Arsenal

[Daley]

I almost feel relieved in a weird way. Every game was a massive strain to not lose to keep the unbeaten run in the league against them going. Glad it's over in a way. Just all about three points again.

Not that the first goal was totally his fault, it was an amazing strike after his shitty punch, but if Almunia is still Arsenal's number one next season then Wenger clearly has no intention of challenging for honours. You do not win trophies with a goalie like that and he knows it. And i'm not sure what has happened to Sagna.

[hercules]

How is that comparable to RVP missing 5 months (or whatever it was)? Seriously, why is this even being argued? If you can't get by without Rooney for two games then you don't deserve to win the league. Where do you think you'd be had he been out for the length of time RVP has been? I know Bendtner is well liked in these parts, but I have to say I think it's amazing that Arsenal were even still in contention at this point in the season, given the players they're relying on.

All of this is true enough. It was a terrible example, though.

You've pretty much said it all for me.

RVP has missed 31games for us this season..... What a shame after the way he played yest you just realise how much the team has missed him.

I'm not to bothered about the result, i'm not gonna jump the gun like we need a massive overhaul. Let's be realistic everyone was saying arsenal won't finish in the top 4 so they've proven many ppl wrong. The squad looks generally good but sometimes with so many KEY players out, it's hard for the 5-6 comin in to perform as they're not first 11 players yet, more squad players which is why with a fully fit squad you only make 1-2 changes in a game as to not disrupt the flow of our game.

I personally didn't expect us to be where we are considering arshavin had to play so many games (big games aswell) up front. Credit to the team, and if they can finish 2nd what a big turnaround that would be from last season. I still feel come next year wenger needs to go out to try and win the league cup, and put more effort into it, he can't go out soley to challenge for the champs league and the league, that's just stupid and disrespectful to the carling and FA cup.

A new No1 keeper is needed and at least 1 CB even a defensive Mid wouldn't be the worst signing but not ultimately the main position we need.

Put the games against the top teams into perspective, we battered Man utd at old trafford dunno how we didn't win. We got outplayed at the emirates but still had chances, we played well at stamford bridge but got outplayed at the emirates by Chelsea, but out of those 4 games RVP played 1 and Bendtner played 0, Rooney played both and Drogba and Anelka played both, we had to cope with Arshavin in 3 of the games and the lack of front man is what cost us in my opinion, that is luck with injuries in years gone past we have done well in the top 4 battles but still finished 4th or 3rd so it needs to be put in perspective a wee bit. Oh and we beat liverpool twice this season.

[CandyBob]

Can't read the last two pages due to works filter so I'll just say aaarrrrrggggghhhhhh and apologies if I am just repeating other people!!!

I was completely bemused at the end of the game. How can a team have so much possession and create nothing? How can we continue to play with a goal-keeper who continues to make school-boy errors (I believe a Reiner or a Cech would have caught and not punched)? Why are some of our players allowed to continue to make the same poor choices game after game and its not addressed? Is RvP that much better than the rest of our players to be able to have such an impact?

I've always been a stauch supporter of Wenger and believed in his way of doing things. He has performed miracles in my opinion with some pretty average players and a sprinkling of world class talent, but I think we will always be in the -almost there- category unless we either get a season with a lucky run on the fitness front, or key areas are supported with better players. I wouldn't have a problem if he came out and said finances are average and this is how it is, but if he is going to talk about the team winning trophies, he needs to show that ambition a bit in the transfer market.

The game showed up everything that has typified our season and needs addressing. Injuries (Verminator), schoolboy defending (Almunia, Silvertre) and a lack of players good enough in attack when we have injuries.

Although Bendtner has scored some crucial goals recently, Chamakh is a much needed signing. Its possible that players like RvP and Eduardo will spend time on the sidelines again next season and we can't rely on Bendtner to produce the goods consistently. Likewise can we go another season with Al as no.1? I'm not convinced Wenger will do anything about it even though it seems the easiest position to fill. Would a Howard, Sorensen or a Green turn down the chance to play for us assuming the price is right?

There are some other players that could be picked out if we analyse it. Denilson gets a lot of stick and Diaby, after a good run before the Barca games, was shocking last night. Not the priorities though probably.

How good was Sol though? Still a real winner.

[hobo]

If Wenger doesn't buy a keeper in the summer I go mad.

[SeanR]

If Wenger doesn't buy a keeper in the summer I go mad.

