Too long didn't read but seems fickle
comment by There's only Juan Mata: tl;dr (U17162)
posted 4 minutes ago
Too long didn't read but seems fickle
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I did rant on a bit, but never fickle
I would have loved to have seen Fabregas back, but realistically, it was the last position that needed improving.
Recent evidence suggests that we don't/didn't have unlimited funds, so I'd rather we allocated the money to other positions in greater need of improvement before spending such a large sum on Fabregas.
Obviously, it's disappointing that we didn't bring in a new DM and CB during the Summer, but hopefully this will be rectified in the next transfer window.
We already has a net spend of circa £50m in the Summer. If we say that, as a conservative estimate, around £25-30m will be needed to improve the aforementioned defensive positions, then this will be a net spend of £75-80m. Fabregas on top of that would have resulted in a net expenditure of over £100m, not to mention the dramatic increase in wages, agent fees etc.
For the record, I also said in the Summer that it was probably time for Wenger to move on, so I'm not trying to completely absolve him; it's just that not signing Fabregas is the stick that's most commonly used to beat him with, and whilst having the Spaniard would have improved us, I think the money needed to bring him in could be better invested elsewhere.
but hopefully this will be rectified in the next transfer window.
===
"but hopefully this will be rectified in the next transfer window. "
===========================================
We've seemingly been saying this every transfer window since the transfer window system was implemented. Good luck.
Even according to the board we still had over £20million left after the window closed ( I'm sure more was available if needed). To allow a world class player like Cesc go - and go to a rival! - was unforgiveable, and he never said it was financial, he actualy said there was nowhere for him to play.
Ozil should never been expected to play every game, rotating the two would have kept them both fit and on form. A manger/club with ruthless ambition would have MADE it work.
Even according to the board we still had over £20million left after the window closed ( I'm sure more was available if needed). To allow a world class player like Cesc go - and go to a rival! - was unforgiveable, and he never said it was financial, he actualy said there was nowhere for him to play.
Ozil should never been expected to play every game, rotating the two would have kept them both fit and on form. A manger/club with ruthless ambition would have MADE it work.
----
Even simpler solution would have been to sell Cazorla or Wilshere thus making space and paying for some of the deal. It's one of Wenger's biggest flaws he gets too attached to players he's rarely ruthless.
comment by Tyke (U9181)
posted 6 minutes ago
Even according to the board we still had over £20million left after the window closed ( I'm sure more was available if needed). To allow a world class player like Cesc go - and go to a rival! - was unforgiveable, and he never said it was financial, he actualy said there was nowhere for him to play.
Ozil should never been expected to play every game, rotating the two would have kept them both fit and on form. A manger/club with ruthless ambition would have MADE it work.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Over £20m wouldn't have been enough to bring in Fabregas (unless it was nearly £10m more, plus wages, agent fees etc). And even if it was just enough, it would have completely ruled out the opportunity to sign a CB and DM in the near future.
"And even if it was just enough, it would have completely ruled out the opportunity to sign a CB and DM in the near future."
===========================================
We won't sign either anyway, so what difference does it make?
I would have loved to have seen Fabregas back, but realistically, it was the last position that needed improving.
----------------------------------
Do you honestly believe that stu?
Wenger's first team was built around Vieira and his second team around Cesc. Think back to how Cesc was first tried in the middle with Flamini when we ran rings around AC MIlan containing the world player of the year in his pomp (kaka). And then he was played further forward to stiffen the midfield. And how have we fared since he left? We had one great season with RVP as the one man team. Since then we have been lucky to retain the CL spot.
So who did we have in the position that Cesc plays? Ozil is a different type of player. His game is based around passing and Cesc's on movement.
Why couldn't we sell some of the players on the fringes or those not performing to the highest level to bring in some money to afford the player Arsenal are STILL built around?
"We had one great season with RVP as the one man team. Since then we have been lucky to retain the CL spot."
