Written by Robert Longcroft Friday, 05 August 2011 13:26

GunnerTalk Blog

By Rob

The current transfer policy

The lack of players coming in only a week before the season starts has me a little bit worried. The world and his wife believe that we need to reinvest in 2 big commanding centre backs however I get the distinct feeling the manger doesn’t agree. Whilst I would love to see a Cahill or a Jagielka in the side, I don’t want the club to be held to ransom and pay over the top prices. Clichy had a year left on his deal and went for £7 million. From what I have read, I understand Cahill only has a year left yet Bolton want close to £17 million. It doesn’t make sense!

I would also like to see the club take a firm stance on the Cesc Fabregas saga. If Barcelona offers the money we want then fine. If they don’t, then Cesc stays as an Arsenal player and I truly believe when he pulls on the famous red and white he will give 110%.

The Samir nasri situation is a tricky one. Up until January I thought he was playing the best football of any player in the league. However, his form severely dropped off and it seemed he couldn’t buy a goal towards the end of the season.  As much as I would love to see him sign a new deal, does 6 months of top form merit parity with our top earners? I doubt it.

The players that have come in both look to be useful additions. Whilst understanding that its only pre season, Jenkinson looks like he will be a useful addition and good cover at full back.  Gervinho already seems to have built up a good understanding with RVP and I look forward to seeing him banging in a few goals next season.

Most realistic chance of silverware

I think is dependent on the transfer policy. If Cesc and Nasri both stay and we add a commanding centre half then I believe we can really go close for the title. 

However, I feel we need to look at the domestic cups for our best chance of silverware. I think we all know the wheels started to fall off after the Wembley debacle and to use one of the managers’ favourite words, I think our “belief” went as Obafemi Martins rolled the ball into that empty net.

A chance to put those wrongs right next season would be nice but after 6 years without any “major” trophies as the press seem to love reminding us about, I will settle for any trophy!

Team Strengths & Weaknesses

Our main strength will always be our attacking play. On a day we can beat anyone and have proven that with wins over Chelsea, Barca and Man Utd last season. We have arguably two of the best midfielders in the league in Wilshere and Cesc (assuming he stays!) and a clinical striker if he can remain fit. 

One of our weaknesses from the beginning of last season now seems to be one of our strengths. We finally seem to have found a commanding goalkeeper who can deal with the aerial threats that have caused us a lot of problems. Despite his young age, it also seems that Szczesny is not afraid to hand out a rollicking to other players when it’s merited!

If we can carry our away form from last season into this season that will also be a major strength. There seemed to be a resilience on the road with this team last season (certain results apart) and if we can keep that up then the old phrase that Arsenal “don’t like it up em” can finally be put to bed. I can’t think of too many occasions last year when were bullied out of games. 

The one glaring weakness still seems to be our defending but I think we need to improve that as a whole team and not just the back 5. The games against United and Chelsea were classic examples of what happens when you press high up the pitch and not allow the opposition time on the ball. This is a tactic that we need to use more often, especially at home, and even more so against the teams that come to the Grove to park the bus.

A lack of options up top may also be deemed as a weakness. We could possibly lose Gervinho in January to the Africa Cup of Nations and we would then be an injury away from seeing a woefully out of form Chamakh leading the line. I know he divides opinion but I still don’t see what Chamakh offers that Nicklas Bendtner doesn’t. 

So there you have it, the ramblings of a mad fan that is desperate for Wenger to prove the doubters wrong and deliver some much needed silverware!

Come on you Gunners!