However, I’m a fair guy as you may well know and therefore I’m cutting Arsenal and Arsène some slack here. In a summer where Arsenal seem ready to break the bank and are finally able to compete for some of the best players about, this certainly isn’t a marquee signing and nor do I think Sanogo will feature all to much in the league (he’s more likely to appear in cup competitions). For that reason, maybe it’s worth having a look at what Wenger may see in the player, because it seems the 20 year old Frenchman appears to be very close to joining The Arsenal from Ligue 2 side Auxerre for nothing. Is he worth a punt, considering we’ll most likely sign other, more proven players in the attacking third? Probably…

Background

Born in the suburban area of Massy (Paris), Sanogo started playing for small, local teams before joining Auxerre at the age of 13. Within a year of being at the club, Yaya showed that he had seemingly enormous potential by scoring 25 goals in 14 matches at the tender age of 14 (2006/07). He continued this excellent form at youth level for both club and country (France), with impressive goal per game ratios. This extensive success saw him catapulted into professional football in 2009 when he signed his first pro-contract at Auxerre.

It was on the 24th of January 2010 that Yaya Sanogo made his first team debut, but as a result of injury problems (Yes, I know!… I’ll look into that in more detail later), he has had a rather irregular record for Auxerre. Sanogo has scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for the club which isn’t bad, but it’s not exactly prolific either. Having said that, I must point out that the 2012/13 season just gone was his most impressive with 9 goals in 11 games.

What kind of player is Yaya Sanogo?

 At 6’3”, Sanogo is a very tall, fast and very technically gifted player who’s stature could be likened to that of Diaby. Personally, I don’t think he’s the strongest, but rather more lanky and athletic. If I were Mr.Wenger, I’d put him on the Koscielny diet when he arrives (beef him up little bit), otherwise the rough and tumble of the Premier League may end up breaking the poor lad.

From what I’ve seen during research for this very article, the majority of Sanogo’s goals are tap-ins and headers a la Giroud. However, I’ve also noticed that, unlike Giroud, Yaya can finish cooly and the 20 year old is also partial to something spectacular, with his powerful right peg making him more than capable of doing so. With this in mind, adding a more powerful build to his existing pace and height would not only protect an already vulnerable and injury-prone player, but also make Yaya a formidable threat in and around the box.

Injuries?…*Gulp*

Yes, I would have to call Yaya Sanogo ‘injury-prone’. It’s certainly a deterrent in my eyes and my earlier comparison of Sanogo and Diaby’s similar stature sent anxious shivers down my spine. His two main injuries were a tibia (bigger of the two bones in the lower leg) fracture in 2010 which saw him sit out for just over 6 months and a tear in the abductor muscle (upper thigh/bottom) in 2011 which had him on his arse (or rather off it!!!) for about 5 months. If they were spread over a longer period of time and/or Yaya was older, I might reconsider my labeling of the young man. Unfortunately, these injuries occurred very close to one another before he was 20 years old, which is rather worrying.

Is he worth it?

Yaya’s injury problems concern me, they really do. If I were more of a cynic, I may even say that it’s utter idiocy signing him. However, I’m not much of a cynic at all and therefore I do think that the positives and redeeming factors outweigh the single, yet rather large, negative.

The positives for me are that this young man has some serious potential and, in terms of raw talent, is certainly capable of becoming a top striker (especially with the help of the coaches at Arsenal, including Wenger). His height, pace and technical ability really is impressive and combined with a bit more power and strength could be deadly. Another positive is that he offers us a bit of depth in the striking department, especially as we will most likely move for at least one other attacker and the fact that he is a proper striker, rather than a striker that can play on the wing or vice versa.

But the redeeming factor of this deal is the fact that it is reportedly one that involves no payment. So even though Sanogo seemingly has injury problems, the amount of potential he has is surely worth taking him on for nothing? I think so. . .

But let’s not kid ourselves, now is when the real work will begin. This squad has shown since January that it has character and that it is likely better than anyone thought. Since the loss to Tottenham (and including that loss) Arsenal have had the best record of any club in the Premier League – not losing once in 10 games. In the last 15 games (Spuds away included) They had a record 11W 3D 1L  - still the best of any club in the Premier League. And that much maligned defense – 2nd best in the league.

