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THIS from Arsene Wenger on the official site yesterday regarding Senderos leaving:
“If he goes, and if there is an opportunity, then we will look. But we still have Silvestre, Gallas, Djourou, Vermaelen and Song. That’s five centre backs.”
The first part of that quote is good news. The second part less so, partly because the first name he uttered was Silvestre and partly because Alex Song is currently our second best central midfielder and therefore not really an option for centre back.
But let us dwell on the good news: if Senderos goes (considered by many more a when rather than if), we could well look to buy. It’s good news because while a new central midfielder would be most welcome, we do at least have five players of OK or better quality to fill two spots in the centre of midfield next to a more attacking option. Those five are Cesc, Song, Denilson, Diaby and Ramsey.
On the otherhand we have just Vermailen, Djourou and Gallas at the back before you either move Song (not a good idea) or give 57,000 people the jitters by calling on Silvestre. So in that sense an extra defender is no bad thing.
Euro draw later. Celtic would not be my choice.
7 August 2009 at 7:48 am
Fiorentina or the Belgian team would be mine. Everyone is talking about wanting the team from Romania but the last thing we need this early in the season is a trip to the bowels of Eastern Europe, where we never play well.
7 August 2009 at 7:48 am
Poor analysis in my opinion.
We have three centre backs at the moment – Gallas, Vermaelen & Djourou. Silvestre & Song dont count as centre back. We therefore do need quality in the form of Brede Hangeland.
However, the real problem is in midfield and that should be our priority. We have only one recognised central midfielder – Alex Song. Cesc, Denilson, Diaby and Ramsey are lightweights. Song has improved but still will not necessarily provide the steel to sustain a title challenge . We desperately need strong central midfielders. Our squad is imbalanced without one. What will happen when Song goes to ACN? I cant believe how a world class manager like Wenger misses something obvious like that. Yes Wenger mistake like that are criminal.
7 August 2009 at 7:49 am
I’d love it if we got Celtic!
7 August 2009 at 7:49 am
We should never have bought Silvestre, he was injured whilst at Man U but no we had to spend money on a player who has rarely played for us and in my opinion way over the hill. Gallas is another one who has become injury prone and although he is a good defender we still need to replace Toure and have cover to get us through the long season ahead.
7 August 2009 at 7:53 am
pls why do ppl not see that Djourou is another weakest link to take over sendrous, pls let him go too, why must we always have a jeffers, segan , sendrous, loop holes at every time in our in our team, can someone pls tell me why.
7 August 2009 at 7:58 am
When will Wenger ever stop talking in parables. Cant he talk straight. It is disgusting to listen to him or read what he says. It is either he is buying or not. He should not leave fans guessing what he means while time is running out. Useless
7 August 2009 at 8:00 am
I do not want to draw AT Madrid we have a history of losing to Spainish sides any other team would suit me fine.
7 August 2009 at 8:21 am
Passion is a funny thing isnt it? Or could we, Arsenal fans ESPECIALLY, explain our continued ‘frustrations’ in various forums, blogs and media when we know Arsene will never listen to us?When has our opinion on any issue ever mattered to him or the club’s hierachy for that matter?I am done with been ‘angry’ with Wenger, honestly.Its yielding nothing.For all our talk and complaints if he ever reads them we dont know it. Safer to assume he doesnt isnt it? But what baout those of other pundits, coaches, explayers and the media saying the same thing?Beats me really if he’s that stubborn.What’s the difference btw the blind and a man who refuses to SEE the obvious?I am probably the 99999th person to say we need a DM, we need a commanding CB and maybe a world class CF but we all know its Wenger’s job and he willl do it his way right? I am calmer now and will accept whatever he chooses to do afterall its his job, I am just a fan and the bucks ends on his table right? Like we say at Arsenal, ‘Arsene KNOWS!’ AKUNAMATATA!!!
7 August 2009 at 9:03 am
Wenger only mentioned that he may get another defender if Senderos leaves. He did not mention world class defender, haha. So do not stomp in your feet is frustration if he gets another aging defender just for cover or another promising young one. Therefore we must view Silvestre’s role in the proper context, as a 4th choice defender. I have no problems with him being the 4th choice defender. Wenger may even bring in Vieira (if wages and other terms are agreeable) as cover, as he can fill in DM and CB position. Didn’t Wenger once said that he foresee Vieira ending his career as a CB? Even with Rosicky’s injury and without any new signings, I am optimistic for this season. The players are one year older, more experience and will play much better now.
7 August 2009 at 9:39 am
Arsene is planning to leave arsenal where he found it.
7 August 2009 at 9:58 am
yeah i doubt he will get a 1st choice defender if he leaves. Also ramsey will not play next to cesc, he is going to take over from cesc once he leaves in 1/2/3 seasons.
7 August 2009 at 10:57 am
It’s Celtic!