Arsenal is now for first time a team without stars, but perhaps more importantly with far more overall depth than in recent years.
I was seriously concerned about the departure of Van Persie, but perhaps
his departure will prove now a blessing, because we can spread our goal
scoring amongst several players rather than dependence on one.
What is perhaps more important is that we have moved away from just playing 'flair' football to a well disciplined approach to the game. For the first time in many years it is difficult to score against us. The first goal scored against us was a mistake by the goalkeeper and not the system.
Looking at our squad now the departure of any 'single star' is less likely to
impact on the morale or overall performance of the team.
There are still gaps in the squad and perhaps one or two players who need still to be offloaded, but the future looks better than for a long time.
CAN ARSENAL BECOME TROPHY WINNING TEAM?
posted on 16/9/12
Arsene's amazing, he's assembled a team on a shoestring....
posted on 16/9/12
Dubbed
We do have 'star players', but unlike RvP (at times) they have an excellent team ethic and aren't being singled out nearly as much, we're not set-up specifically for anyone any more, which does make it easier to spread the burden.
It was great when we had one star player on top form and the others feeding him, but it's even better when we have several top-class players all playing together in perfect harmony, and we didn't see that quite so much this season. When you have two players of the quality of Cazorla and Podolski immediately coming in, performing well and most importantly forming a strong partnership on the pitch, backed up by a solid defence, then it really is a pleasure to watch.
Get Giroud firing and keep Santi fit and we're title contenders IMO.
posted on 16/9/12
We have the best all round team we have had in years
posted on 16/9/12
I meant 'we didn't see this quite so much LAST season'
posted on 16/9/12
when we have a 'star' we centre the team around them. look at cesc and RVP. when we have a team of stars, we win. look at the invincibles, everyone was a star so everyone cancelled eachother out, same as this year.
posted on 16/9/12
Hopefully with everyone equal it might deter some from demanding more than they're worth
posted on 16/9/12
Poldi has swagger jagger.
posted on 16/9/12
Looking at the current squad we have now three top
quality centre backs available to play down the spine.
Koscielny has not managed yet to break into the team!
In midfield we have along spine Diaby,Arteta and Cazorla with Ramsey now playing better than last season as an option plus Wilshire offering hopefully an option as well when fit.
Our forward play is Podolski, Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain with Giroud [yet to show form] and Walcott as options.
There are perhaps one or two slots in squad/team that
can still be improved. We do need perhaps a new full
back to cover for Sagna and Gibbs and perhaps an
additional forward.
Messrs Arshavin and Walcott are luxury players. In
the case of former he is past his best and in case of
latter a player who lacks consistency and has yet to
sign a new contract. If he is unwilling to do so by January then he should be offloaded and replaced.
posted on 16/9/12
I think there has been a fundamental mindset change, from the club and the fans which is exciting, and there is now a sense of cautious/quiet optimism, even the ever negative Hansen said so yesterday!
Bould has really shaken things up at the back. Our pressing and defensive unity has improved massively.
Again, no one focal point to the team. Yes cazorla is involved in everything, but that's because he's everywhere and wants to get on the ball, not because the rest of the team is always looking to go alley through them.
Transfer wise we have seen wenger bring in 3 players, on great form, experienced and entering their prime.
Our squad looks very strong too. Yesterday we had the likes of Giroud, Walcott, Ramsey, koscielny on the bench. We still have Sagna to come back, as well as wilshere and rosicky. We have genuine depth in squad, and lots of options.
I am looking forward to this season.
Oh arsene wengers magic...
posted on 16/9/12
"These are very fine players, but not stars in the conventional sense who command huge transfer fees and wages.
Also they do not strike me as players with oversized egos."
You're right. Good article.