chelsea is a must-win. If Arsenal loses to Chelsea, I dare say, Arsenal’s title hopes are over. Try again next year, Arsene.

Now the big question is: What is the problem with Arsenal? Well honestly speaking, the problem all lies with the manager. But to be more specific, it has 3 different reasons.

Firstly, a lack of a defensive midfielder. And I’m sure I’m not the only one complaining here. The fans told him, the players told him, the press hinted to him, yet Arsene Wenger wants to give Denilson a chance and develop him. No doubt, Denilson is a future star, but how old is he? Only 20? You must be kidding. Time and time again Wenger was always told a lack of experience was the main problem last season. And as if a 20 year-old kid has experience. Denilson is one for the future, but when asking him to play right now, he just can’t cut the mustard. Furthermore, he plays more like Fabregas or Rosicky. He’s a playmaker. Denilson’s situation is just like John Obi-Mikel’s at Chelsea; they’re both doing fine as a holding midfielder, but they fail to live up to their potential because they can do a lot more as a playmaker. In other words, waste of talent.

Secondly, SPEND, ARSENE, SPEND. You see, personally, I don’t really condone other managers spending 30 over million on a single player, I don’t really like that. But if it’s necessary, why not? In fact what I’m trying to say is not Arsene Wenger should pay 30 million for a player, but instead it’s a fact that Wenger is given 30 million to spend, but he only chose to spend 10 over million. If 1 player is worth 10 million, I don’t mind him buying 3 different players worth 30 million all together. To me, it is okay to spend 30 million on 3 players, not on a single player alone. It is clear the squad needs reinforcements. A defensive midfielder (my actual suggestion was signing Yaya Toure), a goalkeeper maybe, and more efficient backups. Instead, Arsene became a stubborn arse and sell the player who plays in the position that we need, Gilberto Silva.

Thirdly, give younger players a chance. I’m not saying that he should play the reserves, but give players like Wilshere and Vela a try. Whenever I check the player ratings for Carlos Vela it’s always “Too little time to make an impact.” He may very well be playing better than the first-team players, you’ll never know. Honestly I feel Vela should start instead of Bendtner, but Bendtner being “Arsene’s favourite boy” he gets more first-team chances when Vela is scoring a chip shot, hat-tricks, and 3-0 wins.

Red Hot Vela

Finally, Arsene Wenger. He is one stubborn arse.

“Spend, Wenger, spend!”

“Nah, we’re a selling club.”

“Play Carlos Vela!”

“Nah, he’s inexperience.”

“Sack Arsene Wenger!”

“Eh… Judge me when the season ends! Basically when we’re going trophyless, again.”

“In Arsene we trust!”

“Oooh… yeah!”

Basically you get it. The quoted lines are what some of us says (don’t take offense against the one on sacking Wenger, it’s only a joke. I myself feels he shouldn’t get sack too), while the non-quoted ones are what the Professor is saying.

Well that’s all I have to say. When I published this Arsenal’s probably facing Man City. Tell me your opinions in the comment box below. Do you agree with what I say or you feel there are other areas worth discussing? Best of luck to the Gooners. Thanks for reading!

Dariano