I keep watching a replay of the goal

http://vodpod.com/watch/3428990-danny-rose...l-1442010-in-hd

and imaging le prof turning to Rice saying "un neu goalkeeper, merci"

[Art Vandelay]

Remember when Wenger didn't buy a defensive midfielder when it was patently obvious we needed one? I'd fully expect a similar story this summer. He has four keepers and I can't see him getting anyone unless one leaves, which isn't that likely really. I reckon he'll have Fabianski starting in August after a run in the team over the summer friendlys.

[Nate Dogg III]

I keep watching a replay of the goal

http://vodpod.com/watch/3428990-danny-rose...l-1442010-in-hd

and imaging le prof turning to Rice saying "un neu goalkeeper, merci"

Nice to see him slipping a bit of German in there.

[hobo]

I agree, he aint buying a keeper, I fully expect to go mad.

I think he will bring in one more defender and Chamakh and that will probably be it.

[Rev]

I agree, he aint buying a keeper, I fully expect to go mad.

I think he will bring in one more defender and Chamakh and that will probably be it.

And a couple of randoms we'll never hear of again.

[Daley]

Remember when Wenger didn't buy a defensive midfielder when it was patently obvious we needed one? I'd fully expect a similar story this summer. He has four keepers and I can't see him getting anyone unless one leaves, which isn't that likely really. I reckon he'll have Fabianski starting in August after a run in the team over the summer friendlys.

I agree, he aint buying a keeper, I fully expect to go mad.

I think he will bring in one more defender and Chamakh and that will probably be it.

[toythatkills]

Remember when Wenger didn't buy a defensive midfielder when it was patently obvious we needed one? I'd fully expect a similar story this summer. He has four keepers and I can't see him getting anyone unless one leaves, which isn't that likely really. I reckon he'll have Fabianski starting in August after a run in the team over the summer friendlys.

Didn't Mannone have a good run when he was in the team earlier this season? Why not just skip Fabianski and go with him instead, if there's really no movement on keepers.

[Daley]

Still, as painful as defeat last night was we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that in terms of the league table and our title challenge progress has been made. We're a bit rag-tag right now, what's left of the squad held together with bandages and electrician's tape, but at least there's the sense there's something to build on. The manager said we would definitely win something this season, we haven't. He said that if we didn't win anything a change of tack was needed with regard to our recruitment process, he's got to do that in the summer and examine the worth of some of the current squad.

I have to admit that I never expected us to stay in the title race for as long as we did. I certainly had no real expectation of winning it, even if we'd got three points last night, so the result and its implications aren't as painful as they might have been otherwise. There's still something to play for this season though, second place is not impossible, and while nobody remembers runners-up we have to keep going and finish as high as we can. Playing for our pride might seem a bit hackneyed but thousands of Arsenal fans will travel to Wigan this weekend, pay their money and support their team - there's no time for wallowing from any of these players.

Title over, yes. Season over, not just yet. Arsenal over, never.

A good summary from the always excellent Arseblog.

[Dude Ranch]

A good summary from the always excellent Arseblog.

Yes, and Wenger did say he'd look at things. That might sound a bit hollow and we've heard it all before but I think he'll take action. I do think he'll try for another keeper, actually. He's stubborn and frugal, not stupid.

[Daley]

Yes, and Wenger did say he'd look at things. That might sound a bit hollow and we've heard it all before but I think he'll take action. I do think he'll try for another keeper, actually. He's stubborn and frugal, not stupid.

Funnily enough the Campbell signing might actually knock some sense into Wenger. He has been nothing short of brilliant since he signed (and was our best player last night) so hopefully he might convince Wenger that we need a couple more experienced players in the squad rather than another 16-year old.

And I say this after being extremely sceptical when we signed him.

[The Fox]

I reckon they'll try and keep Sol on for another season as fourth choice CB before he goes into coaching. He was very good last night.

As for Wenger's transfer policy, he didn't just make a couple off-the-cuff remarks about needing to change tack if we came up short this year -- he gave that very long and elaborate interview to The Times where he discussed the subject at length. I do think at the very least he's going to sign 1-2 £10m+ centre backs (depending on what happens with Sol and Gallas) and Chamakh, and maybe a GK as well. As DR says, he's stubborr but not an idiot.

[Mars]

[hobo]

Yes, and Wenger did say he'd look at things. That might sound a bit hollow and we've heard it all before but I think he'll take action. I do think he'll try for another keeper, actually. He's stubborn and frugal, not stupid.

