WALCOTT - which position is best etc?

[LDB]

But yes, Theo can indeed fornicate off

[donaldo]

The problem with pundits is that they're lazy. Most of them are couldn't-give-a-fuck-anymore 80's figures who are just trying to earn the few bob that they missed out on pre-sky. You get the impression they do little to no extra research on the players and teams they are paid to judge. They just watch motd with the rest of us and pick up a few names who are flavours of the month. There also seems to be an unwritten rule whereby they dont show each other up, a nice little arrangement.

Thats why Gary Neville is making them all look like *word censored*. I saw before one game last season the bloke analysing Wigan's tactical setup and it was clear he had done some homework before going in-front of the camera when more or less every other pundit would just say "Wigan play some nice football but they're inconsistent" I can fucking see that for myself thanks.

The worst was Alan Shearer in the world cup when talking about the (I think) Japanese "nobody knows much about them to be honest". ITS YOUR FUCKING JOB TO FIND OUT ABOUT THEM

Paul Merson actually said on Soccer Saturday the week before last he would be more upset if Arsenal sold Song than RVP

[rigsby]

Well he said that we had covered the loss of RVP but we hadn't signed anyone to replace Song, which in a way, a lot of us have said, no matter how bad we all thought he was.

Merse is alright, but needs to lighten up sometimes.

[DB10GOONER]

Well he said that we had covered the loss of RVP but we hadn't signed anyone to replace Song, which in a way, a lot of us have said, no matter how bad we all thought he was.

Merse is alright, but needs to lighten up sometimes.

Stick out a traffic cone and you've got Song covered!

Arteta has brought more to the holding role in the last 3 games than Song did in 5 years.

[SteveO 35]

Its just occured to me - Red Member's much lauded "big 3 players" from last year

RvP - gone
Song - gone
Walcott - nearly gone

Is this behind Red's turning to the 'dark side'

Not to mention that his favourite midfielder Denilson is still on loan and that Arshavin who deserved to start more regularly apparently is playing even less. And just when that 'arrogant moron' Chesney gets injured his mate Almunia isn't around to benefit any more.

It all makes sense now

[MyOldMan]

Just wanted to express how if Giroud continues form and the Cham our only option could Theo
Go upfront finally?

We know he can finish and if Santi is feeding
Balls through and Pod and Ox can support

Him on either flank we can really attack with pace.
Plus they can cover for the fullback overlaps.

Theo was our 2nd highest scorer last season and if it ain't working then go for the Giroud or Cham
Option (Cham can header) which could be effective from corners with the Met/ Bouldy
Near post flick on attack from corners and set play in latter stages.

[augie]

Walnut can fcuk off as far as I am concerned - too many excuses for a guy that has never really delivered and if he wasnt english the fans and media would have had him driven out the door long ago

[SteveO 35]

Walnut can fcuk off as far as I am concerned - too many excuses for a guy that has never really delivered and if he wasnt english the fans and media would have had him driven out the door long ago

Agree 100%, although just to bury the myth about him being a central striker it would be great to see him leave and afforded that chance elsewhere, producing the sort of desperate 1-on-1 finishes he's showed for us for six years (last season's clean through against QPR a particular favourite memory).

Err, you haven't played as a central striker for Arsenal and we signed you when you were 16 mate. Nor did Southampton's first team play you there. I once played centre forward when I was 15.....does that mean I'm a central striker too.

A guy with pace and not a lot else. I'll be even less bothered than I was when Song left if he chips off

[Bendtners Drinking Buddy]

Giroud has shown mre than enough to me that he can be a succesful player up front - his work rate his good, his runs are intelligent and he works for the team, defending from the front - its early days for him.

Walcott can do none of these things.

[flash gunner]

One thing Theo isnt is a winger. Id give him a chance up front (if Giroud is injured or example) on the understanding if he doesnt do the business he'd be kicked out. Id rather give Theo a chance than play the camel up there

[Gunnersaurus]

He will get his chance there this year, then we will all get to see what he's like, good or bad in his 'position'

[GranadaJoe]

I don't think Theo has the first touch, close control, strength or composure to play up front. For me he's an impact sub when defences are getting tired.

On a connected point, I don't think the position he plays, which is common in most top teams, has been properly nailed down by anyone. Midfielders tend not to have the pace or goalscoring threat that's needed, strikers and orthodox wingers (do they still exist?) don't seem to like putting the work in when played out wide.

I don't think any player in the PL played consistently well there. Ronaldo is the only player with the dribbling skill, athleticism and goal threat that I can think of anywhere, and he doesn't have to spend too much time tackling back.

Theo doesn't look good most of the time but he did score and set up plenty of goals last season and I can't think of any other players who did significantly better. It didn't help him that most of our build up play was so slow (although we do seem to be passing with a bit more urgency this season). Where's George Armstrong when you need him?

[silus]

Give him a go in some of the cup games when players get rested. At least we'd know if he can play there. If he can its a better option then Chamakh, if he cant (as i suspect) when he does fuck off next year he cant spout shit about not reaching his potential due to not being given chance in his favourite (supposedly) position.

[DB10GOONER]

Just wanted to express how if Giroud continues form and the Cham our only option could Theo
Go upfront finally?

We know he can finish and if Santi is feeding
Balls through and Pod and Ox can support

Him on either flank we can really attack with pace.
Plus they can cover for the fullback overlaps.

Theo was our 2nd highest scorer last season and if it ain't working then go for the Giroud or Cham
Option (Cham can header) which could be effective from corners with the Met/ Bouldy
Near post flick on attack from corners and set play in latter stages.

But we don't know Theo can finish, mate. He misses some absolute sitters.

Not having a pop here mate but the stat that he was our 2nd highest scorer is (like all stats) bollocks in the cold light of day - he got what, 8 PL goals? A couple cup and CL goals? A total of 11? The fact we have so many non-scoring shit players determines he was second highest scorer last season, not his ability to score.

I too don't believe he has the required eye for goal, consistancy of finishing or first touch to be a central striker. He has pace, but not a whole lot else tbh.

[Gunnersaurus]

All strikers miss chances though, I'm not sticking up for him but he always gets critised for missing chances, van Persie missed loads last year.

It really is hard to judge him until he's given a run there.