I know we are on a good run at the moment and have been picking up wins left right and center but our performances as of late have not really been good enough.
I fear if we continue playing the way we are and continue playing the midfield we are picking then Chelsea will show us up big time, and although the title has never been in our sights, we need to break this hoodoo over Mourinho if we want to show we mean business next season.
For me, the team is far too unbalanced the way we are playing it at the moment. Ramsey on the wing is absolutely laughable and makes no sense whatsoever. We tried it years ago and it didn't work, but people at least had the excuse of it aiding his development. He is now an established first team player and no longer needs aiding in his development, certainly not at the expense of the team balance.
I don't care that he scored the winner vs Burnley, or that he had 2 assists vs Liverpool, or that he should have scored the winner yesterday. Most of these came from a central position he takes up during the match, and he does it because he belongs central. It's not just him, Ozil belongs central and Cazorla belongs central. And with Coq an obvious mainstay in the team, that leaves only 2 spots for 3 players.
So which one has to drop out. Well if you asked me back in January, I would not have hesitated in saying Ozil stays on the bench, but his form has been too good at the moment and he is proving to be one of the main men at the moment. If you asked me at the start of the season, I would have said Cazorla, simply because to me he looked finished as a top player; but as it turned out, he was far from finished and has arguably been our player of the season to date. Now it seems like Ramsey is the one who should drop out but I feel like I am being harsh on him because his performances are surely being affected by the position he is playing in, as were Santi's and Ozil's earlier on this season when being played out wide.
With Ozil, you have the passing range, vision and and tricks on the ball that the other 2 don't offer. With Santi you have the close control, ball retention skills and dribbling ability that the other 2 don't offer. With Ramsey you have the stamina, defensive awareness and late runs into the box that the other 2 don't offer. Three different types of players but only 2 spots available and it is up to Wenger to make that choice ASAP because we can not start all 3 against Chelsea. I would rather see Theo or Welbeck out wide than Ramsey.
One of Ozil, Ramsey or Cazorla have to go
posted on 19/4/15
comment by Sheriff John Brown - bring back David Dein (U7482)
posted 44 minutes ago
As for Ox, he's certainly an option in a central midfield 3 - think of a less awkward Matuidi (a player I rate really highly). Ox can't play no.10 though. His passing, link-up play and eye for a goal is miles away. Ox has so much potential to be an absolute beast, but he hasn't developed as quickly as expected.
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ox can't play in CM how many more mistakes does he need to make in that position before you realise its a specialist position that requires discipline. Luckily he is a very good wide player and will develop there.
posted on 19/4/15
comment by The~Distinguished~Englishman (U4080)
posted 42 minutes ago
comment by Sheriff John Brown - bring back David Dein (U7482)
posted 44 minutes ago
As for Ox, he's certainly an option in a central midfield 3 - think of a less awkward Matuidi (a player I rate really highly). Ox can't play no.10 though. His passing, link-up play and eye for a goal is miles away. Ox has so much potential to be an absolute beast, but he hasn't developed as quickly as expected.
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ox can't play in CM how many more mistakes does he need to make in that position before you realise its a specialist position that requires discipline. Luckily he is a very good wide player and will develop there.
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TBF I dont think OX has played in CM with Coquelin behind him.
posted on 19/4/15
I find it quite funny that people are saying Ox can't be a number 10. Though he is the logical, best cover for Theo if fit, his strength, dribbling and general playing style is far more suited to the middle of the pitch.
His best and most influential performances in an Arsenal shirt were in the centre of the pitch. There's no debate that his passing and shooting leave alot to be desired, which is why he's CURRENTLY not ready. However, two or three seasons from now is an entirely different story.
People need to remember, Wenger is a patient man and plays the long game. He'll buy a young player now, with a view to where he wants him in five years, the finished article. The key to viewing Ox as a number 10 (EVENTUALLY) is in not focusing on what specific skill is weak or strong. But focusing on the player, how he plays and his natural use of his god given talent. In that respect, watching how he plays and what he NATURALLY likes to do...
No 10, No 10, No 10
Both his passing and shooting can be taught and vastly improved. Fix those flaws in his game and he could be immense in the position.
As for who should be dropped. With Ozil in form, Cazorla all day every day. When Ramsey is played centrally (with Ozil in form) Ramsey and Ozil tick well. Ramsey always puts himself in the spot for Ozil to find him and Ozil in turn makes the run for the ball back. They work far better together than Cazorla and Ramsey IMO, but only with decent form Ozil.
The team that Jenius posted is the strongest we could field vs Chelsea and the one whose playing style would be most likely to get a result. Unfortunately, we won't see Theo. It's too much of a 'showcase' disaster if he decides to find his shooting boots again that day and earns us the win. Tearing Chelsea a new one would remove any doubts other clubs have with regard to fitness and spark all sorts of transfer distraction we don't need right now. So will be surprised if we see Theo at all.
posted on 19/4/15
Forgot to mention that Ox only needs to learn accuracy for shooting, he's actually got a crushing shot on him. Just needs to learn to better control his power.
posted on 19/4/15
The title is misleading.
posted on 19/4/15
Cazorla should be dropped
posted on 19/4/15
comment by Compulsive_Gooner (U8333)
posted 10 minutes ago
The title is misleading.
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Not if you read the whole article and all comments
posted on 19/4/15
"One of Ozil, Ramsey or Cazorla have to be benched." would've been a better title.
posted on 19/4/15
I would rather see the back of Diaby, Flamini, Rosicky and Arteta before any of the those three (with a DM coming in).
posted on 19/4/15
comment by Compulsive_Gooner (U8333)
posted 8 minutes ago
I would rather see the back of Diaby, Flamini, Rosicky and Arteta before any of the those three (with a DM coming in).
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These go without saying but Wenger is a soft touch. Any other manager would shove these players out of the club but Wenger wants to be their friend.
Even after they go I still think one of them needs to leave.