Morning kittens
I'll get to the point. Like many at the game, down the pub, or plonked in-front of a TV at home, I was (under the influence of Laudanum) effing & blinding at Wenger's decision to take Podolski off, as is his will, after 70 odd minutes.
In hindsight, I think that decision may well have allowed Arsenal to get themselves back into the game.
I'm sure you lot have picked the bones out of Saturday's exploits at Wembley. My moist opinion is that for the best part, the team looked like they were playing a training match and were pretty rudderless. Anyway, Podolski...
I like him, it's difficult not to. He's infectious, on his day he's a very good player and he makes a point to endear himself to fans. What's not to like...?
What I don't like is the inalienable fact that he's obviously NOT fully fit and hasn't been since the day he slipped a red & white shirt on. Is that his fault, are the club at fault for his conditioning (or lack of), I don't know? But I do know that he's no good to man nor beast and certainly Arsenal Football Club playing half-coc'ked.
I understand his frustration at being subbed off or spending time on the bench, like I say, he's a talented guy, who on his day can and will make a difference. But bleating to the media, all be it respectfully (to the best degree) seems cheap;
Get yourself FIT, COVER your leftback and let your football and NOT your Instagram page do the talking!
Agreeable..?
MOIST
Podolski's lament
posted on 14/4/14
"I concur that there is dire need of some real pace up top. Regardless of Walcott being available."
We need more pace across the pitch.
At least 1 striker with real gas, a pacey left sided players and at least one other, perhaps that player could be Joel Campbell coming back. Plus we desperately need some more drive and speed in the centre of midfield, someone like Diaby (probably not Diaby).
posted on 14/4/14
At least 1 striker with real gas, a pacey left sided players and at least one other, perhaps that player could be Joel Campbell coming back.
-=-=-=-=-
Totally agree.
The SQUAD needs major surgery this summer. Not a complete overhaul, just 3/4 key signings. They don't have to household names as such, but taking a punt on mid-level European players in the hope that they can blossom into world-beaters will NOT suffice this time around.
Money talks, in fact it howls like an orphaned wolf! Arsenal have money! They simply must behave like a 'big club' in the transfer market this summer. With it being a World Cup year, this will be more problematic than usual (bodes well eh?), but that's irrelevant, the club needs to do the business this summer or it really could do itself both short & longterm damage!
posted on 14/4/14
"The SQUAD needs major surgery this summer. Not a complete overhaul, just 3/4 key signings. They don't have to household names as such, but taking a punt on mid-level European players in the hope that they can blossom into world-beaters will NOT suffice this time around."
I think we're going to need more than that.
Could be looking at losing Fabianksi, Vermaelen, Sagna, Podolski, Bendtner, Giroud (lots of rumours)
For me we need
GK
2 x CB (1 young developmental)
1 x RB
1 x CM
1 x LM/W
2 x CF
I agree quality wise, we cannot be punting on people or if we do there cannot be more than one.
posted on 14/4/14
A complete overhaul almost ALWAYS means a 'transitional period' will be in effect. That could be a season or 3/4 seasons. I honestly believe the squad is not that far off. More a case of "so close, yet so far". Like I say 3/4 key signings, clever, astute and practical signings. Then a bit of squad augmentation, these don't have to be nailed on World beaters, just decent options.
posted on 14/4/14
Podolski was shît on Saturday so got subbed. Don't see where the issue with that is.
posted on 14/4/14
Podolski was shît on Saturday so got subbed. Don't see where the issue with that is.
-=-=-=-=-
This isn't specifically about him being subbed on Saturday, although it's obviously implicitly topical with regards to this thread.
I wasn't there, but some friends were and they were saying that in their section a large number of Gooners were doing their pieces and making it very audibly known that they thought Poldi should not have been subbed.
Probably more out of frustration at the game as opposed to blind loyalty (???) but I'm of the mind that he is a good player, on his day he can be brilliant. Sadly we don't get to see him on "his day" as much as I think we probably should do.
Fitness looks to be a key issue and is at the epicentre of him not being consistent and reaching his potential!
posted on 14/4/14
Podolski has a tremendous shot and is a fine crosser of the ball - but he is not fast, he is not clinical, he cannot beat defenders, he cannot play target man as he cannot hold it up too well, his work rate is average and he doesn't track back well enough.
Basically he's been a massive disappointment
posted on 14/4/14
I like Podolski but if we could part ex for a better player (eg Draxler) I would take that. He is definitely not 100% fit and so we are not getting the best of him.
posted on 14/4/14
For me, Podolski is the perfect player to bring on off the bench, so when there's a no choice but to start him regularly it shows a lack of depth (mixed in with unfortunate injuries, of course).
posted on 14/4/14
He has been poor through the season, offers next to nothing and should be show the door in the summer.