How can Arsenal progress with half a team?

Post by **QuartzGooner** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:55 pm

How can Arsenal progress with half a team?
Online Ed: In isolation, a home draw against Liverpool is no disgrace. In the wider context of this season, it was another in a long line of disappointments.

by Kevin Whitcher

22 December 2008

http://www.onlinegooner.com/editorial/index.php?id=142

"Eboue, Denilson, Song and Diaby could go down as Wengerâ€™s version of McGoldrick, Hillier, Morrow and Carter 15 years on, but at least they were in cup winning squads."

The midfield is the area of great concern above even the defence.

In defence there are precious few options available, but there is squad depth in midfield.

Rarely this season has a midfield given us the balance between steel and creativity.

Walcott's absence is keenly felt, and will Rosicky ever play for us again?

Graham lost his way in midfield, has Wenger followed suite?

Or is it just a temporary situation?

The Adebayor red card is debated at length elsewhere inn The Forum section.

http://www.onlinegooner.com/phpbb2/view ... hp?t=11721

Jumpers For Goalposts · Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:08 pm

I hate to be negative after a battling display and an excellent atmosphere - but the centre of our defence and the current midfield (Song, Denilson, Diaby, Eboue) are nowhere near good enough for us to overhaul the four teams above us.

The game on Boxing Day is so important if we are to regain lost ground but we will be without Fabregas, Adebayor, Walcott, Eduardo, Rosicky. Their absence will be a massive blow.

All we can hope for is that Arsene finally spends some money next month (Bullard / Hangeland / Ireland) some more money in the summer and the injured players return quickly.

We won't win any silverware or even finish in the top 4 if Arsene keeps selecting Bendtner, Song, Denilson, Diaby and Eboue.

Redexpress · Post by **Redexpress** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:27 am

I saw the game on TV and I have to admit I had given up hope at half time but fair play to the crowd for really getting behind the team, and a very gritty performance from the unusual suspects. I HATE Liverpool ( I live in Ireland and am surrounded by their mouthy, opinionated, "steeped in history" fans). At least I could say that their team were spineless when given such a gilt edged option to win a big game.

I agree that it is difficult to be truly optimistic about our chances of any silverware this season. Cesc's injury should really underline to Arsene how paper thin our squad is. I don't know who we should buy. Ireland probably wouldn't be available. I watched the Citeh game the other day and he was absolutely everywhere. Someone like Scott Parker might give us a bit more steel in midfield.

The saving grace is that noone else has pulled away. Chelsea and Liverpool seem to have their problems but have more scope to improve.

Anyway, when i'm having my toast from my new Arsenal toaster on xmas morning (kids arent great at keeping secrets!), I will be reminded that being a Gooner is for life, not just for xmas or a few trophyless seasons.

Come on You Reds.

row 29 · Post by **row 29** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 1:09 pm

I agree - Good article on line Ed

For me the sending off detracted just how poor Arsenal were - a brilliant self made goal by VP no doubt but before and after that goal came bad hospital passes after another.

row 29 · Post by **row 29** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 1:09 pm

I agree - Good article on line Ed

For me the sending off detracted just how poor Arsenal were - a brilliant self made goal by VP no doubt but before and after that goal came bad hospital passes after another.

proudtosaythatname · Post by **proudtosaythatname** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:53 pm

Did McGoldrick, Hillier, Morrow and Carter ever play in the same line-up? Ugh.

a Gooner is for life, not just for xmas or a few trophyless seasons.

Well said Red Express! Very pertinent comment for Christmas 2008.

Have an enjoyable one!

Lanesratoo · Post by **Lanesratoo** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:54 pm

I can't be as gloomy as Fabregas this Christmas who must hurt in knee and soul. Without him I despair of any success though as always I'll cheer and I'll say very positive things to everyone who isn't a Gooner. But I'm crying inside... My best gift from Santa is a couple of well-chosen buys to fill gaps and keep us on track for at least a CL spot.

proudtosaythatname · Post by **proudtosaythatname** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:04 pm

What of poor Arsenal without Absolutely Fabregas? How ironic that Cesc's injury was caused by a collision with Alonso - who should have been a Gooner if Arsene had been prepared to up his bid by Â£2m or 3m

How can Arsenal progress with half a team?

How can Arsenal progress with half a team?

So I'll have a gloomy Christmas...