Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread Part 'x'

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

Superb by Mourinho. When are Liverpool at their most dangerous? The first thirty minutes of games; that is, generally, when they tear teams apart.

Not allowed to do that today, though, even against a very weakened Chelsea side. Liverpool didn't get a clear chance all game, and one costly, costly error gave Chelsea what they needed.

That and frustration, as Liverpool rapidly ran out of ideas and invention.

Back in City's hands now - another title won on goal difference?

[Duty281]

I hope darling Theo comes back from injury better than ever; like Aaron Ramsey, I suppose.

If they have the same rate of improvement post-injury, then Walcott may just become one of the best in the world!

[mystiroakey]

If Ramsey had stayed fit and kept his form up . Arsenal would have won.

When Walcott came back from injury he started out brilliantly as well. Hopefully this operation is going to fully deal with the problem long term.

but just looking at arsenal- if they keep all there players and Walcott and Ramsay stay fit. I can see them seriously challenging the whole way through the season with or without another striker

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Hernandez could work at Arsenal. Giroud's build up play is a big part of what they do because he is limited running on behind.

He's not ideal, but sharing the load with Giroud it would be a good addition if they can't get a superstar. If the A* names love beyond them then Remy and Hernandez should be considered.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I still think Arsenal would have been crushed by Chelsea and Liverpool with them fit.

The team that has thrown this league away are Chelsea. Ironic as they are the team that has saved it for City.

[Liam]

I actually think Hernandez holds the ball up quite well. He'd do what Giroud does but what he doesn different to Giroud is after laying off a pass to a midfielder, he spins in behind the defender, giving an option of a pass in behind or creating space for others by taking the defender with him, leaving space to be exploited.

[LastDamnation]

Mandzukic is probably the best of what's available, but maybe worth a punt on balo

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Hernandez would be a great bench option for Arsenal, someone different to come on or to compliment Giroud

I don't think he's good enough to lead the line for a side with title aspirations

[socal1976]

I was surprised to see Giroud had scored 21 goals this season for Arsenal which is a more than a decent return. I think the benchmark of a good striker is if they're hitting around the 20 goal mark in a season and although I'm not a massive fan of Giroud, you can't argue with those stats although the problem is he's never going to win you the league or score goals against the big sides really.

I think a good buy for Arsenal would be Hernandez. They keep getting linked with Ballotelli and people like that but in Hernandez you have a proven PL, out and out poacher who should be getting more game time and has one of the best goal per minute ratio's in PL history. He gives them that striker that will make runs in behind the defence, which people like Ozil/Carzola/Ramsey thrive on and I think will fit into Arsenals play beautifully. Plus, you have a bit of variety in Giroud as the big man and Hernandez as the little man.

I totally agree, I think Hernandez would be a great buy and I have been touting it for some time. I don't think he will break the bank and he makes really smart runs into the box and is good enough pace wise while not being an out and out speed burner. To me I have always wondered why he never seems to get more of a run out with United because as liam has pointed out the guy has per minutes played one of the best goal ratios in the league year out and year in.

[J.Benson II]

Arsenal's biggest problem in those big games is Wenger. He is clueless and devoid of confidence against the big teams, this rubs off on his players.
The fact Arsenal are the only team in the Top 10 who failed to score against Moyes' dismal United tells you everything.  

Although Giroud's goal tally is respectable, his overall play is poor. In terms of PL fowards, he's probably in the top 11-20 bracket but there are several other PL fowards that would have probably have done just a good, if not a better job at Arsenal had they'd been in his position. Luckily for him though, his rivals are Bentdner and Sanago. 
To even call Sanago a "footballer" is debatable.  

If Arsenal get a quality foward next season and stay relatively injury free, they could mount a serious challenge. Although with Wenger, they will probably still find a way of choking against their rivals. 

[westisbest]

I still think Arsenal would have been crushed by Chelsea and Liverpool with them fit.

The team that has thrown this league away are Chelsea. Ironic as they are the team that has saved it for City.

 
Not after we complete the double over them next wednesday: 

[socal1976]

Arsenal's biggest problem in those big games is Wenger. He is clueless and devoid of confidence against the big teams, this rubs off on his players.
The fact Arsenal are the only team in the Top 10 who failed to score against Moyes' dismal United tells you everything.  

Although Giroud's goal tally is respectable, his overall play is poor. In terms of PL fowards, he's probably in the top 11-20 bracket but there are several other PL fowards that would have probably have done just a good, if not a better job at Arsenal had they'd been in his position. Luckily for him though, his rivals are Bentdner and Sanago. 
To even call Sanago a "footballer" is debatable.  

