Arsenal & Target Men

People have been coming out lately questioning our new obsession with target men after the recent utilisations of Chamakh and now currently Giroud. In truth we've actually always had 'a big man' as an attacking option throughout Wenger's years however the style and level of this option has changed severely throughout the years making it a lot more noticeable as well as these options now being the main strikers at the club nowadays.

If we go back to the 90's remember we had Davor Suker who wasn't specifically a target man but he was still strong aerially and physically. That didn't work out so well then in came Kanu, he was a different type of target man he was a bit like Berbatov. Fantastic feet and touch for a big man, someone who's chest you'd aim for or someone who can pick the ball out in any awkward situation from the air.

Then in came Adebayor aswell as a young Bedntner the former was very athletic and raw but a nuisance for most defenders as Terry admitted. Nicky B did have potential once but his attitude and unjustified ego ruined his Arsenal career. He was strong in the air and linked up well with small players like Theo & Vela. He could score at big moments aswell as fluff them but he never hid nevertheless.

The more recent ones have become much more limited target men we just wrapped up the ones on the best form in France and settled. Wenger seems to have felt inclined to get these types since we've changed to 1 upfront. Chamakh was mainly good in the air average on the ground but the likes of Cesc and Nasri surrounding Chamakh allowed him to look half decent at first. A similar situation currently occurs with Giroud.

Don't forget Wenger nearly got the most beautifully complete forward there's ever been imo he goes by the name of Zlatan!

To conclude Wenger has always liked having a big man upfront for those discontent with it (though I admit the Mandzukic link annoys me) but the standard has really declined in terms of fitting into the fluidity of our football. I think he's largely hesitant with small players because of the new 1 up top system. Even RVP, Titi, Bergkamp who were silky were still over 6ft. I think we have enough at the minute if we're to remember Sanogo and we should compliment them with small attackers who could actually work on their own with the right management.