Welcome back to the first article in around a month! I am glad to announce that the blog will be up and running again, so expect tons of articles in the future!As we all know, we are what is in the midst of "silly season", where Arsenal is linked with at least 3 players a day, 7 days a week. Sadly this reduces us to nothing but a pack of hungry hyenas circling around NewsNow articles.
It has been quite an exciting summer so far. We have all heard about the Real Madrid dealings, so I won't talk about them much. I expect that the egos at the Bernabeu are big enough and the new signings wont be doing them any favors, but I'll save this for another article.
Arsenal completed their signing of the Ajax captain Vermaelen (whose name I still can't quite spell without consulting Google). I won't pretend I know much about him, but at least Arsene realizes he needs to sort out our defense and add some experience to the squad. I am quite pleased that we completed this signing so early, now we shall see if le boss has anything else planned for us. I expect some young signings, and depending on who leaves the squad (Adebayor/Eboue/Toure) we might see 1 or 2 replacements.
Man Utd just lost Ronaldo, and Tevez is leaving as well. No matter how much money they have, they will not be able to replace these two. Ribery is a pale imitation of Ronaldo at best, while good. Benzema won't be able to cope with the EPL as well and noone works harder than Tevez (cept maybe Rooney and Kyut). VdS is also past his prime, and they will need a good replacement keeper, as well as a full set of fullbacks, and a LOT of work in their midfield.Chelsea has an aging squad, Drogba is old and no longer in his prime (same can be said about Ballack). Lampard is overrated. The only quality player they have is Essien. But the biggest esset they lost is Hiddink, that man is a genius tactitian. We will see how well Ancelotti fares at such a club, after someone as brilliant as Scolari was sacked within a season.
Liverpool is losing Mascherano to Barca because his wife just had a kid and she doesn't want to return to England. Alonso refuses to commit a long contract and he could be on his way as well. The fact that they couldn't even compete with Man City for the 12 million signing of Barry tells you of their financial situation. They desperately lack in defence and another striker to partner Torres, so I think they will struggle next season.
I know this is silly, but THIS IS OUR SEASON. I hope Arsene realizes this, but this is our season to steal back the EPL and have a good run at Barca in the champions league.
Now here is a little squad analysis for our up and coming season, divided up by position.
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GOALKEEPER
Almunia has become quite solid, so no need to buy a replacement. Definately one of the better keepers in the EPL, other than maybe Reina. Maybe someone for reserve because Fabianski is still a little shaky at times.
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DEFENSE With the recent addition of Vermalean, our defense has improved a lot too. This guy (so I hear) is a tough tackler and strong in the air. I want to keep Eboue as cover for right back, and with Traore coming good we will be covered for Clichy too. Toure wants to leave, which is sad because he was quite the player before Malaria struck. Gallas is still solid and I vote to keep him for one more season. What I do know is that I don't want to lose Senderos and Toure without replacement.
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MIDFIELD
Last season, we lost Diarra, Gilberto and Flamini all in midfield only to be replaced by Song Denilson and Ramsey, who couldn't get the job done (don't get me wrong they improved lots, but they aren't quite there yet). Now imagine if we add just one tough strong midfielder (Melo has been tossed around plenty of times), to add the experience to partner Cesc and tutor both Denilson and Song.
Now the biggest problem we have is on the wings. I don't like how Diaby/Nasri/Arshavin is always stuck on the wings. Arshavin deserves to play through the middle like he is used to, and so does Nasri. Walcott needs to be more decisive and not just play with his pace. If Rosicky is as good as he was prior to his (how many years has it been) injury, then he should be a fine addition to the squad. The season before we did well because Clichy and Sagna's overlaps and crosses were good, but this was not the case last season and Arsene needs to address this.
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STRIKER
Eduardo hopefully can return to his tip top finishing form. I remember prior to his injury he was amazing. I hope he returns to his best. Van Persie is on the verge of a new contract, which is good I suppose. I know he is technically gifted, but I've always felt his attitude wasn't the best. I recall he was sold by Fernabache because of his attitude problems. And he certainly has quite an ego as well. Bendtner is one player I feel will become better and better as time goes on, and he is starting to grow on me. I know a lot of fans don't like him but I am willing to stick by him for a couple more seasons. Vela needs time, he was really hyped up and this didn't help him settle in.
Now I know most fans want Adebayor out, and I would agree because his attitude and work rate has been horrible, but I don't know if Arsene can find a replacement. AC wants Dzeko more than Adebayor, and with the Kaka fees burning a hole in their pocket, I am sure they will get him. So we won't get Dzeko, and we won't be able to sell Ade. So lets hope this season he gives us his best and return some of the support we the fans have shown him.
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I hope you all are enjoying the confederation cup as much as I am, at least it keeps me busy from all the gossiping.
Until then, keep it Arsenalive
Travis
Picture courtesy of Arsenal.com