If Arsenal get a quality foward next season and stay relatively injury free, they could mount a serious challenge. Although with Wenger, they will probably still find a way of choking against their rivals. 

They didn't score against United so that proves exactly what? It is a meaningless statistic. They had a team riddled with injuries with 4 of our 6 best attackers out or 3 of our best 6 attackers out for most of the season. Theo hardly played at all this season and he was our goal leader last year. This squad is a different team altogether when they have Aaron and Theo playing or at least one of the two. Despite all of this if we win the FA cup there will be 18 other teams in the league who wish they could change their season with Arsenal's season. The only team that won't will be the league champions. Or Chelsea if they win the European Cup, which I still believe won't happen.

[GSC]

Arsenals biggest problem is mentality. They have the talent to be title contenders but mentality of 4th place

[J.Benson II]

Arsenal's biggest problem in those big games is Wenger. He is clueless and devoid of confidence against the big teams, this rubs off on his players.
The fact Arsenal are the only team in the Top 10 who failed to score against Moyes' dismal United tells you everything.  

Although Giroud's goal tally is respectable, his overall play is poor. In terms of PL fowards, he's probably in the top 11-20 bracket but there are several other PL fowards that would have probably have done just a good, if not a better job at Arsenal had they'd been in his position. Luckily for him though, his rivals are Bentdner and Sanago. 
To even call Sanago a "footballer" is debatable.  

If Arsenal get a quality foward next season and stay relatively injury free, they could mount a serious challenge. Although with Wenger, they will probably still find a way of choking against their rivals. 

They didn't score against United so that proves exactly what? It is a meaningless statistic. They had a team riddled with injuries with 4 of our 6 best attackers out or 3 of our best 6 attackers out for most of the season. Theo hardly played at all this season and he was our goal leader last year. This squad is a different team altogether when they have Aaron and Theo playing or at least one of the two. Despite all of this if we win the FA cup there will be 18 other teams in the league who wish they could change their season with Arsenal's season. The only team that won't will be the league champions. Or Chelsea if they win the European Cup, which I still believe won't happen.

It proves that Arsenal couldnt even score against a major rival even when that rival was at its weakest point.
I actually think Arsenal would have won the league had Walcott and Ramsey stayed fit but injuries are a part of football. They also occured before the transfer window opened so Wenger had a chance to strengthen but didnt use that opportunity.
Arsenal have had a good season (providing they beat Hull), but it could have been a whole lot better with a quality foward and a manager who wasnt so clueless in those big games.

[GSC]

I do think its time for Wenger to fall on his sword. He's been a PL great, but I think a fresh approach would work best for everyone

[NickisBHAFC]

Wenger should end on a high, get 4th spot and end the laughable draught without a trophy by winning the FA Cup. Leave on a high and get someone else in, who can make Arsenal legit contenders again.

[GSC]

Tbh its probably the most attractive job in the PL. Stability as opposed to Chelsea and City, CL as opposed to United and money to spend. Not exactly inheriting a squad on the downslope like Moyes did.

[NickisBHAFC]

Superb facilities aswell, probably the best in the league, after United ofcourse.

[GSC]

And knowing Wenger, probably a youth system filled with talent.

[skyeman]

Tbh its probably the most attractive job in the PL. Stability as opposed to Chelsea and City, CL as opposed to United and money to spend. Not exactly inheriting a squad on the downslope like Moyes did.

For an easier/safer job i agree. But the most attractive is UTD. Top managers want the top clubs and the challenge/thrill that comes with it.

[GSC]

I disagree. Much like players, managers want best chance of success (/money)

[NickisBHAFC]

Despite short term problems, i think United will always be the most attractive job in the league.

[GSC]

I think Liverpool are a case study on their own as to why that isn't true.

[TRUSSMAN66]

Despite short term problems, i think United will always be the most attractive job in the league.

Maybe once but with Ferguson's success..........You have a shadow hanging over you from the moment you arrive...........

[skyeman]

I think Liverpool are a case study on their own as to why that isn't true.

But, they don't have a top manager and have not won the League for 25 years, and counting.

[GSC]

And once upon a time they were the most attractive destination.

[skyeman]

Despite short term problems, i think United will always be the most attractive job in the league.

Maybe once but with Ferguson's success..........You have a shadow hanging over you from the moment you arrive...........

Fair point, but is that not still part of a top managers challenge.