Yes, the first half of the season was woeful. Fraught with individual errors that cost the Gunners matches. That was overlaid with approaches to matches that saw the Gunners wildly underestimate their opponents – and pay for it. We should acknowledge that and we should also acknowledge that what we were really doing yesterday was letting out a season’s worth of angst and frustration.

The eternal optimists out there (God bless them) will say they never had doubts. The realists well we know better. The WOBs well they are nowhere to be seen today – that’s okay too. In the end Arsenal have won and earned their right to play in the Champions League.

As for the match, well it was nervy that’s for sure. Newcastle for their part didn’t look like a squad that had lost 8 at home this season, most recently 6-0 to Liverpool. The certainly looked more reminiscent of the squad that finished 5th last season. They contrived to give their home fans a performance to end a season and they went to work with an effective game plan to cut off Arsenal’s threat.

In the last matchup in December, Walcott pretty much had his way with Newcastle and this time they looked hell bent on making sure that wasn’t the case. Almost every time Walcott tried to attack Yanga-Mbiwa down the right side, Gutierrez provided additional support to effectively cut him down. Only when Arsenal had a breakaway did Walcott’s improved form shine culminating with a series of nice moves to nearly put Arsenal up 2-0 if not for a piece of post.

Newcastle also did the same with Santi Cazorla except the creative playmaker usually drew the attention of 3 defenders t crowd him out. Newcastle’s pressure and the added pressure of needed success meant it was never going to be or look easy. But Arsenal simply didn’t look like a team that was going to die without an effort.

That kind of effort was exemplified by a MOTM performance of Laurent Koscielny who not only scored the winning goal (he did the same last year against West Brom) but was a stalwart in defense snuffing out every attack that came his way. He simply was immense and while he not everyone’s cup of tea, he along with Per Mertesacker have become a solid tandem and one of the Premier League’s more consistent CB pairings, as evidenced by the fact that in the final 9 games of the season they managed to only allow 5 goals go in and beyond the Tottenham loss never let more than 1 in a game. Say what you will but they work and in this Premier League they worked quite well.

But now the real work begins. Arsenal have their minimum requirement Champions League. They’ve possibly got the best foundation they’ve had in a long time. There is heart, resilency and focus in this squad. There may not be a world class presence in the core of the team but that can now be viewed as an addition to make.

We’ve heard how Arsenal look to be coming out of their self-imposed financial darkness. New commercial deals along with a boon in Premier League TV rights cash mean that there are no excuses Arsenal look to be flush with cash. Now, no one is arguing for Madrid, City, PSG kind of  splurging.  What we are calling for is real investment this time. If the core is solid as evidenced then the additions need to be smart and not promising young talent. Sure, don’t stop bringing that type in but for the primary purpose of challenging for silverware then the  additions have to be top-knotch quality.

Arsenal supporters are relived today for many reasons and many are willing to forigve if and only if the club’s intentions are honest this time. We’ve got our shiny new home. Our debt is managable, we have profits and new commercial deals – all the things we’ve been told will take us to the next level. Well, now really is the time for the board and the manager to deliver on their promises of years ago when we were sold in on the move to the Emirates.

There can no longer be excuses. If nothing is done to build upon the heorics of this season, then heads will have to roll.

Will I always keep an optimistic view of Arsenal. Not an overly positive one mind you, just optimistic, for the first time in a long while I truly feel as if the club get it. They know two years in a row of narrowly making it has increased the level of acrimony. They have to act. And with Champions League still technically in danger – we still have to play a qualifier – they need to act with some semblance of speed.

As for yesterday it was a good result but it has to be the catapault for bigger and better.

As for now, I’m relieved this season is over. We all need a break.

I leave you today with a couple of gems from yesterday:

1. The Case of the Phantom Goal – during the Tottenham – Sunderland match a rumour spread like wild fire that Newcastle had equalized with Arsenal, in this day and age of videos everywhere, the hype it created at White Hart Line was pure comedy gold. I present it for your enjoyment:

and

2. This moment when former Gunner Alex Song thought Puyol was going to make him the first person to handle Barcelona’s new La Liga trophy:

Forget discussing what could’ve and should’ve been. Forget over analyzing how personal mistakes have coast the Gunner’s dearly this season. No, none of that matters right now. We’ll discuss that I am sure ad nauseum in the wake of the season. No, now it’s time to focus on this one match. If the Gunners needed 90 minutes of perfection or near perfection it’s this match.

