New Season, Same Problems
Sunday 24th August, 2014 09:54 Comments: 0
After Arsenal won the Community Shield against Man City I hoped we'd have a good start to the new season. Despite going a goal down (which I've seen far too many times) we pulled it back for an opening day win.
But since then it's been a couple of draws. Admittedly both were away matches against tough opposition (and several questionable decisions from the referees), but I feel like we should be doing better if we stand any chance of winning a major trophy again this year.
We're still short in the same positions: CB, DM and CF. I think Chambers and Sanchez have been fantastic signings, but having sold Vermaelen we need another experienced CB. Arteta's injury highlights how badly we need a better DM. Giroud's ankle problem this weekend means we're lacking a decent striker in our next match. Lose that (or draw and get knocked out on away goals) and we may struggle to bring in those world class players that we badly need.
Tactically some odd decisions have been made. We don't have a left winger and playing Ozil there punished us. I don't know if Podolski will still be with us next week, but he's not really a left winger either. Until we sign one I'd be happier playing a right winger there so we can keep Ozil central.
Probably related to our injury problems, but I think we need to play Ramsey and only play Wilshere if Ramsey is injured or needs a rest. Just like how we only really play Flamini if Arteta is out. They're too similar and I feel we only get the best out of them when they don't get in the way of each other.
One highlight has been the decent performances of Monreal since Gibbs picked up his injury. For a second choice left back he's doing pretty well. Which is a relief when we have no other fit left footed defenders.
A solid win midweek will be important for this season.
But since then it's been a couple of draws. Admittedly both were away matches against tough opposition (and several questionable decisions from the referees), but I feel like we should be doing better if we stand any chance of winning a major trophy again this year.
We're still short in the same positions: CB, DM and CF. I think Chambers and Sanchez have been fantastic signings, but having sold Vermaelen we need another experienced CB. Arteta's injury highlights how badly we need a better DM. Giroud's ankle problem this weekend means we're lacking a decent striker in our next match. Lose that (or draw and get knocked out on away goals) and we may struggle to bring in those world class players that we badly need.
Tactically some odd decisions have been made. We don't have a left winger and playing Ozil there punished us. I don't know if Podolski will still be with us next week, but he's not really a left winger either. Until we sign one I'd be happier playing a right winger there so we can keep Ozil central.
Probably related to our injury problems, but I think we need to play Ramsey and only play Wilshere if Ramsey is injured or needs a rest. Just like how we only really play Flamini if Arteta is out. They're too similar and I feel we only get the best out of them when they don't get in the way of each other.
One highlight has been the decent performances of Monreal since Gibbs picked up his injury. For a second choice left back he's doing pretty well. Which is a relief when we have no other fit left footed defenders.
A solid win midweek will be important for this season.