===========================================
Great season? Really? I thought that was a horrific season and even more fortunate than the two that followed in keeping the champions league spot. Apologies for facetiousness on my part, Jenius.
"Why couldn't we sell some of the players on the fringes or those not performing to the highest level to bring in some money to afford the player Arsenal are STILL built around?"
=========================================
Because Wenger, the brilliant economic mind he is, is the only person stupid enough to have them on the wages they're on.
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 1 minute ago
I would have loved to have seen Fabregas back, but realistically, it was the last position that needed improving.
----------------------------------
Do you honestly believe that stu?
Wenger's first team was built around Vieira and his second team around Cesc. Think back to how Cesc was first tried in the middle with Flamini when we ran rings around AC MIlan containing the world player of the year in his pomp (kaka). And then he was played further forward to stiffen the midfield. And how have we fared since he left? We had one great season with RVP as the one man team. Since then we have been lucky to retain the CL spot.
So who did we have in the position that Cesc plays? Ozil is a different type of player. His game is based around passing and Cesc's on movement.
Why couldn't we sell some of the players on the fringes or those not performing to the highest level to bring in some money to afford the player Arsenal are STILL built around?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We haven't fared well since simply because the quality of the side has been lacking, as well as some poor tactical decisions from Wenger, IMO. Of course, having a world-class player like Fabregas would have helped, but I think the same could be said of a number of top-class players.
I don't think we need Fabregas to function; like every team, we need balance and squad depth.
We were 7 points clear at one point last season, but fell apart when teams figured out that we had no attacking pace/direct running over the top. On top of this, we had a weakness in the DM position, and a lack of pace at CB when we attempted to push for a high-line. If we'd had a mobile, ball-winning midfielder, and another pacey forward/wing-forward to provide us with pace and directness during Walcott's injury (like Sanchez), then I firmly believe we would have won the league.
Fabregas is a world-class player, but I don't think he's essential.
And personally, I would have wanted to sell a number of fringe players, but ultimately, we don't really know if there were buyers for certain players. Podolski, for example, is a player who I would have wanted to sell to raise funds - despite his goal tonight, I still think we'd benefit from a different type of player - but given his age and his reported salary, it might have been difficult to get rid.
comment by Herbie (U7136)
posted 13 minutes ago
"And even if it was just enough, it would have completely ruled out the opportunity to sign a CB and DM in the near future."
===========================================
We won't sign either anyway, so what difference does it make?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess we'll have to wait and see on that one. Either way, if we're working under the sort of financial constraints mentioned above, it might not have been possible to afford Fabregas without foregoing other signings.
"Great season? Really?"
--------------------------
It was a great season for RVP. I meant it for RVP not Arsenal.
Because Wenger, the brilliant economic mind he is, is the only person stupid enough to have them on the wages they're on.
-----------------------
True to an extent. Santi was wanted by Atletico. I am sure sale of Giroud, Podolski, Santi would have balanced with Cesc and Welbeck or Remy or Negredo type striker in fee and wages.
I don't think we need Fabregas to function; like every team, we need balance and squad depth.
------------------------------------
But I fear we do Dastudogg. You just need to look at Chelsea, who have never been fluid and compare it to us since Cesc was sold.
We were 7 points clear at one point last season, but fell apart when teams figured out that we had no attacking pace/direct running over the top.
---------------------------
We were in that position last year because Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd were all in transition. I suggested in the summer of 2013 that we had a free run that season and we blew it because we did not sign a better striker than Giroud. Wenger missed out Higuain and then did not have plan after missing out on Suarez. That was our chance missed.
We had actually stopped scoring freely before Theo came back from injury. Theo added an impetus but we were in trouble before he got injured again. We were unable to counter attack because Giroud's lack of pace. Southampton and Everton had out played us at the Emirates and it was only a matter of time that teams realized that putting 2 or 3 players between our slow defense and Arteta meant we had no out ball. The slow spine is still the problem. Cesc would have solved that easily. I am not saying that Cesc would have solved all our issues. Mert, Arteta, Giroud. The slow spine still needed to be replaced. Cesc vision is second to none and so it would have made it amazing difficult for high line press against us. Thats what Cesc has given Chelsea. Fluidity in transition from defense to attack even under pressure.