Newcastle are a hollow shell of the team that finished 5th last year. They are all over the place without a shred of any consistency. Their form at home is atrocious as the 6-0 loss to Liverpool showed. Additionally, injuries have required players to play of position like January addition Yanga-MBiwa fitting in at LB.  But all of this shouldn’t even come into consideration.

The Geordie’s are a very talented squad who are going to want something at home from this last game of the season and nothing would please Pardew and his charges more than if they ruined Arsenal’s Champions league aspirations. And while this may please some section of the fans (something I can’t fathom) Arsenal control their destiny.

“What is at stake is a desire to stay at the top and to play top-level European football,” said Arsène Wenger. “There is a difference between the Champions League and Europa League. Why? The Champions League plays with the best teams in Europe and that is what we want to do.

“Yes the financial consequences are big but that is not the most important thing for me.”

For Arsene Wenger he has clearly articulated what the Champions League means. The financial impact may be minimal to Arsenal right now. But the more immdiate impact and effect would be the ability to sign top tier players who want to play in the Champions League (cough cough Jovetic.)  Sure, Arsenal could pay over the odds on weekly salary and become the clubs it doesn’t want to but that’s not likely. They will likely pay well, but not enough for a player to place payment of Champions League playing time.

That’s why it has to be a solid effort. And it is one that has a doubt as Mikel Arteta is listed as doubtful for the match. The importance of Arteta to this team can’t be understated. He may not be a true DM but he has played the role with effectiveness and efficiency. But more than his playing ability, it’s the loss of an on the field leader that Arsenal need.

Sure, Per Mertesacker has been instrumental in marshalling the Arsenal forces match in and match out and his role as a leader isn’t understated but the two togther have been the proven leadership team Arsenal have been craving. But Arteta has been a godsend to this team. At times it is almost hard to imagine that the better portion of his career was spent at Everton.

If Arteta doesn’t make the squad due to injury then I expect a change in the lineup to be similar to what we’ve projected below. Rosicky drops back with Ramsey with Cazorla switching to the CAM role. That would move Podolski off to the LW and allow Giroud to slot up front. The addition of Giroud up front can’t overlooked as well. While he still gets stick because he hasn’t been as prolific as some would like (17 goals in all comps 11 in the Premier League isn’t good I guess), his hold up play, movement off the ball and aerial ability have been missed.

I look back against United and remember specifically a moment with Sagna looking to cross, he looked up and there wasn’t a real target in the box like a Giroud. Even if Giroud wouldn’t get it in, he can create a chance just by winning the ball in the air – and we’ll need that. Podolski was good on Tuesday. Still he is probably better out wide with his crossing ability and when he does get a chance, he is likely to score.  So that’s why I’d keep him over the likes of a Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain – who can be used to change a games dynamic.

Arsenal have to get over the nerves that will likely envelope them and in my opinion has been the reason why they’ve looked pedestrian even in light of scoring early against their opponents – they simply don’t want to mess it up. It’s a tough weight to carry – the knowledge that any other missteps since losing to Tottenham would likely cause them to drop out of the top 4.  The nerves are understandable. However, as the 2nd half on Tuesday showed, that when they relax, play their game they can shine above anyone. People will say it was only Wigan. But it was a Wigan who had outlasted and vanquished last year’s title holders. And that’s why if Arsenal simply take care of business and put Newcastle to the sword early and often they will walk out of the Northeast with 3 points and Champions League qualification.

It’s been an interesting season to say the least. From the looks it may also be an interesting off-season, but I’ll have none of that for now the focus for me and for the team is this match. Forget all the other crap and just win baby! (Thanks Al Davis).

Players to Watch:

Arsenal. Theo Walcott. He had one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt on Tuesday. Not only did he attack and present a constant threat, but he defended and won the ball to get momentum back in Arsenal’s favor. With Yanga-Mbwia playing out of position against him, he could prove the vital cog.

Newcastle. Cisse. He couldn’t play with Demba Ba. He is needed to come up big if the Geordie’s are to rain on Arsenal’s parade.

