If we're not going to find any top bracket names out there as many will have you believe then our best solution from within is to convert Alexis into our star forward.
Looking at Aguero's first goal against Spurs from Silva's through ball has me drawing comparisons with our very own Ozil & Alexis who are similar to their relative comparisons. Silva & Aguero have been a lethal partnership throughout City's spell at the top and we have 2 in that nature that could match that.
I've not really been convinced with the idea of Alexis leading the line as he doesn't hold the line very well and always vacates frontline, this is where he'll need a proper pre-season and work with Arsene to ensure this is improved on.
Alexis has shown that he can be a 25+ goal a season player, 20+ from the flanks is a remarkable return in his debut season and I fancy him to get better.
He's threatening out wide but his tendency to give the ball away is very costly for a possession team like us and his greed at times is less risky as a striker.
His best form was up till mid-jan many of games where he was based centrally at times too albeit behind Welbeck, his form took a severe dip with Giroud's arrival back in the team when he took over as the focal point in attack, QPR & L'pool is the only game I can think of where both players were good together and scored in the same game.
Giroud has had 3 seasons now and it's been proven that he's not a CF that can take us to the title. Costa played a massive part in sealing it for Chelsea in the first half of the season, RVP did it with ease in 2013 and Aguero stepped up with the last touch of the season in 2012. Giroud can't match them when it matters.
Giroud is better when he's fresh and less depended on therefore there's a valuable role for him as an impact player and utilised in particular games against lower league opposition but against the likes of Chelsea and an in form City I don't fancy him, he's not enough.
Do we have an internal solution or can we upgrade on Giroud from the outside.
We Need To Convert Alexis Into A CF
posted on 3/5/15
comment by Oxlade-Chambers (Inventor) (U6157)
posted 21 minutes ago
What have I said in that sentence that was wrong then GT? Also when debating try and dig your head out of Giroud's arsenal so you can clearly state your points rather than dropping doh smileys on any poster that doesn't consider Giroud world class.
Too much to ask? If not go ahead
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I didnt consider him world class myself. You hate him with a passion because he has no pace basicially its ridiculous. Pace alone wins you nothing.
posted on 3/5/15
comment by Penguin (U13630)
posted 6 minutes ago
Basically, Giroud is slow on fifa, and Welbeck isn't. Therefore, we need a fast, pacy beast striker, and we'll win titles.
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That will do it
posted on 3/5/15
GT
I posted this line earlier if you read, in consideration that you will just put it down to pace
It's not 'pace' that's so important it's 'movement' people confuse the 2 a lot. Suarez, RVP & Rooney aren't the fastest by any means but sometimes you can hardly tell.
Nothing to with pace, it's movement and mobility to trouble defenders. Giroud has none of it and is found out against Terry and deep sitting defences like Monaco
posted on 3/5/15
Most players struggle against such defences ^^
posted on 3/5/15
comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 35 minutes ago
comment by Oxlade-Chambers (Inventor) (U6157)
posted 21 minutes ago
What have I said in that sentence that was wrong then GT? Also when debating try and dig your head out of Giroud's arsenal so you can clearly state your points rather than dropping doh smileys on any poster that doesn't consider Giroud world class.
Too much to ask? If not go ahead
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I didnt consider him world class myself. You hate him with a passion because he has no pace basicially its ridiculous. Pace alone wins you nothing.
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FFS nobody is saying pace alone. All you do is categorise arguments against Giroud down to only being pace he lacks.
FFS I haven't said Welbeck should be our main CF which would be the case if we were using just pace.
How about, movement, clinical finishing, ruthless mentality (doesn't need 5 chances to score), individual brilliance.
I think we'll need to buy to match this criteria but if not Alexis is potentially the closest from within, simple.
posted on 3/5/15
comment by TheSkins (U3865)
posted 1 minute ago
Most players struggle against such defences ^^
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Well we need to do more than just accept that and improve on it unless of course you don't want to fight for the league?
Aguero scored against Chelsea this season, RVP did it late against them as well this season. It's not impossible just need the quality and ruthlessness on these occasions as well as skill which Giroud lacks on the upper level
posted on 3/5/15
I think up front is not the area that needs addressing. An upgrade on Giroud is hard to find, but if we could find one that would be great. However, it comes second in priority to a number of other things. Namely, a DM (because Coquelin can't play every single game), a CB (Can Mert play there for much longer? Is Kosc-Gab a partnership? Injury doubts with them??) and a goalkeeper. The difference between us and a title winning side lies in those positions before any other to be honest.
I think Bellerin is good enough to be our right back for many years to come, we've got good competition on the left hand side, so the defence is good. In attacking midfield we have a plethora of talent. Up front, I'd actually want us to sign a left winger before a new striker to be honest.
posted on 3/5/15
comment by Penguin (U13630)
posted 4 minutes ago
I think up front is not the area that needs addressing. An upgrade on Giroud is hard to find, but if we could find one that would be great. However, it comes second in priority to a number of other things. Namely, a DM (because Coquelin can't play every single game), a CB (Can Mert play there for much longer? Is Kosc-Gab a partnership? Injury doubts with them??) and a goalkeeper. The difference between us and a title winning side lies in those positions before any other to be honest.
I think Bellerin is good enough to be our right back for many years to come, we've got good competition on the left hand side, so the defence is good. In attacking midfield we have a plethora of talent. Up front, I'd actually want us to sign a left winger before a new striker to be honest.
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I agree this is why I made the article. In consideration to the fact that if we don't add up front. We will need to look at our best solutions there.
Alexis is our only world class attacker but I'm not sure of this level consistently as a wide man. Aguero is someone who reminds me very much of Alexis in some respects and there were doubts about whether he could solely lead the line for City having always played in a partnership but he's coped very well when tasked with this responsibility.
Alexis has a lot to work on but if he could utilise his attributes accordingly we could have the forward we've been looking for.
Giroud, Welbz & Alexis in rotation wouldn't be so bad especially as at times all 3 can start together.
The key is Alexis adapting to this role for me.
posted on 3/5/15
Welbeck is wack out wide also. Doesn't give us no width.
Either have Ox or walcott on one side and sanchez on the other.
posted on 5/5/15
Arsene has said he prefers when Alexis makes runs rather than coming to the ball.
Yday he showed great potential in what he can do as a CF with his 2nd goal. May be the answer