Stu, I have to disagree over Fabregas. We badly badly need someone that can bring in goals, regardless of their position. Unlike most of our team, Fabregas can score goals - he also provides an avalanche of assists. Apart from Ramsey (last season) and Walcott, ditto, we don't really have anybody that can bang in goals.
So, personally, I didn't see Fabregas as a luxury player, but an essential one.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Ace, if you read the comments after he signed for Chelsea it seems fairly he clear he probably would have come back here if Wenger went in for him.
Bet he doesn't regret it now, though.
As for us, Cesc is a level above any midfielder we have, and surely would have slotted back in perfectly.
Personally I would have sold Ozil or Cazorla to make room for him, even taking a £15m loss on the former.
It's been four bloody months. These fans pining for Fabregas are pathetic, it is time to move on.
Our back four, dm and keeper today was something special
3rd choice keeper
Youngster - over the hill - shiet fullback - injury prone
Pure sheit
Not anther fagbregas article
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
------------------------------------
... Cesc vision is second to none and so it would have made it amazing difficult for high line press against us. Thats what Cesc has given Chelsea. Fluidity in transition from defense to attack even under pressure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yup, you're right J, Cesc IS special and not getting him was an unbelievably bad decision by Wenger
"We were in that position last year because Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd were all in transition. I suggested in the summer of 2013 that we had a free run that season and we blew it because we did not sign a better striker than Giroud. Wenger missed out Higuain and then did not have plan after missing out on Suarez. That was our chance missed.
We had actually stopped scoring freely before Theo came back from injury. Theo added an impetus but we were in trouble before he got injured again. We were unable to counter attack because Giroud's lack of pace. Southampton and Everton had out played us at the Emirates and it was only a matter of time that teams realized that putting 2 or 3 players between our slow defense and Arteta meant we had no out ball. The slow spine is still the problem. Cesc would have solved that easily. I am not saying that Cesc would have solved all our issues. Mert, Arteta, Giroud. The slow spine still needed to be replaced. Cesc vision is second to none and so it would have made it amazing difficult for high line press against us. Thats what Cesc has given Chelsea. Fluidity in transition from defense to attack even under pressure."
I agree that a big part of the reason we were able to pull so far ahead was because of the underwhelming performances of our rivals - which is part of the reason how Liverpool were almost able to win the title despite a pretty dire first half to the season.
But I still firmly believe that it's the lack of balance in the side that has cost us in recent years. Fabregas would obviously help, but I don't think we should have spent such a large portion of our budget on him when, as you say, there were so many other areas in need of strengthening.
I agree on the Walcott issue, and it's why I think the Sanchez signing was so crucial, and why I strongly believe Welbeck will be a success. Having someone like Fabregas would obviously help greatly, but Ozil, Cazorla, and even Ramsey and Wilshere, all have the ability to punish a team playing a high-line, providing we have runners in-behind.
Perhaps no-one does it quite as well as Fabregas from a deep-lying position - and as I say, if we had the money and all other positions had been sorted, I wouldn't have minded signing Fabregas - but I think there are much more pressing issues (CB and DM) that need to be rectified first, before we look at applying the finishing touches to our attacking set-up.
comment by stepanos (U6576)
posted 1 day, 16 hours ago
Stu, I have to disagree over Fabregas. We badly badly need someone that can bring in goals, regardless of their position. Unlike most of our team, Fabregas can score goals - he also provides an avalanche of assists. Apart from Ramsey (last season) and Walcott, ditto, we don't really have anybody that can bang in goals.
So, personally, I didn't see Fabregas as a luxury player, but an essential one.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I see what you're saying Stepanos, but whilst the maxim states the scoring goals wins games, I've long been a believer that winning games scores goals (stole that quote from the 'Inverting the Pyramid' book, in case anyone's wondering); if we get the balance of the team right, the goals will come.