Projected Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Diaby (knee), Arteta (doubtful – thigh)

Newcastle: Ameobi (knee), Vuckic (knee), Haïdara (hamstring), Krul (shoulder), Sissoko (knee), R Taylor (knee), Marveaux (groin), Santon (hamstring)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 14

Newcastle: Ba 13

Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Cazorla 11

Newcastle: Marveaux 4

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 7

Newcastle: 3

Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.3

Newcastle (home): 1.3

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 0.8

Newcastle (home) : 1.7

Last Five:
Arsenal: WWDWD

Newcastle: WDLDL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 34

Newcastle: -23

Match Official:
Referee: Howard Webb. Matches: 29, R4 Y106

Broadcast Information:
US: Fox Soccer Channel: 2:45PM

UK: Sky Sports 1: 19.45 GMT

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Newcastle: 1

The podcast is late this week only because of the Tuesday match and rescheduling our guests. It’s long – as usual but this time it’s not due to some wild rant of mine. It’s because the conversation with this week’s guests was so good they just kept going.

There is a wide range of items to talk about this week, from the win on Tuesday, the maturation of the squad, preparing for Newcastle and obviously the preparations for the summer.

Summer really is of interest to me this year, because for whatever reason, I believe that Arsenal will be busy – real busy. All the evidence of past seasons says something to the contrary but there is a general sense that the club are finally in the position they wanted to be years ago when they moved into the Emirates. Additionally, the result of Sunday will likely have an impact on how they go about their summer business.

From transfers it’s like you’ll see most of the deadwood finally shifted only because most of their contracts are up this season. Arsenal stand to shift anywhere betwen £150 to £300k per week off their wage bill. That’s at least one major player and 2-3 solid player salary.

But before we can get to transfers we have trip up the Northeast and Arsenal are hot on the heels of a win against the team I had pegged as the harder of the two to face off against. BEfore the kickoff Tuesday, I felt Wigan posed the bigger threat to Arsenal’s top 4 hopes. But the win and especially the second half of the match was as emphatic as it could be.

By all accounts, in the dressing room Arsene Wenger gave his charges a “what for” up the back side. That kind of “ruthlessness” has been quite evident this season since about January and moreso since the loss to Tottenham when both Vermaelen and Szczesny were benched.

We talk about this and more with our guests.

Both guests this week are newcomers to the podcast and both are amazing people to chat with. First up is Akhil better known on twitter as @10akhil (www.akhilvyas.com) . If it was possible to supplant Tim Payton as the most interviewed Gooner – then Akhil has done it. He has his own song that supporters sing about him. And why not. He is passionate and goes to home and away matches with so much regularlity he could be part of the coaching staff.

After that we are happy to have Tim from the blog 7amkickoff.com (@7amkickoff) – a stateside Gooner like me. We discuss everything under the sun and touch on a topic near and dear to us both, the stick we both get for being American Gooners.

Both are great interviews and in both cases the off mic discussions were just as good the ones we recorded.

I hope you enjoy. Until next time – stay Goonerish!

Today’s Guests:

Tim from 7amkickoff.com

Akhil Vyas

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All episodes of the YAMACAST can be accessed on iTunes via the following link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-my-arsenal-yamacast/id615279052

Simply the answer to both questions is no. In terms of achieving the feet again, it’s possible but unlikely. The league has too many clubs in it that on their day, no matter how poor they may be percieved as, can beat the bigger and better squads. As for comparing players to that era its also rather unfair.

The talent of this squad is there. It’s been evidenced. The parternserships are solidfying and the slick passing combinations are becoming more frequent and better with each passing game.  More often than not in the modern footballing era, supporters and managers alike often are too quickly to judge partnerships on the field which further inhibits progression to establishing vital relationships.  The trio of Ashley Cole, Robert Pires and Henry was astonishing and all created a dynamic partnership alongside the left flank, reeking havoc upon nearly every defender and midfielder in their way.  In today’s more physical footballing world where current players of Walcott, Cazorla and even Ramsey are noticeably smaller statured individuals –  due to a myriad of reasons – they have at times had difficulty establishing a rhythm and continuity.

If thre is any one player who could fit into that legendary Arsenal  it would be from Cazorla.  The former Malaga midfielder has adapted quite magnificently to that of the grueling Premier League and shown his versatility throughout the pitch.  The Spaniard pops up just about everywhere, and brings a constant work rate that work horses of Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira brought to their respective squad.  A silky midfielder who brings a unique ability to tear-up defenses as well as instrument a decisive pass to his onrushing forwards of Walcott and Giroud he continues to impress in his debutant season.  As his play continues to adapt to the rigors of the Premier League, Cazorla is one key component that Wenger must build around.  The introduction of a Spanish contingent in the center of the park between Cazorla and Mikel Arteta has developed a common understanding with their respective wingers of Gervinho, Lukas Podolski and on occasion, Walcott.

