Even though we haven't quite addressed the 'top class CF' issue I'm optimistic to see us moving forward. The charity shield game will be a pretty interesting game to watch.
Though our team is far from complete I feel we're nearly there in the attacking positions. There's certainly more reason why Ozil should shine for us in the No. 10 role. He's been my favourite German for God knows how long and I still pinch myself he's at the club.
I tend to think that over the top critics stem from envy of rival supporters. He hasn't been that bad at all. People judged him from that penalty miss Vs Bayern and made up their mind on him from there but there was only a couple of other 'shocking games' and it's easy to forget his amazing start for us in the league as well as the 'group of death' in Europe
Of course he does have to justify his £42m price tag and he has every chance of doing so with options such as Sanchez, Campbell, Oxlade, Podolski and the returning Theo either side of him.
Our attack feels a lot bolstered from last season and I'm hopeful we retain our 'most entertaining team in the country' tag back.
I'm also looking forward to seeing a rejuvenated Giroud contrary to opinions on him from our own. With the right bodies around him he shows he can be a class act, he'll only be appreciated more when he's not burdened with having to score all our goals.
Sanchez, Theo (depending on form after fitness), Ramsey, Podolski as well as Giroud should all hit double digits I predict and this will be vital for our season, it must be appreciated that all but Giroud missed at least 60% of our season so we were always going to suffer.
We have pace in Theo, Ox, Alexis, Joel,
Flair in Santi, Ozil, Alexis, Wilshere, Joel
Energy in Jack and Rambo
and if we can keep him fit we just might, just might have the added powerhouse factor from Diaby.
We should be great to watch going forward this season even with our attack now
P.S
I know how good youtube videos can make one look but Giroud is by no means a bad player, nice stuff here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKaFx2tU4FQ
Quite Excited About Our Attack
posted on 1/8/14
Ronaldinho - Messi - Neymar (U12335)
We need to press more. However with Mert that's difficult against pacey teams. We were unlucky last year that our pacey forwards in Ox and Walcott were injured. We've got Joel and Alexis so that shouldn't be as much as an issue.
Last year we didn't hammer any team, I think the most we scored in one game was 4. I think we've solved that now, and like you say a top striker and defensive mid and we would be frightening.
I still think Liverpool can be optimistic. Imo Sturridge will come into his own, whether that'll be enough I don't know. If you get a good group in the CL I think you'll be dark horses.
posted on 2/8/14
Arsenal Can conceivably play False 9, Counter attacking football, Traditional wingplay, Flood the midfield ect all to a very high level this season in my opinion. A lot depends on Walcott and Ozil's levels if you ask me. But attacking wise there are some ridiculously good options.
It seems Arsenal players are always injured though? What going on there?
posted on 2/8/14
You take that back about Pascal Cygan. World Class
posted on 2/8/14
I tend to agree except about Giroud. I just dont see him as good enough as first choice for a team that wants to challenge for the title. Maybe Wenger thinks JC is the answer. Time will tell.
posted on 2/8/14
As a Striker Giroud is a good player. Not a world class or great, but a very good option. I feel works very hard for the team and despite his limitations he still scored 20+ goals and almost as many assists last year.
In my opinion Giroud is fundamental to our good defence last year. His height and strength were key on set pieces last year. On countless occasions he was the man who cleared the ball for us.
Don't get my wrong we need another striker, but as a second option or an alternative not as a direct replacement. There are better strikers than Giroud out there but not many players who can contribute as much to the team as Giroud can.
posted on 2/8/14
Giroud is average even sometimes good on some days. I want a striker who doesn't bottle every 1 on 1 and actually makes runs inside the box to anticipate a cross
posted on 2/8/14
I do worry about injuries derailing the season again. Not so much the injuries, but the length of time they are out.
posted on 2/8/14
There's more to come from Giroud still. We'll see an improved version of him this year in all likelihood.
What's important is that we don't overwork him again, he was really rather good at the start of last season. People are keen to forget that.
posted on 2/8/14
He was good for 1/4 of the season but rubbish for the rest, what is the point in that?
posted on 3/8/14
There is nothin to say we will be able to keep half out squad fit for the full season. Out pf the last few seasons when has this actually been the case? We should prepare with this in mind. Absolutely no guarantee.