Note that both Ozil and Cazorla both have impressive goalscoring records in the past that are comparable to Fabregas'. They've both been lacklustre in this regard in the past few seasons, but I think that's largely because of the imbalances in the system: making our play congested, giving us no out-ball, and ultimately making us easier to defend against.
I firmly believe that in a system with width and directness to stretch the opposition, Ozil and/or Cazorla would have more space and freedom, which would help to improve their goalscoring contributions.
On top of that, I think Sanchez, Welbeck, and Walcott all easily have the potential to each hit double figures.
there were so many other areas in need of strengthening
------------------------------------
But you see there isn't necessary a trade-off. Why couldn't we sell some players who have not been as effective as before or needed to be replaced.
This is an underlying problem I think Wenger fails to see. Wenger has squarely pinned our under performance of the past to instability of having to sell a top player a season. This is true to an extent but unfortunately I think he has made himself believe this is the only reason whilst hiding a deeper lying flaw that usually Dein compensated for. Wenger is not ruthless, nor has the capability to recognise who is under performing because he is too close to the dressing room. He is in constant surprise to whats going on. That goes back to to Reyes and his dalliance with Real Madrid, Bendtner behaviour to more recent events such as the Giroud sleeping with underwear models when the team should be under curfew to even Mertesacker's issues as he described recently. Wenger has made himself believe it will be alright as long as he keeps the team together. So players like Giroud can underperform to thier hearts content. Arteta can be on a broken leg and Mert can be as slow as an oil tanker and Wenger will not see it.
Wenger should have sold and increased his own budget if he needed to buy the players he needed if money was an issue.
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Page 1 of 2
posted on 22/10/14
Too long didn't read but seems fickle
posted on 22/10/14
comment by There's only Juan Mata: tl;dr (U17162)
posted 4 minutes ago
Too long didn't read but seems fickle
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I did rant on a bit, but never fickle
posted on 22/10/14
I would have loved to have seen Fabregas back, but realistically, it was the last position that needed improving.
Recent evidence suggests that we don't/didn't have unlimited funds, so I'd rather we allocated the money to other positions in greater need of improvement before spending such a large sum on Fabregas.
Obviously, it's disappointing that we didn't bring in a new DM and CB during the Summer, but hopefully this will be rectified in the next transfer window.
We already has a net spend of circa £50m in the Summer. If we say that, as a conservative estimate, around £25-30m will be needed to improve the aforementioned defensive positions, then this will be a net spend of £75-80m. Fabregas on top of that would have resulted in a net expenditure of over £100m, not to mention the dramatic increase in wages, agent fees etc.
For the record, I also said in the Summer that it was probably time for Wenger to move on, so I'm not trying to completely absolve him; it's just that not signing Fabregas is the stick that's most commonly used to beat him with, and whilst having the Spaniard would have improved us, I think the money needed to bring him in could be better invested elsewhere.
posted on 22/10/14
but hopefully this will be rectified in the next transfer window.
===
posted on 22/10/14
"but hopefully this will be rectified in the next transfer window. "
===========================================
We've seemingly been saying this every transfer window since the transfer window system was implemented. Good luck.
posted on 22/10/14
Even according to the board we still had over £20million left after the window closed ( I'm sure more was available if needed). To allow a world class player like Cesc go - and go to a rival! - was unforgiveable, and he never said it was financial, he actualy said there was nowhere for him to play.
Ozil should never been expected to play every game, rotating the two would have kept them both fit and on form. A manger/club with ruthless ambition would have MADE it work.
posted on 22/10/14
Even according to the board we still had over £20million left after the window closed ( I'm sure more was available if needed). To allow a world class player like Cesc go - and go to a rival! - was unforgiveable, and he never said it was financial, he actualy said there was nowhere for him to play.
Ozil should never been expected to play every game, rotating the two would have kept them both fit and on form. A manger/club with ruthless ambition would have MADE it work.