Maybe the biggest reason though this Arsenal squad or any squad couldn’t match the Invincibles feat is due to killer instinct. Arsenal in those heady days beat opponents before the walked on to the pitch. No club today or since then has really had that ability to make opponents feared.

It’s clearly true of this current Arsenal squad.  Walcott has notched 13 goals in 22 appearances this season while Giroud is two goals behind with 11 goals in 24 EPL appearances.  Goals have certainly not been at a premium since the transition to the Emirates; however the heart of the Highbury legacy squads is clearly missing.

Today we are generally a smaller squad and are unable to just beat opponents with a cadre of guile, skill and strength like  the Gunners did ever so well in the 03-04 season. Ljundberg, Pires, Henry and Bergkamp were able to call on a broad set of skills to  create a bit of magic on their own. Could that change if Arsenal land the likes of Edinson Cavani, David Villa, or Stevan Jovetic who all have been linked with moves to the only North London club.?

Whether or not the aforementioned strikers find their way to England remains to be seen, but comparing the current Arsenal squad and those of the future to the 2003-04 squad, isn’t fair on any level. The feat was one of a kind as were the players.  The pressure of expectations that we place on our players to live up to that past is overwhelming. Walcott and other charges, must every day try to emulate the successes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp without being able to trying to develop their own history with the club. The burden of those expecations must be extremely exhausting, both mentally and physically.

Overall, the building blocks for a successful team are there and within a few seasons – with the right additions – another run at the silverware could be in order.  The French managerial mastermind seems to always have a trick or two up his sleeve and with the consistent Champions League qualifications, Wenger should have little to no trouble attracting increasing interest this summer.

While new players are certain to find their way to the Emirates, younger players like Jack Wilshere must continue to develop their own game, their own style, and ultimately their own legacy – rather than trying to emulate the play of Gilberto, or even an attacking minded defenseman like Cole.  The midfield the Frenchman has assembled has the quality to become world-class could soon be writing their own history.

Every Arsenal fan, and of course every football supporter would love to see their beloved club go an entire season undefeated – we’ve done it before why not again, yet the plausibility is unrealistic.  In the end, it’s better to enjoy what we have, see them develop and see if they can writer their own Arsenal stories.

Honestly, trying to handicap this match and try and figure it out how it’s all going to go down is hard. And it made so because you just don’t know how either of these teams will lineup. Wigan, before Ben Watson’s wonderful nearpost header, looked leggy and tired as they tried to keep pressure on City. City were disinterested but still with their talent forced Wigan to exert themselves. Before the header, it surely looked likely to go into extra time and you worried for Wigan because they all simply looked gassed. Regardless of whether they were partying or not after claiming their trophy, they’ve had essentially less than 72 hours to prepare for this match. Who knows how fresh they will be.

For Arsenal. Well, we all know the tale. They’ve been brilliant at moments and frustratingly mad at others. They’ve had 10 days to prepare for this match. How they take the pitch and exert themselves early on may not be indicative of how they could play. What does that mean? In the last two weeks Arsenal have scored the first goal inside the first minute only to play the remaining 89 or so minutes like a scared cat. They are nervous and tight – that much is evident. They simply know what losing means at this point.

In fairness it has been a remarkable run since losing to Tottenham. The question is can they keep it up. Can they find that extra gear to apply pressure on Wigan and keep it up. Wigan likely won’t be able to sustain any prolonged chasing of the ball. As open as Martinez likes to play it likely seems to be disaster for them if they play too open. They’ve got pace but it can’t last as we saw against City. Whether they will be able to come out with the same verve they did against City will be something to keep an eye on.

Arsenal actually need to play patiently early on. Control the ball and exert pressure on their weary legs. If Martinez has them press up high early, it could work to Arsenal’s advantage just to play their form of tiki-taka passing. Now the problem with that is, there are always mistakes and if you don’t go for the juggular early you might make a mistake that puts you on the back foot early. Not something Arsenal or the Arsenal faithful would want.

