MIKEL ARTETA

[skizz_b]

Can we have a thread to debate...nay all agree about how fabulous this man truly is. What we have been CRYING out for for many a year!



We will severely miss him if AW is right in saying his ankle problem is serious - he could be out for the season. Bad times

[SteveO 35]

Never doubted it. I was on here 3 years ago saying that he should have been our midfield signing because he is simply an all-round top quality PL midfielder in an age where there aren't that many left. The guy is as strong as an ox, mature in his breaking of play and reading of the game, great at set plays, has a fierce shot and can create

Some of the criticism on here when he first joined astounded me.

On the few occasions he hasn't been there, then the midfield has been shown up to be what it is - full of sideways passing robots with no ability to link defence with attack. Only since January has Tomas Rosicky stepped up to the mark to help him out

If Van Persie leaves then Arteta should be made captain too

[I Hate Hleb]

And that is one of the problems - we've signed him 3 years too late!!

[Red Member]

how bad is his injury?

I dont fancy our chances at Stoke without him

[flash gunner]

A good hard working player with good composure and general all round super quality He's been a great addition to the team

Strange hair though

[skizz_b]

how bad is his injury?

I dont fancy our chances at Stoke without him

Metro have reported he is having a scan on a suspected broken ankle today

[skizz_b]

The most astounding fact about Arteta is we haven't won a league game without him!

[Simon]

The most astounding fact about Arteta is we haven't won a league game without him!

I really wish I hadn't read that stat

[DB10GOONER]

He's not a top top player, but he is a very good player. Strong, intelligent, great shot, does the simple things well, can read the game. And he is light years better than Song, Ramsey, Diaby etc.

[skizz_b]

The most astounding fact about Arteta is we haven't won a league game without him!

I really wish I hadn't read that stat

Me neither

[GranadaJoe]

When he arrived AW had him playing further forward as he did for Everton and I thought his performances were a bit disappointing but when he was dropped deeper (AW does know some stuff) his ability and intelligence gave us the control that had been severely lacking.
Him operating behind Jack and Rosicky would be as good as any midfield three in the PL. Unfortunately when any of those three are injured it's a long way down to the next best CM.

[frankbutcher]

Arteta is one of our most important players. Quite simply he drops deep whenever Song goes on one of his "tours" up front. Surely I wasn't the only one on here to observe the absolute chasm in the centre of our midfield once he went off. You could have pitched a circus tent around the centre circle, with enough room for the ticket booth and the cages that hold the tiger and elephants. We got ripped to pieces because Song wouldn't sit and Ramsey just passed the ball to the oppo. I really fear for us in our remaining 4 games. I really do.

[Ray]

Arteta is crucial to our midfield as he fills in the gaps that Song has in his game. For years now Song has derelicted his defensive duties and doesn't seem to be learning from his mistakes.

Arteta though has the experience and covers for Song. Arteta is the reason why Song has looked better this season. However without Arteta the gaps that Song leaves exposes our defence and we are stuffed.

[SteveO 35]

Nice to see some respect for the man Baba dubbed as a Spanish Denilson earlier in the season

I always knew he would be a player people would start to appreciate more when he wasn't there and now we will see. Look forward to Ramsey and Song bossing the midfield at Stoke

[Yankee_Gooner_Dandee]

Arteta, Wilshire, Rosicky would be a great midfield 3.