----
Even simpler solution would have been to sell Cazorla or Wilshere thus making space and paying for some of the deal. It's one of Wenger's biggest flaws he gets too attached to players he's rarely ruthless.
posted on 22/10/14
comment by Tyke (U9181)
posted 6 minutes ago
Even according to the board we still had over £20million left after the window closed ( I'm sure more was available if needed). To allow a world class player like Cesc go - and go to a rival! - was unforgiveable, and he never said it was financial, he actualy said there was nowhere for him to play.
Ozil should never been expected to play every game, rotating the two would have kept them both fit and on form. A manger/club with ruthless ambition would have MADE it work.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Over £20m wouldn't have been enough to bring in Fabregas (unless it was nearly £10m more, plus wages, agent fees etc). And even if it was just enough, it would have completely ruled out the opportunity to sign a CB and DM in the near future.
posted on 22/10/14
"And even if it was just enough, it would have completely ruled out the opportunity to sign a CB and DM in the near future."
===========================================
We won't sign either anyway, so what difference does it make?
posted on 22/10/14
I would have loved to have seen Fabregas back, but realistically, it was the last position that needed improving.
----------------------------------
Do you honestly believe that stu?
Wenger's first team was built around Vieira and his second team around Cesc. Think back to how Cesc was first tried in the middle with Flamini when we ran rings around AC MIlan containing the world player of the year in his pomp (kaka). And then he was played further forward to stiffen the midfield. And how have we fared since he left? We had one great season with RVP as the one man team. Since then we have been lucky to retain the CL spot.
So who did we have in the position that Cesc plays? Ozil is a different type of player. His game is based around passing and Cesc's on movement.
Why couldn't we sell some of the players on the fringes or those not performing to the highest level to bring in some money to afford the player Arsenal are STILL built around?
posted on 22/10/14
"We had one great season with RVP as the one man team. Since then we have been lucky to retain the CL spot."
===========================================
Great season? Really? I thought that was a horrific season and even more fortunate than the two that followed in keeping the champions league spot. Apologies for facetiousness on my part, Jenius.
"Why couldn't we sell some of the players on the fringes or those not performing to the highest level to bring in some money to afford the player Arsenal are STILL built around?"
=========================================
Because Wenger, the brilliant economic mind he is, is the only person stupid enough to have them on the wages they're on.
posted on 22/10/14
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 1 minute ago
I would have loved to have seen Fabregas back, but realistically, it was the last position that needed improving.
----------------------------------
Do you honestly believe that stu?
Wenger's first team was built around Vieira and his second team around Cesc. Think back to how Cesc was first tried in the middle with Flamini when we ran rings around AC MIlan containing the world player of the year in his pomp (kaka). And then he was played further forward to stiffen the midfield. And how have we fared since he left? We had one great season with RVP as the one man team. Since then we have been lucky to retain the CL spot.
So who did we have in the position that Cesc plays? Ozil is a different type of player. His game is based around passing and Cesc's on movement.
Why couldn't we sell some of the players on the fringes or those not performing to the highest level to bring in some money to afford the player Arsenal are STILL built around?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We haven't fared well since simply because the quality of the side has been lacking, as well as some poor tactical decisions from Wenger, IMO. Of course, having a world-class player like Fabregas would have helped, but I think the same could be said of a number of top-class players.
I don't think we need Fabregas to function; like every team, we need balance and squad depth.
We were 7 points clear at one point last season, but fell apart when teams figured out that we had no attacking pace/direct running over the top. On top of this, we had a weakness in the DM position, and a lack of pace at CB when we attempted to push for a high-line. If we'd had a mobile, ball-winning midfielder, and another pacey forward/wing-forward to provide us with pace and directness during Walcott's injury (like Sanchez), then I firmly believe we would have won the league.
Fabregas is a world-class player, but I don't think he's essential.