There are lots of stats out there that talk about Arsenal’s success this season with teams in the lower half of the table. There are also stats that talk about how well Arsenal do at their last home game of the season under Wenger. But the fact is all that means very little when the players take the pitch. It comes down to the men who take the pitch and wear the uniform. There is no silverware for today’s win. Just an acknowledgement that a chance to play in the Champion’s League is very much in their own hands.

Should Arsenal not make it – then it clearly shows that this team did not deserve to be in the Champion’s League. We can talk about near misses all we want. And it’s true Arsenal have probably hurt themselves more than any opponent have. But that disection of an end of season corpse still has another week or so to go. For now it’s the ol’  ”One Game at a Time” mantra.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal. Theo Walcott. In the last two matches Theo’s speed has caught everyone off guard as he has put the ball in the net in record speeds. Sadly in those games he has offered very little else. He needs a full 90 minutes of his opening effort today.

Wigan. Callum MacManaman. He was MOTM against City until Best’s winner. He was an attacking threat every time he had the ball. He got tired by the end of the game but still was a constant threat down the opposition’s left.

Projected Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Diaby (knee), Giroud (suspended -1)

Wigan: Beausejoir (hamstring), Crusat (knee), Ramis (knee), Figueroa (groin), Miyaichi (ankle), Pollitt (thigh), Stam (ankle)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 13

Wigan: Kone 11

Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Walcott 10

Wigan: Maloney 8

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1

Wigan: 0

Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 2.4

Wigan (away): 1.1

Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 1.2

Wigan (away) : 1.7

Last Five:
Arsenal: WDWDW

Wigan: LWDLL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 31

Wigan: -23

Match Official:
Referee: Mike Dean. Matches: 26. R3 Y97. 4Pk

Broadcast Information:
US: Fox Soccer Channel: 2:45PM

UK: Sky Sports 1: 19.45 GMT

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3

Wigan: 1

Now 22, I feel Jack has reached an important point in his career.  Not only has he got to shake off some niggling injury issues, but his best position has been debated amongst Arsenal fans recently.  Much like he did with Cesc Fabregas around the same age, Wenger seems to be converting Jack into a number 10.

During his breakthrough season Jack played next to Alex Song as a deep lying playmaker with lots of energy to drive forward with the ball.  He drew plaudits for his ability to take the ball off the back four, start attacks from deep with a good range of passing but also for his desire to get around the pitch with vast amounts of energy and drive.   It is these things that I argue make this his best position still.

A player that is comfortable taking the ball under pressure from the back four is very rare these days, especially one that 95% of the time will retain the ball and do something positive with it.  Having a player like this in a side has many benefits.

If the opposition midfield chooses to sit off Jack, he has the passing range to hurt them with incisive passing (similar to Villa at home this year – pass to Monreal in the build-up to the second goal).  This forces them to press higher up the pitch to combat Jack, leaving space in behind for the actual number 10 or the wide players. 

Recall again the Barcelona game and Arsenal’s second goal.  It is remembered primarily for the final phase and the celebrations but for me the start of the move was fantastic and supports my point fantastically.  Deep in our half under quite a bit of pressure from Barcelona, Jack received a difficult pass from Bendtner but with a sublime first-time pass he split the Barca midfield and freed Fabregas with space to break into the Barca half.  The rest I am sure needs no description. 

Arsenal’s passing game relies on swift passing and a quick transition from defence to attack.  This is Jack Wilshere’s main asset for me.  If a pass is not available he also has a unique ability to bring the ball across the half way line himself, with a fantastic ability to keep the ball close to him.  These driving runs were fantastic when Jack was at his best.  I believe Wenger described this as something incredibly unique and something most of the lauded Spanish midfielders have. 

Aaron Ramsey has added energy to Arsenal’s midfield, arguably in more of a defensive way but Jack’s ability to do so going both ways is something that is sorely missed if he is played in the number 10 role.  He has far less room to make driving runs as the space is far more condensed, especially with most teams playing an out and out holding midfielder against Arsenal.  At times one can see Jack itching to get involved in the midfield battle but his role dictates he should remain higher up the pitch.  This prohibits Jack’s game as well as that of the whole team as his drive is lost. 

One current negative aspect of Jack’s game that makes me question his role as a number 10 is his final product, particularly in terms of goals.  We all know that his passing is fantastic but I would still argue that his final pass in tight areas needs improving and the likes of Rosicky and Cazorla have this far more fine-tuned.  In terms of goals though I feel Jack does not get enough goals for the positions he gets into. 

