First and foremost, a huge congratulations to Podolski, Ozil and Mertesacker for winning the FIFA 2014 World Cup. I'm hoping this translates into success at Arsenal.
Bringing our attention back home, I have been very, very impressed with how we have conducted business this transfer window, to say the least. We have been proactive, bringing in Debuchy as cover for Sagna and Alexis Sanchez to bolster our attack. This notwithstanding the fact that we are yet to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, an excuse we've often used in the past. Couple that with the fact that we are in the market for a mid-field enforcer, and you suddenly get the feeling we are up to something this season.
If our achievements last season are anything to go by, coupled with the new signings, then I'm sure we are in for a treat this season. Walcott and Diaby have resumed full training. The former was a significant outlet for our outstanding Ozil, while the latter would give competition and options to our midfield. I'm not even discounting the fact that he might yet have a stellar season like RVP did returning from a lengthy injury crisis.
From the front, I can see Alexis Sanchez forming a lethal partnership with Walcott especially during our counter attacks. Giroud may struggle to get a start especially if Sanchez settles in quickly. But, we sure do have options regarding who spearheads our attack. I very much doubt Wenger will deploy Alexis to the left, nor leave him to battle the right wing starting berth with Walcott. I feel he would challenge Giroud or we change to a 4-4-2 format.
In the middle of the park, I still feel we were bullied [a little] last season especially against the stronger teams. I would expect Wenger to get an enforcer, but what we have will do nicely if nothing materializes.
I'm a little concerned about the future of Vermaelen. He hardly got a start for his country in the world cup, but I still feel he is a very good player. We are well covered in either full back position, but any major injury to Koscielny or Per, and were looking straight down the barrel of a shotgun. I'm hoping we can get someone in who can play DM as well as fill in at CB.
Not sure what's happening with the goalkeeping situation, but I'm sure Wenger has this sorted out.
All in all, I'm happy with the current state of affairs.
Here's to a successful season!
Current Affairs: My Take.
posted on 18/7/14
comment by Godleebarnes (U9902)
posted 6 minutes ago
Why would we start the season with him as our main striker if we had a better alternative?
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I think he means 'a better alternative than Sanogo.'
posted on 18/7/14
Sorry if that didn't come out right. It will be unfair to just send Giroud to the bench because we now have Alexis. Alexis will have to prove himself as well, which suggest Giroud will start when the season begins. Now, if this happens, we won't be too worried knowing that if he messes up, Sanchez will happily step in. Hope this clears the confusion.
posted on 18/7/14
Sanogo will come good.
posted on 18/7/14
comment by Oxtail (U18859)
posted 6 minutes ago
Sorry if that didn't come out right. It will be unfair to just send Giroud to the bench because we now have Alexis. Alexis will have to prove himself as well, which suggest Giroud will start when the season begins. Now, if this happens, we won't be too worried knowing that if he messes up, Sanchez will happily step in. Hope this clears the confusion.
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The honest truth is, I think Giroud and Sanchez will compliment each other pretty well. Giroud is pretty good at those clever flicks and lay-offs in tight spaces, and that's the kind of thing Barcelona players are taught to anticipate.
Plus having a willing runner with a decent end-product will give Giroud the chances he needs to rebuild his confidence.
posted on 18/7/14
Ozil got much better as the world cup progressed.
And I have been one of his more vocal critics.
As for midfield we must buy a DM, we can't keep kidding ourselves that flamini/arteta can do a good job there.
posted on 18/7/14
KPPR, who then sacrifices their spot? Ozil plays behind the striker and Cazorla/Podolski own the left wing.
posted on 18/7/14
For me it'll be this:
Szczesny
Debuchy - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Gibbs
(Defensive midfielder) - Ramsey
Cazorla - Ozil - Sanchez
Giroud
I think Podolski is probably going to lose his place. His contribution to our overall play is underwhelming (He only got two assists all season, which for a left-winger is pretty poor). If he doesn't score, he contributes literally nothing else.
posted on 18/7/14
Is that for the City game KPPR? I highly doubt any of the Germans will be involved tbh. I expect something like this (bar injuries)
Szc
Debuchy - Kos - Verm - Gibbs
Ramsey - Morgan
Cazorla - Wilshere - Sanchez
Giroud
I highly doubt Ox will be back, has there been any news on his injury? I don't think Diaby will make it through preseason and doubt Joel Campbell will be back. Disadvantage of countries doing well.
posted on 18/7/14
First and foremost, a huge congratulations to Podolski, Ozil and Mertesacker for winning the FIFA 2014 World Cup.
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Congratulating German national team members ?......
I wouldn't go THAT far !
posted on 18/7/14
comment by KPPR (U19621)
posted 49 minutes ago
For me it'll be this:
Szczesny
Debuchy - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Gibbs
(Defensive midfielder) - Ramsey
Cazorla - Ozil - Sanchez
Giroud
I think Podolski is probably going to lose his place. His contribution to our overall play is underwhelming (He only got two assists all season, which for a left-winger is pretty poor). If he doesn't score, he contributes literally nothing else.
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To be honest, it was more a line-up for the season instead of with one game in mind. In that game, I think Ramsey will play Ozil's role, with Wilshere replacing his deeper position. Mertesacker's place may depend on a. if we bring someone in, and b. if Vermaelen is still likely to leave (because I think Wenger wants to avoid another Armand Traore situation in a big game.)