[skyeman]

And once upon a time they were the most attractive destination.

Of course, a quarter of a century ago   Not now.

A very good position, but not the top.

[GSC]

...hence why United likely won't be forever

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I do think its time for Wenger to fall on his sword. He's been a PL great, but I think a fresh approach would work best for everyone

Win the FA Cup, secure fourth place, go out on a relative good note. Fairly clear he's not at the top level tactically anymore by the way he's setup his teams poorly.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him end up managing somewhere in France tbh

[kingraf]

Don't think Wenger leaves. Arsenal win their next two, they have 79pts, their biggest haul since 08/09, and more than any other season post Invincibles, they're on the right track. Im not convinced thez need another frontline striker, though. When everyone is fit, I don't think goals are an issue. Giroud scores, Walcott scores, Podolski is averaging a goal every second game in his abbreviated season. Ramsey bangs in a few - Chelsea have proven you don't need one big scorer of goals... but you do need a modicum of defense, and 6-3 6-0 5-1 doesn't cut it. Win their last two games, and whoever wins the title won't be more than seven points ahead of Arsenal. Hardly a mile away. Especially given the fact that they should also win a cup.

I just think Podolski has to start more next year. And finish more games.

[skyeman]

Wenger has had his moments over the years in regards to being angry, but as with any manager, that is understandable. One or two with Fergie i will forever remember  

Always thought he was a class act though and that he probably thinks his talent should have enabled his team to have won more.

Still NO Arsenal fans calling for his head. So, they like him.

[Guest]

Still NO Arsenal fans calling for his head. So, they like him.

Rubbish.

[Fernando]

Still NO Arsenal fans calling for his head. So, they like him.

Rubbish.

That being said the guys with the banner got punched when others pulled it down.

[socal1976]

Arsenal's biggest problem in those big games is Wenger. He is clueless and devoid of confidence against the big teams, this rubs off on his players.
The fact Arsenal are the only team in the Top 10 who failed to score against Moyes' dismal United tells you everything.  

Although Giroud's goal tally is respectable, his overall play is poor. In terms of PL fowards, he's probably in the top 11-20 bracket but there are several other PL fowards that would have probably have done just a good, if not a better job at Arsenal had they'd been in his position. Luckily for him though, his rivals are Bentdner and Sanago. 
To even call Sanago a "footballer" is debatable.  

If Arsenal get a quality foward next season and stay relatively injury free, they could mount a serious challenge. Although with Wenger, they will probably still find a way of choking against their rivals. 

They didn't score against United so that proves exactly what? It is a meaningless statistic. They had a team riddled with injuries with 4 of our 6 best attackers out or 3 of our best 6 attackers out for most of the season. Theo hardly played at all this season and he was our goal leader last year. This squad is a different team altogether when they have Aaron and Theo playing or at least one of the two. Despite all of this if we win the FA cup there will be 18 other teams in the league who wish they could change their season with Arsenal's season. The only team that won't will be the league champions. Or Chelsea if they win the European Cup, which I still believe won't happen.

It proves that Arsenal couldnt even score against a major rival even when that rival was at its weakest point.
I actually think Arsenal would have won the league had Walcott and Ramsey stayed fit but injuries are a part of football. They also occured before the transfer window opened so Wenger had a chance to strengthen but didnt use that opportunity.
Arsenal have had a good season (providing they beat Hull), but it could have been a whole lot better with a quality foward and a manager who wasnt so clueless in those big games.

Chelsea didn't fare well against WBA and West Ham this season. Look I think we underperformed against the top sides. However, that being said it hasn't been as bad as some in the media make it. If looking at Arsenal's record against the top in league and the big sides in Europe; we beat Liverpool twice, Everton twice, we beat spurs 3 times, beat Dortmund on the road, and beat Napoli. We also had draws against United, Chelsea, and City. Injuries are part of the game no question but if you are looking and longterm injuries to top players none of the top teams had the quantity and quality of injuries Arsenal had and we are well positioned to still have a successful season. Everything is relative, I mean everyone has injuries, it is like fat girls. There are some fat girls that are more voluptuous and quite bedable, and then there are fat girls that are morbidly obese and require a crane to get out of their bedrooms. Arsenal's injuries are of the morbidly obese variety and not of the doable variety. It all hinges on the final against Hull, I have said it myself. And I don't take that for granted at all.

[skyeman]

Still NO Arsenal fans calling for his head. So, they like him.

Rubbish.

You will always get a few that want a manager gone no matter what.

