Good article

We definitely need cover at GK and CB as well a first team CM who can hopefully play the role Flamini and Arteta have played but better

Sort that out and its looking very positive

We just need a more mobile Flamini

Is Vermalen fit? If he stays he'll almost certainly start the season with Mert probably missing the start.

I thought that Columbian goalkeeper was pretty much a “done deal”??

Rusky, I thought Flamini did well last season, that's why I won't be too concerned if we don't fill that position.

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our outstanding Ozil,
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Oxtail,
Not sure what you are smoking, but it can't be legal. Ozil was useless in the World Cup, just as he is most of the time with the Gunners.

Wenger didn't play Flamini enough

Oxtail,
Not sure what you are smoking, but it can't be legal. Ozil was useless in the World Cup, just as he is most of the time with the Gunners.

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Let's not focus on his facial expression, rather, let's pay attention to his stats. Fair enough?

Rusky

IMO Flamini was not played that often as he is not a quick across the ground as he once was. Frequently gave away free kicks due to being late – although that also goes hand in hand with his role.

Özil was quality in the World Cup. Led the most successful passes in the final third and 2nd in creating goal scoring chances, pretty much his role in the team.

comment by Oxtail (U18859)
posted 1 minute ago

Oxtail,
Not sure what you are smoking, but it can't be legal. Ozil was useless in the World Cup, just as he is most of the time with the Gunners.

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Let's not focus on his facial expression, rather, let's pay attention to his stats. Fair enough?
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Stuart Downing was in the top 20 in key passes last season. I still have no clue what that stat means

I think we were bullied quiet a bit last season in midfield

I agree Robin.

After reading some of Wenger's quotes regarding signing a striker which were something like I wanted to sign a striker that could play with and without Giroud, I have a terrible feeling we will start the season with him as a main striker.

Wenger stated today Theo will not be back in full training until the end of August. Think he might be just starting to run. Still great news, he also stated once he has started full training he can be back in the team "very quickly". If being honest I half didn't expect to see Theo until after Christmas, it took Diaby over a year with the same injury. If he is back by say the second week of September, it'll feel like he hasn't been missing.

Nothing wrong in starting Giroud as striker as long we we know we have a better alternative. That gives some hope.

Why would we start the season with him as our main striker if we had a better alternative?

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.'

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.

Sanogo will come good.

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.

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.

KPPR, who then sacrifices their spot? Ozil plays behind the striker and Cazorla/Podolski own the left wing.

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.

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.