I reckon they'll try and keep Sol on for another season as fourth choice CB before he goes into coaching. He was very good last night.

As for Wenger's transfer policy, he didn't just make a couple off-the-cuff remarks about needing to change tack if we came up short this year -- he gave that very long and elaborate interview to The Times where he discussed the subject at length. I do think at the very least he's going to sign 1-2 £10m+ centre backs (depending on what happens with Sol and Gallas) and Chamakh, and maybe a GK as well. As DR says, he's stubborr but not an idiot.

[Art Vandelay]

I've really warmed to Sol. He left a really bitter taste in everyones mouth when he left but he's won the fans back by being pretty excellent. I'd keep him on certainly. His fitness has improved too so another season shouldn't be a problem.

If Wenger did splash out on bruiser at the back and replace Denilson and Diaby I think we'd have made some real progress. I'd take or leave the striker to be honest.

[mop]

I think if there's one thing to learn from this season it's that we can't rely on rvp. If lose him for anytime to injury next season, which we will, we would be fucked with this same strike force.

So I'll gladly welcome a new striker. Also, chamakh is awesome.

[myoozikk]

BREAKING NEWS...

Flights have been cancelled due to dust & ash in the air, Arsenals trophy cabinet cleaner is being held for questioning.

[anders limpar]

[myoozikk]

[KRP]

Funnily enough the Campbell signing might actually knock some sense into Wenger. He has been nothing short of brilliant since he signed (and was our best player last night) so hopefully he might convince Wenger that we need a couple more experienced players in the squad rather than another 16-year old.

Could it be? Spunky?

[Lucky]

Been thinking about our team, squad, new signings (yeah I know) and next season etc.

This is what I've come up with.

next season' starting 11 in a 4-3-1-2 formation

New top drawer keepr

Sagna---Gallas or new top CB if WG should leave---TV---Clichy

----------------Song

-------------Cesc----Ramsey or Nasri or new CM (Diaby type, but can actually play)

-------------Arshavin

--------Chamakh---RVP

Bench:

new no.2 keeper. Someone a bit oldish, experienced, willing to be a no.2 and able to do a job if needed

new CB

Djourou

2 out of Nasri or Ramsey or new CM

N Bendtner

Theo

Rest:

Mannone & Szczesny

K Gibbs

Eboue

Wilshere

Rosicky

another CM (Song type)

Eduardo

Campbell

Merida

Vela

Traore

Ins:

New top Keeper, no.1

Good no.2 keeper

Top CB

another good CB if Gallas goes

2 CM

Chamakh

Players that can do one:

Diaby

Denilson

Almunia

Fabianski

Senderos

Silvestre

There you have it.

[Baz]

Been thinking about our team, squad, new signings (yeah I know) and next season..

Can't see Wenger bringing in two goalkeepers, there's just no way. Almunia will be number two & Fabianski shipped out on loan if someone in the PL or a top Championship side will have him. I also very much doubt two expensive CBs will be brought in even if Gallas goes. Sol will probably be 4th choice and a youngster brought in as 5th if injuries get beyond ridiculous again. Personally I would like to see a top CB come and also an up and coming top DM who could potentially cover as CB (or cover Song), but I've no idea if this player exists.. I'm sure Wenger had his targets though and won't want to rely on Campbell if his first choice pairing at the back are out for any length of time.

Formation is interesting - needs discipline in midfield to cover for Clichy and Sagna bombing forward to give width to the attack. I've really not seen Chamakh at all but understand he plays up top through the middle? If he's as good as I hear then Wenger will want to incorporate him and Van Persie. Maybe Eduardo will get another shot with a partner up front.

I also think Denilson will stick around. Vela, Traroe and Merida on loan - maybe sold. Wilshere back.

Gonna be an interesting summer whatever - I expect at least 2 big signings (+ Chamakh).

[Lucky]

Can't see much of it happening to be honest but it would be good if it did.

Surely there'll be a couple of signings plus Chamakh though, wont there?

