Looking forward

Morning Gooners,

Our future and in particular this summer depends heavily on getting top 4; but if we can beat Reading today and Spurs lose to Swansea I'd be very confident. However it is clear that as a unit we have to pull ourselves out of this cycle where every new season we think we might challenge , before it all falls apart and becomes a top 4 struggle. It's incredibly frustrating and it's only a matter of time before we drop out, could well be this season if Spurs grow some testicles.

The weaknesses in our team are clear. No reliable keeper, little defensive cohesion on a consistent basis, a lack of physicality in midfield and the lack of a tricky forward who can get a goal out of nothing with his skill. A genuine goalscorer would be nice as well.

For me we should stick by Szczesny. He's been poor this calendar year but he's immensely talented and if he leaves then that's a massive blow, he will be a top class keeper. Less fragile competition is needed than Fabianski though, he strikes me as the type of keeper who needs a run of games to hit form and he's quite injury prone, so in short, not a good back-up.

Defensively we have the individuals (Although I'd be open to seeing Vermaelen replaced by someone with genuine quality) and it's about cohesion. Once the defense moulds itself into an organised unit we'll be fine as I think we have a good balance of players. Kos and Mertesacker is our best pairing and I think to replace them would be counterproductive as it's all about them playing games together and forming a partnership. I would bring in Tony Adams, he knows everything there is to know about defensive leadership and organisation, although he's too rebellious for Wenger I fear.

We'll probably sign Capoue or someone in defensive midfield - as long as he can take the step up he'll be fine, from what I've heard he's very consistent and physically imposing. As for the Jovetic rumours, I've just got a feeling that there's something in them. I think we'll certainly try to get him, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him in an Arsenal shirt, although City or Chelsea may well snaffle him instead.

As for a goalscorer, Giroud doesn't fir the bill, he misses way too many chances, at important times as well. Walcott is too small to lead the line and he's become quite selfish. If we don't sign anyone then I'd love to see Poldi given a go. He's played there for most of his club career (admittedly not on his own), he's a superb finisher and has the strength, pace, and technique to play there. Plus he's a bit too lazy and not skilful enough for the wing IMO. Playing upfront would get him in the game more, and as we know from the West Ham game he's one of the few players we have who can produce something special to win a game for you.