Arsenal fans – Time to think positive! (17/7)

[gooner.ed]

http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=674

usual thread starter… arseblogger made a great point yesterday. Chelsea have signed a couple of players, but money going out of the club is meaningless there. Manchester United and Liverpool have signed no-one. Does this mean they are clubs in crisis? The transfer business is still to be done and Arsenal have already got two signings and Carlos Vela. Yes, Flamini has gone. Nothing we could have done about that except smash the wage structure to pieces and create disharmony in the dressing room. Hleb has now departed, but his goals will not be missed and there weren’t that many assists. We’ve paid for Nasri with his sale, freeing up some more money for Le Boss to spend. Gilberto is a loss, but in fairness we were closer to the title last season with him on the bench. He had a year left on his deal and has served us well. Only fair to him to be allowed the move if Wenger did not intend to extend his deal. Jens has gone. But like Gilberto, no longer a first choice.

So it’s all about a team growing up together, and they didn’t do badly last time out. Not winning is not acceptable to some, and I agree that for the prices we are paying, fans have every right to complain if we cannot land trophies. You pay your money, you have freedom of expression. Me, I think if we can be in there competing, the trophies will come. The main thing is to be in with a chance. I think that last season surprised me with how well the team did, so I was ultimately content, in spite of the let downs at the end. Now, I am expecting a similar level of performance next season and just hope our luck is in a little more with officiating and injuries. The squad needs a f**k off central defender and a replacement for Flamini. Ideally an international keeper too, but I accept that isn’t going to happen. Is the Flamini replacement already in the squad? He’s not obvious if he is, but Wenger’s surprised us before.

I think, based on last season we can win the league. We have a good chance. Not saying we will, but we can. And right now, given the club’s circumstances (cash tied up in the old stadium development) that’ll do me. Cue the dissenters…

[LB]

I don't know why I always find it difficult to disagree with the writing on this blog. It's starting to bug me that I agree with so much of what you say! Anyway, the one thing you raised, that Liverpool and Man U have bought no one, is interesting. Remember the comment by Hill-Wood I think, that trhe credit crunch is biting. Well, remember that Man U and Liverpool BORROWED to buy players last year! That is a factor of the debt they have, that cash flow is non-existent. Obviously less so for Man U than Liverpool. But the point is, without Glazer debt, Man U would be able to spend 100m this summer. And that's the truth.

The second issue is really the point of your article. And again I agree. I was thinking the other day whether I would swap Arsenal's squad for any other in the world. And my answer was "NO". I wouldn't want the Chelsea squad or even the Man U squad. The reason is simple: I believe that Arsenal have the best squad, just that they are a bit young and inexperienced. I firmly expect us to win the league this year, mainly on talent. So, in short, I'm positive.

[Claude]

Nice to see some positivity for a change.
I've high hopes for this season too. Last year we under-estimated this team and very nearly eat our words. With the experience of last season under there belts we should push on. And being perfectly honest, apart from Flamini we haven't lost anyone worth crying about. Hlebs record for both assets and goals was very poor and Gilberto's days we're numbered 2 years ago. I think Diaby, Denilson and possibly Ramsey could cover Gilberto's departure and between Vela, Nasri and a fully fit Rosicky we shouldn't even notice Hleb is gone.

On saying that, I'd like to sign off by saying that although Hleb's stats don't paint him in the greatest light, I have to admit that he was one of the finest dribblers we ever had at the club and was a joy to watch at times. Thanks for the memorys Alex.
As for Gilberto, he will always be an Arsenal legend as one of the invincables. Cheerio lads! Hope to catch you in the Champs League some day and let you know what your missing.

Arsene Knows

[Magic Merse]

Well done that man, i doff my cap to the writer.

I for one am extremly excited by this season. And am not letting the doom sayers get me down. We are in a far better situation and have a far better squad than last year, (yes that does depend on fitness a few players, but is there a team out there that hasnt got these worries, ronaldo and man u anyone). With this team i feel we are able to win the league.

The only concern's i have is what chelsea and Man u do. Man U haven't dipped in to the market yet so we're not sure how much stronger they will be, and the thought of them being given an extra 50mill to spend scares me a little.

I cant wait til the 16th, i really cant fucking wait!!!!

[QuartzGooner]

Top class ball winning midfielder is essential!