But you show me where en masse Arsenal fans want him gone?

[skyeman]

Even some Utd fans wanted Fergie gone when they never won the PL  

[GSC]

Its by no means a majority, but theres been a growing sentiment for years among Arsenal fans that Arsenes past his best

[Guest]

Still NO Arsenal fans calling for his head. So, they like him.

Rubbish.

You will always get a few that want a manager gone no matter what.

But you show me where en masse Arsenal fans want him gone?

Go on the Arsenal forums. Turn the radio on at 5pm on a Saturday afternoon after an Arsenal loss or drubbing and they come in droves.

To suggest that NO Arsenal fan want's a change in management is just poppycock and outright ignorant.

[skyeman]

Its by no means a majority, but theres been a growing sentiment for years among Arsenal fans that Arsenes past his best

Come on, what percentage do you think?


You get those everywhere. Some Chelsea fans think JM will get the boot next year.  

[skyeman]

Still NO Arsenal fans calling for his head. So, they like him.

Rubbish.

You will always get a few that want a manager gone no matter what.

But you show me where en masse Arsenal fans want him gone?

Go on the Arsenal forums. Turn the radio on at 5pm on a Saturday afternoon after an Arsenal loss or drubbing and they come in droves.

To suggest that NO Arsenal fan want's a change in management is just poppycock and outright ignorant.

NO was the wrong word i agree. Apology.

But in no way shape or form do a high percentage want him gone.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I know some very core Arsenal fans who would prefer him to leave. Not a desperation of wanting to give him the boot, but those who just think a fresh approach and new mentality would shake things up.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Ajax confirm Spurs approached them over Frank De Boer 3/4 weeks ago

[socal1976]

Still NO Arsenal fans calling for his head. So, they like him.

Rubbish.

You will always get a few that want a manager gone no matter what.

But you show me where en masse Arsenal fans want him gone?

My own gut instinct is that 60 percent or more of Arsenal fans want him to stay and I am part of that 60. Although there are quite a few that do want him to go. For me I see football in very much the same way as Wenger. It is entertainment after all. I like that he fosters young talent. I like that he doesn't just spend like crazy and looks for a bargain. I like our style, our like our philosophy, and I like the fact that we spend money that we have earned. But with that comes some bitter pills as well. I will say this if we don't win the cup this year, I would not be opposed to bringing a top manager to replace Wenger. I don't want our own Moyes. Unless Arsenal have a good chance of signing a big coach with huge ability even if we don't win the cup I wouldn't replace him. He built the Emirates with his Champions League money and spendthrift transfer budget, he has a legacy at the club long after he is gone and dead and buried. In the states Yankee stadium is known as the house that Babe Ruth built, and the Emirates very much is the house that Arsene Wenger built. As is the style of play and the global brand that Arsenal have become.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Arsenal and Klopp seems like a match made in heaven to me

[Duty281]

Arsenal don't exactly help themselves with regards to injuries - didn't Aaron Ramsey play near-enough two hours (113 minutes, in all) on his first start back from injury, in the FA Cup semi-final?

Yeahhhh, with a mentality like that, Arsenal are just asking for trouble.

[Guest]

From the outside looking in I would probably say if he wins the FA Cup he should go. Finish top 4 and end the trophyless run, would be a decent end to his spell in charge. If he stays and then Arsenal go on another trophyless run it'll just remind me of a Bon Jovi or Aerosmith who used to be good but now churn out garbage album after garbage album when they should've just given up when on a high

I think with an exciting young manager in charge the future could be very bright for Arsenal, especially if they build on the investment in the squad. If they can continue to pull off more big name transfers like the Ozil deal

[AberdeenSteve]

If Wenger gets a Top 4 finish & the FA Cup, he'll walk at the end of the season.

Who takes his place though? Bergkamp? Laudrup? Pochettino?

[skyeman]

Always a job up for him in the NW  

[AberdeenSteve]

Also, reading that Frank De Boer has been speaking to Tottenham. What is the opinion of everyone and then this appointment if it goes ahead? Right man for the job?

I feel whoever gets that job has one hell of a task in the summer, they either have to get rid of the players signed by AVB last summer that haven't worked out or find out a system that might get the best out of the likes of Eriksen, Paulinho and Soldado more consistently.

[Liam]

I've heard people say he's a promising manager who is fantastic with the youth players but with quite large holes in his tactical approach. Could be a similar appointment to AVB, when for me, Spurs just need someone solid to come in a settle things down.

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