[Dude Ranch]

It's all about going back to 4-4-2 in my opinion. If this Chamakh comes in we've got him, Eduardo, Bendtner and van Persie as senior strikers. Eduardo desperately needs to play in a two man forward line and Bendtner would operate best that way too IMO. So does van Persie, you wouldn't dare waste him out wide in a three and he's not really a 'plough a furrow hold it up' type forward. Chamakh I know nothing of but assume he's a target man who could play alone up top. You wouldn't play Walcott through the middle on his own, nor Vela. Nor Arshavin, the lazy cunt. In short I want us to go back to two up front, hopefully a big man plus one. That could be a straight two man partnership or one up top with one in the hole. The three man forward line sucked when push came to shove. I'm amazed he stuck with it especially when the players it was designed to accommodate started dropping like flies.

I'd also ask the players, ever so nicely, if they'd mind fucking shooting every now and again.

EDIT: Now Denilson is injured. How safe is 3rd/4th guys? I genuinely wouldn't be surprised if we didn't win another match this season.

[redbloodcell]

Unless you lose every single one you're not in any trouble I don't think. If you get one win or a couple of draws you'll probably be out of reach to those of us behind you.

With Wigan your next game I don't think you need to be too worried, they're hardly the same side that Steve Bruce built.

[The Fox]

It's all about going back to 4-4-2 in my opinion. If this Chamakh comes in we've got him, Eduardo, Bendtner and van Persie as senior strikers. Eduardo desperately needs to play in a two man forward line and Bendtner would operate best that way too IMO. So does van Persie, you wouldn't dare waste him out wide in a three and he's not really a 'plough a furrow hold it up' type forward. Chamakh I know nothing of but assume he's a target man who could play alone up top. You wouldn't play Walcott through the middle on his own, nor Vela. Nor Arshavin, the lazy cunt. In short I want us to go back to two up front, hopefully a big man plus one. That could be a straight two man partnership or one up top with one in the hole. The three man forward line sucked when push came to shove. I'm amazed he stuck with it especially when the players it was designed to accommodate started dropping like flies.

I'd also ask the players, ever so nicely, if they'd mind fucking shooting every now and again.

EDIT: Now Denilson is injured. How safe is 3rd/4th guys? I genuinely wouldn't be surprised if we didn't win another match this season.

4-3-3 works for certain players -- I think it helps liberate Fabregas a little bit, for instance, and it's also more suited to Diaby's attributes. It also gives us more chance to incorporate the multitude of attacking midfielders that we have.

I could only see us switching to 4-4-2 as the default formation if certain conditions are met:

Firstly, you'd need proper backup for Song, because you don't want to play with Fabregas and Nasri as your only central midfielders against a good side. You need a bit more steel.

Secondly, I'd expect at least one of the forwards to leave if Chamakh comes in, because even with our injury record I just think that's too many people. You'd have:

Chamakh

Van Persie

Arshavin

Eduardo

Bendtner

All competing for two CF/SS spots.

I'd also expect at least one of Diaby, Denilson or Rosicky to leave, because again I think that leaves way too much competition for the 'non-defensive' role in central midfield:

Fabregas

Nasri

Diaby

Rosicky

Denilson

Ramsey

Wilshere

You can stick Nasri and Rosicky out wide I guess but I'm not convinced that it's where they're best. Obviously Nasri is going nowhere, so in a 4-4-2 it may well be that he has to make do with a wide position. The final sticking point in switching to 4-4-2 is in those wide positions. Competing for spots there you have:

Walcott

Eboue (and let's face it, he's better at RB)

Vela

Plus Nasri and Rosicky, who as I said are both better played further infield. Arshavin could maybe do it at a push too. Not exactly a great bunch to choose from is it?

In summary as a tl;dr version: to play 4-4-2 as our standard formation next year, I would expect:

Eduardo and Wilshere to go out on loan

At least one of Diaby, Denilson and Rosicky to be sold

A defensive midfielder to be bought

At least one wide midfielder to be bought, probably Eden Hazard.

That's quite a lot of fucking around in order to make 4-4-2 our mainstay formation again, compared to the relatively small amount of tinkering required to stick with 4-3-3.

[Rev]

WARNING: Football manager based-post ahead.

I always play like this against weaker teams

DL----DC-----DC----DR

------------------------------

--------MC--DMC--------

AML-----------------AMR

-------FC---------FC------

And like this against stronger teams:

DL----DC-----DC----DR

------------DMC-----------

--------MC--AMC--------

AML-----------------AMR

-----------FC---------------

I'd like to see Arsenal doing that - we need to have more attacking options against teams we should be killing off. I don't really think we have a lone striker at the moment - much as Bendtner is the best of the ones we've got, he'd still be better with someone else up there with him.