And personally, I would have wanted to sell a number of fringe players, but ultimately, we don't really know if there were buyers for certain players. Podolski, for example, is a player who I would have wanted to sell to raise funds - despite his goal tonight, I still think we'd benefit from a different type of player - but given his age and his reported salary, it might have been difficult to get rid.
posted on 22/10/14
comment by Herbie (U7136)
posted 13 minutes ago
"And even if it was just enough, it would have completely ruled out the opportunity to sign a CB and DM in the near future."
===========================================
We won't sign either anyway, so what difference does it make?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess we'll have to wait and see on that one. Either way, if we're working under the sort of financial constraints mentioned above, it might not have been possible to afford Fabregas without foregoing other signings.
posted on 22/10/14
"Great season? Really?"
--------------------------
It was a great season for RVP. I meant it for RVP not Arsenal.
Because Wenger, the brilliant economic mind he is, is the only person stupid enough to have them on the wages they're on.
-----------------------
True to an extent. Santi was wanted by Atletico. I am sure sale of Giroud, Podolski, Santi would have balanced with Cesc and Welbeck or Remy or Negredo type striker in fee and wages.
posted on 22/10/14
I don't think we need Fabregas to function; like every team, we need balance and squad depth.
------------------------------------
But I fear we do Dastudogg. You just need to look at Chelsea, who have never been fluid and compare it to us since Cesc was sold.
We were 7 points clear at one point last season, but fell apart when teams figured out that we had no attacking pace/direct running over the top.
---------------------------
We were in that position last year because Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd were all in transition. I suggested in the summer of 2013 that we had a free run that season and we blew it because we did not sign a better striker than Giroud. Wenger missed out Higuain and then did not have plan after missing out on Suarez. That was our chance missed.
We had actually stopped scoring freely before Theo came back from injury. Theo added an impetus but we were in trouble before he got injured again. We were unable to counter attack because Giroud's lack of pace. Southampton and Everton had out played us at the Emirates and it was only a matter of time that teams realized that putting 2 or 3 players between our slow defense and Arteta meant we had no out ball. The slow spine is still the problem. Cesc would have solved that easily. I am not saying that Cesc would have solved all our issues. Mert, Arteta, Giroud. The slow spine still needed to be replaced. Cesc vision is second to none and so it would have made it amazing difficult for high line press against us. Thats what Cesc has given Chelsea. Fluidity in transition from defense to attack even under pressure.
posted on 22/10/14
Stu, I have to disagree over Fabregas. We badly badly need someone that can bring in goals, regardless of their position. Unlike most of our team, Fabregas can score goals - he also provides an avalanche of assists. Apart from Ramsey (last season) and Walcott, ditto, we don't really have anybody that can bang in goals.
So, personally, I didn't see Fabregas as a luxury player, but an essential one.
posted on 23/10/14
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 23/10/14
Ace, if you read the comments after he signed for Chelsea it seems fairly he clear he probably would have come back here if Wenger went in for him.
Bet he doesn't regret it now, though.
As for us, Cesc is a level above any midfielder we have, and surely would have slotted back in perfectly.
Personally I would have sold Ozil or Cazorla to make room for him, even taking a £15m loss on the former.
posted on 23/10/14
It's been four bloody months. These fans pining for Fabregas are pathetic, it is time to move on.
posted on 23/10/14
Our back four, dm and keeper today was something special
3rd choice keeper
Youngster - over the hill - shiet fullback - injury prone
Pure sheit
posted on 23/10/14
Not anther fagbregas article
posted on 23/10/14
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
------------------------------------
... Cesc vision is second to none and so it would have made it amazing difficult for high line press against us. Thats what Cesc has given Chelsea. Fluidity in transition from defense to attack even under pressure.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yup, you're right J, Cesc IS special and not getting him was an unbelievably bad decision by Wenger
posted on 24/10/14
"We were in that position last year because Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd were all in transition. I suggested in the summer of 2013 that we had a free run that season and we blew it because we did not sign a better striker than Giroud. Wenger missed out Higuain and then did not have plan after missing out on Suarez. That was our chance missed.
