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usual thread starter… Fair comment. The sad thing is that in 2005 and 2006, Senderos looked like he had the stuff of Tony Adams – in terms of on pitch organization. But he’s never looked the same players since. So if Wenger were to buy a couple of defenders. Who would you like to see on the shopping list?
Lack of defensive bedrock explains potless Gunners (11/4)
Great article and spot on. If Utd win the League this season it will be as much down to Vidic and Ferdinand grinding them out 1 nils win in August and Sept when they were not playing well as it would be Ronaldo's form since then. Arsene is right in citing a lack of defensive maturity as the reason for our failings, but on many occassions it's Toure and Gallas who are responsible. As both are experienced players, and as the failings are far from infrequent occurences, the only conclusion can be that at least one of them needs replacing with a more reliable 'stopper'. Senderos has been given every opportunity to prove his worth. But having been given many 'lives' it is time to accept that Senderos is not good enough at the highest level. And promoting from within (Djourou, Nordtveit) will just lead us back down the same path; Throwing away points due to defensive lapses while waiting for players to 'improve'. By all means Arsene promote Djourou or Nordtveit to the Senderos place of 1st reserve but please a) Buy a quality centre back to genuinely strengthen the team straight away and b) Don't persist with players who continually show they are not good enough. The 2002 and 2004 title winning sides both proved that you can play great football but still have 'proper' defenders.
- Red Gunner
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I wouldn't sign a player that would come into our defence because I am happy with our defence right now. I think signing a few back-up defenders wouldn't be bad. I wanted us to get Mellberg for free in January. Now he is joining Juventus. He would be happy to be at a big club with a chance to win some medals. He is experienced and would have played at right-back and could cover at centre-back. But we missed out on what could have been a bargain.
- proudtosaythatname
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- Red Gunner
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I am not happy about the back-up but the actual back-four, I like very much. I think they'll get better next season. I wouldn't want us to replace either, Toure or Gallas. This was Gallas' first full season for us and Sagna was a newcomer, still very impressive though. I think we'll see them improve as a whole next season.proudtosaythatname wrote:I love Arsenal too but I'm not sure how you can be happy with our defence?
For me we have the best full-back pairing in the League, but we also have a centre back pairing vulnerable in the air and vulnerable when put under real physical pressure. Both Toure and Gallas built their reputations alongside strong dominating centre backs (Campbell and Terry) so previously any airial short comings were covered up. Now they've been thrown together they've continued to demonstrate there are few better when dealing with pace and movement, but neither command in the air which continues to see us concede too many soft goals. It was this same weakness that got us knocked out of the CL's last season against PSV when we failed to deal with a simple cross into our 6 yard box. I don't think either Toure or Gallas have had a poor season and neither warrant big criticism, but one of your centre backs at least has to be strong and commanding in the air and for that reason I don't think Toure and Gallas are a good pairing. As for Senderos, his effort can never be faulted, he never hides despite how poor a game he is having, but I am afraid he just simply isn't good enough at the highest level and Arsene's continued faith in him is costing us trophies (Carling Cup Final last year, CL exit this season and many league point in between).
- QuartzGooner
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Trevheff is spot on.
One of Toure or Gallas has to go.
Two mobile but short for the position central defenders is not working.
I would honestly sell Gallas.
Be a major step, but I would do it.
We have backup with Song (did ok today), Djourou, Senderos (possibly) and Nordveit (doing well for his age).
What we need is top notch tall strong centre back...
not sure who that is though!
One of Toure or Gallas has to go.
Two mobile but short for the position central defenders is not working.
I would honestly sell Gallas.
Be a major step, but I would do it.
We have backup with Song (did ok today), Djourou, Senderos (possibly) and Nordveit (doing well for his age).
What we need is top notch tall strong centre back...
not sure who that is though!
The Wheels are off . . .
The wheels fell off the Arsenal wagon the day of the draw at Birmingham. Since that day there has been no leadership from our captain on the pitch - he just disappears from games. GALLAS has to GO until he does we will not have a team to strive forward to win us trophies.