Arsenal First Team - Part 2

Wilshere – Finally a shining light in this dark, damp squib of an Arsenal team. Nowhere near World Class yet, but well on the way to becoming one. The sooner Wilshere becomes the captain, the better.

Cazorla – The second, and probably last, player of true quality. It’s a sad shame that we did bag Santi a few years earlier and play him alongside a better team, but nonetheless it is a delight to have the little Spanish magician playing for Arsenal. Two-footed and technically gifted, he is proof that, although not quite unknown, Wenger still has some clue on the transfer market.

Podolski – The only player in the team that I am truly confused about. I don’t know whether Podolski can be classed as a first season hit, or flop. Maybe a mix of both. Although Pod’s stats may prove otherwise, he hasn’t truly set the Arsenal team alight. He’s certainly is nowhere near a replacement for RVP, as Wenger insisted on stating, but mainly because he hasn’t been utilised in the proper manner. Instead of being shoved out wide, Podolski should be used as a second striker, or even up front on his own. It beggars belief why Wenger insists on keeping fixed out wide when he could be the perfect partner for either Theo or Giroud upfront.

Walcott – I have to admit, I am very surprised Walcott signed “Da Ting". If I had the qualities that Theo possessed, would I really commit myself to another 4 years to this Arsenal side? Perhaps not, which is why you have to commend Theo for staying loyal to us. Out wide or upfront, Theo has finally started to show why Wenger put so much faith in him.

Giroud – Apart from Diaby, this is the player that has split so many Arsenal fans. Let’s get this straight, Giroud was never going to replace RVP, despite what the mad hatter said. And those thing he would are as deluded as Wenger. So with that in mind, I’m pretty happy with Giroud’s first season. Yes, he can do with polishing up on his finishing and try and not miss to many of those chances, but RVP missed big chances too. Chances that cost us points, and yet he didn’t get pillared like Giroud has. As I’ve said before, I still feel his maximum potential can be realised if he’s played alongside either Pod or Theo.

Gervinho – Yes, Gervais Yao Kossai is actually considered a first teamer! If ever one player represented the immense fall from grace of our dear manager, then it is this one. Other managers would realise what an utter blunder they’ve made when signing a player and just accept the financial hit and move on. But Oh, not Wenger. No, Wenger is liable to play Gervinho in every game of the season, just so that he might produce that single game of decent quality in which Wenger would then feel vindicated in. It’s not Gervinho’s fault that he is utter tr|pe. It’s not his fault that someone stupid might be willing to pay him £60,000 per week to play football. But the fact that someone has chosen to play Gervinho up front, let alone play at all, gives you an idea of how bad things have become lately. We’re well use to deadwood in our first team. But some of the deadwood did have a slither of quality in them. Quite how Gervinho is picked ahead of anyone in the squad, I am still baffled.