First articles in ages, so hows it going fellas.
I wanted to discuss what are the capabilities of this squad? After signing Flamini and Özil, we are definitely strongest in midfield. I believe this midfield area is as good as anyone else's in the league.
The defence has improved alot as well with Sagna finding a new position in centre back spot add to the fact Koscielny and Mertersacker are now two top class Premiership defenders. The full back positions are well covered too. With new signing Viviano, the two Poles in goal have good competition. With Szczęsny coming in for criticism last season, he has started this season very strongly, bar the first game of the season. This is the type of competition he needs, someone who is a proven international keeper to keep him on his toes. We all know Szczęsny potential, but here and there he does make costly mistakes.
Now for the striker, since we play with only one up front, we only really have Giroud who can play that position. Sanogo is too raw, Podoslki is unfortunately injured, but he cannot play there and neither can Walcott.
This is worrying. You cannot play Giroud every game (as with any other player), so you have to rely that he remains injury and suspension free for the whole season. That's one place we needed to strengthen, and Wenger didn't. I believe in the January transfer window he will try and plus we are linked with Ciprian Marica who is a free agent. How good he is, I have no idea. But I'm guessing he's just good enough to be a squad player. Don;t forget Nicklas Bendnter ().
With this current squad, I do believe we can challenge for the title for most parts of the season, but Chelsea and City are superior on paper. Can see a tight race with utd for 3rd place finish. Spurs are a threat too, once their squad gels, they will be good, but I believe experience and mentality of the usual top 4 will mean they are once again shut out.
On the cup front, I think FA Cup and League cup are our best chances to win something.
As for Champions League, if draw favours us, quarter finals is what I think will make it till, maybe semi final if the draws are as good as they were in 08-09 season.
What do you think?
Capabilities
posted on 13/9/13
Where'd you go on holiday?
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Canada.
posted on 13/9/13
We're capable of finishing 4th this season. We don't have enough for a title challenge and for sure, City, United and Chelsea will finish above us. We're about level with Liverpool and Spurs as it stands.
posted on 13/9/13
We traditionally take a punt on Arsenal's title chances at the start of each season. This year, they were on 14/1. They've gone down slightly since Özil.
posted on 13/9/13
Theres money to spend in January and I think that could be crucial. With the right signings then we could go on to mount a title challenge, but we need to keep up with the leaders before then.
posted on 13/9/13
"We're about level with Liverpool and Spurs as it stands,"
Spurs I get. But Liverpool? You're having a laugh.
posted on 13/9/13
Spurs I get. But Liverpool? You're having a laugh.
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I actually rate Liverpool higher than Spurs. They've been playing the better football for the last year without getting the results that Spurs seem to grind out more consistently. But I've seen enough of them to know they'll be a massive threat to us and Spurs this season. And in big games against the bigger boys, they thrive as well but I see them beating the smaller teams a lot more this season.
There is no "laugh" about it. They've strengthened just about every area of their team and are looking more confident. There's also no distracting European football.
posted on 13/9/13
Liverpool are average. Pure average. They've started well, but they'll fade. Not even the slightest bit worried about em.
posted on 14/9/13
It's your opinion. They have plenty of good players in their starting 11 and a strong, deep squad - bigger than ours. I'm worried about them.
posted on 14/9/13
Liverpool bought a lot this summer but how many are proven players? They seem young and in experienced to me. Maybe talented, but can Rodgers do what Wenger has done with young players, and get CL?
posted on 14/9/13
Tbf Sheriff what you posted is just that too; your opinion.
I know Liverpool and what they have. They're just not very good. You'll see when the hype dies down.