We had actually stopped scoring freely before Theo came back from injury. Theo added an impetus but we were in trouble before he got injured again. We were unable to counter attack because Giroud's lack of pace. Southampton and Everton had out played us at the Emirates and it was only a matter of time that teams realized that putting 2 or 3 players between our slow defense and Arteta meant we had no out ball. The slow spine is still the problem. Cesc would have solved that easily. I am not saying that Cesc would have solved all our issues. Mert, Arteta, Giroud. The slow spine still needed to be replaced. Cesc vision is second to none and so it would have made it amazing difficult for high line press against us. Thats what Cesc has given Chelsea. Fluidity in transition from defense to attack even under pressure."
I agree that a big part of the reason we were able to pull so far ahead was because of the underwhelming performances of our rivals - which is part of the reason how Liverpool were almost able to win the title despite a pretty dire first half to the season.
But I still firmly believe that it's the lack of balance in the side that has cost us in recent years. Fabregas would obviously help, but I don't think we should have spent such a large portion of our budget on him when, as you say, there were so many other areas in need of strengthening.
I agree on the Walcott issue, and it's why I think the Sanchez signing was so crucial, and why I strongly believe Welbeck will be a success. Having someone like Fabregas would obviously help greatly, but Ozil, Cazorla, and even Ramsey and Wilshere, all have the ability to punish a team playing a high-line, providing we have runners in-behind.
Perhaps no-one does it quite as well as Fabregas from a deep-lying position - and as I say, if we had the money and all other positions had been sorted, I wouldn't have minded signing Fabregas - but I think there are much more pressing issues (CB and DM) that need to be rectified first, before we look at applying the finishing touches to our attacking set-up.
posted on 24/10/14
comment by stepanos (U6576)
posted 1 day, 16 hours ago
Stu, I have to disagree over Fabregas. We badly badly need someone that can bring in goals, regardless of their position. Unlike most of our team, Fabregas can score goals - he also provides an avalanche of assists. Apart from Ramsey (last season) and Walcott, ditto, we don't really have anybody that can bang in goals.
So, personally, I didn't see Fabregas as a luxury player, but an essential one.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I see what you're saying Stepanos, but whilst the maxim states the scoring goals wins games, I've long been a believer that winning games scores goals (stole that quote from the 'Inverting the Pyramid' book, in case anyone's wondering); if we get the balance of the team right, the goals will come.
Note that both Ozil and Cazorla both have impressive goalscoring records in the past that are comparable to Fabregas'. They've both been lacklustre in this regard in the past few seasons, but I think that's largely because of the imbalances in the system: making our play congested, giving us no out-ball, and ultimately making us easier to defend against.
I firmly believe that in a system with width and directness to stretch the opposition, Ozil and/or Cazorla would have more space and freedom, which would help to improve their goalscoring contributions.
On top of that, I think Sanchez, Welbeck, and Walcott all easily have the potential to each hit double figures.
posted on 24/10/14
there were so many other areas in need of strengthening
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But you see there isn't necessary a trade-off. Why couldn't we sell some players who have not been as effective as before or needed to be replaced.
This is an underlying problem I think Wenger fails to see. Wenger has squarely pinned our under performance of the past to instability of having to sell a top player a season. This is true to an extent but unfortunately I think he has made himself believe this is the only reason whilst hiding a deeper lying flaw that usually Dein compensated for. Wenger is not ruthless, nor has the capability to recognise who is under performing because he is too close to the dressing room. He is in constant surprise to whats going on. That goes back to to Reyes and his dalliance with Real Madrid, Bendtner behaviour to more recent events such as the Giroud sleeping with underwear models when the team should be under curfew to even Mertesacker's issues as he described recently. Wenger has made himself believe it will be alright as long as he keeps the team together. So players like Giroud can underperform to thier hearts content. Arteta can be on a broken leg and Mert can be as slow as an oil tanker and Wenger will not see it.
Wenger should have sold and increased his own budget if he needed to buy the players he needed if money was an issue.
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