supergeorgegraham wrote:OneBardGooner wrote:supergeorgegraham wrote:You lot make me laugh. Yes we will have signed a very good player if he signs from Malaga BUT Podolski might not be a revelation after all his team got relegated last year. Giroud could be amazing but could also flop. Above all else with Jenkison, Santos as back up to Sagna and Gibbs I honestly cant see us winning anything. No team with a dodgy defense wins anything. If Wenger signs a replacement for these players only then will I be excited.
muppet.
Hey look I want Arsenal to be successful as much as anybody. Mind you the last 4 or 5 years has ripped any positive thoughts apart. Every single time I started to get excited something would go wrong usually in defense. I hope Podolski, Giroud are amazing but none of you will ever change my mind on the damage Santos and Jenkinson can do against quality opposition. Its annoying that this defensive situation has never been fixed totally. I was blown away by Koscielney last season but Mertasacker was really poor and slow. Above all else for one season we had Van Persie on fire which was just like the great days with Smith, Wright, Henry. I hope I am wrong and we do challenge for the title. No offence meant to fellow fans.
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I agree...our defence has ALWAYS - well since the ending of the best defence in prem history - been of Huge concern..and wenger seems not to see it - a *word censored* he may be but cashley is a brilliant defender...and after he went - things really did go down hill...not just because there is (or so it is strongly rumoured ) no Specific and Dedicated Defence Coaching (they're too busy learning tippy tappy) -
Our defence players at the moment:
Sagna - Probably the best RB in the prem
Kos - Still has much to learn BUT is learning rapidly and Improving in leaps and bounds after a rather dodgy 1st season
Mert - Slower than the overnight mail train from Edinburgh to London - and that's SLOW! - But has experience and his height (if used properly) can be a big asset (Though the way Kos is playing and progressing - I think he is a better choice to partner TV5)
TV5 - I think he has much to offer - yes he can make errors - who doesn't and has a niggling injury that never seems to clear up 100% - But he takes no prisoners, gives 101% and could/should be the new captain - as he can both tell and demonstrate to the younger players what needs to be done.
Jenks - I've still yet to make up my mind - and although he does give his all - sometimes that just not enough - I really hope he does improve and becomes a decent defender - maybe he can teach Arshavin what 'Effort' means!?
Djourou - Started off really well 3 seasons ago - but has gradually become more and more inept - which is sad - as he is built like a brick wotsit - has height etc - but he doesn't have a defenders mind - doesn't read the game well - and seems to only have a good game every 2-3 months...also he looks 'Dozey', I'm sure he's not but he seems slow on the uptake - not only on the itch when things get intense but his progress has reversed.
Squillaci - I thought he'd left...but (regrettably) he's still at Arsenal....one of the worst defenders ever to wear the beloved Red & White.
Gibbs - Was supposed to follow in the steps of cashley/clichy...he has pace and some skill, but doesn't seem to understand how to hold his position and read what's coming at him....also (for me) he's just too 'lightweight' physically and can't cross a ball (mind you that goes for 90% of our squad).
Santos - What can be said about the jovial Brazilian -
- He has skills - but he gives the ball away way waaaaay too much, can put a tackle in - but often just doesn't bother - never will be a LB Proper in a million years - perhaps could be used as cover - but only as a L Midfield defensive player..and he just looks Unfit - not quite as bad as Arshavin - but heading there.
Bartley - Could be one of the best defenders to come through the ranks since Cashley - the Juries out - But he is Young Big, has good pace and has time on his side, I think this season will see him improve into occasional prem appearances or just stay with the Carling Cup line up.
Migel - He only made a few appearances last season - But mostly did well - especially as he was often having to deal with squillaci and djourou as well as the opposition....but again he is young and could turn out a Goodun, though he doesn't seem to be part of the squad..is he out on loan?
I know I've only stated (perhaps) what others think/feel....BUT it is also plain to see that Wenger has a blind spot when it comes to Defenders - selecting/buying etc...I don't know who on earth advised him to buy Squillaci - but they need to be sacked, and his choice of Santos was a big mistake...he persevere's with Djourou - even though he is clearly not good enough...let's hope the rumours are true and we do sell him.... the defenders as a unit also need to be coached as a unit - I am hoping that Bould can knock them into shape and a cohesive defensive team.
ps: forgot the goalies:
Shez - great potential - but needs Proper coaching
flappy - No! Just plain fdeckin' NO!
Mannone - had a few good performances then went to pieces that time...##Again we need a Good Experienced Keepr to teach by demnstration of what and what not to do AND to push Shez further..Brad Friedelo type player!?
Contrary to your belief, OBG was actually agreeing with you but as he comes from Newcastle, and he writes as he speaks, it came across as an insult when in reality he was saying 'My Pet' which is a colloquial way of concurring with someone. 