A major requirement of the man behind the striker is the understanding of when to pass and when to shoot.  I don’t think Jack quite has that yet and has shown in promising positions that he is reluctant to shoot if a possible pass is on.  In what is basically a second striker role, that player needs to chip in with goals, much in the way Santi has.  Until Jack improves this aspect of his game and becomes more clinical I feel his best position lies deeper.  This may well come with time, in fact I am sure it will but while we have more efficient players in that position, they should play there. 

With Jack seemingly still struggling for fitness, I feel that Wenger might have moved Jack forward to add Ramsey’s defensive energy to our midfield, providing the extra protection to the back four which has no doubt added to our resolute defending of late.  However, that does not mean that we have to fit Jack in just because he is Jack. 

He is a fantastic player at his best, but at this moment we have others that arein better form in that and this seems to be Wenger’s thinking in recent games.  The positive of this is that Jack does not need to exert himself and as we come to the end of the season, he can fully recover and hopefully be ready for next season, in a physical condition where he can provide for Arsenal at his skilful best. .

It will be interesting to see if midfield reinforcements are brought in, particularly that of a defensive midfielder.  I very much suspect, and hope, that one will come in. 

As much as I am appreciating the work of Arteta and Rambo right now, at times we have lacked a major physical presence in midfield, requiring a double pivot to combat this.  A robust, destroyer-type midfield player would hopefully combine the positional sense of Arteta with the energy and physicality of Ramsey, allowing Jack to slot back into his best position and demonstrate his box-to-box attributes.

Of course that is arguably what Ramsey does best also and it will be great to have two young and determined British lads in there competing for the spot.  Healthy competition is something Arsenal squads have lacked of late but that seems to be an issue that the management staff is addressing.

Wherever Jack plays in this Arsenal side he will have an influence because he is a naturally gifted footballer but right now , to get the best out of him, I think he should be deployed as a deep lying midfield player given the licence to drive from box to box.

It’s not really worked out that way has it? For the most part, the way it was laid out to the supporters in it’s infancy nothing was mentioned that the club would tighten it’s belts and put strict financial controls in place manage it’s debt. Additionally, funds from the early Nike and Emirates deal, paltry by today’s standards were used almost in their entirety at the outset of the deals to aid in the club’s debt management. So regardless of how small they were there wasn’t even minimal funds to help.

It became evident early on and stated by David Dein in 2007 before the transfer window opened – “Arsene has to sell before he can buy.” We know where that has led us. The likes of Flamini, Hleb, Adebayor, Nasri, Fabregas and Van Persie have all provided funds into the kitty that have allowed Arsenal to remain in the black and buy minimal talent on a threadbare budget. Remember, even though X-player may have been sold for £24 million and Y-player bought for £12 million, there is still the matter of wages. So the £24 million may be used not only to offset the transfer fee but also the wages.

There is prevailing thought among some that this is the master plan of Arsene Wenger’s. He bares the blame for not buying. But as I read through Alex Fynn’s amazingly good book “Arsenal; The Making of a Modern Superclub,” one thing early on in the book is that the financial constraints are not of Wenger’s doing. He may be willing to comply by them. But they are not of his own making.

Now some will want to argue that Fynn’s book is a fluff piece intended to make Arsene look good. But as much praise as there is in the book, there is equal enough criticism, from Arsene’s total control approach to criticisms of his preparation for matches and sub management (just to name two.) Whatever you opinion it’s hard to not appreciate what Arsene has managed to do under the directed constraints.

Yes, Peter Hill-Wood did say that they once quizzed Arsene that if they gave him a £100 million – would he spend it. The story is well known he’d give it back. But further in Fynn’s book is a more telling statement by Wenger. One to me that he longs to have funds at his disposal to compete with the likes of United, Chelsea, City and others for players:

“What I want is to put this club on a level  where we have a 60,000-seater stadium and if the manager or the board takes the right decision we can compete with everybody in the world.”

“At the moment I am sitting here  - if Milan or Man United or Real Madrid is after the same player I say thank you very much I’ll go somwhere else. And I want one day that the manager – if it’s me or somebody else – can say ‘OK how much is it? I can compete.”

Not really the words of someone who is happy to be saddled with the constraints but is nontheless willing to comply and do what he can to make it work. And on one level he has. The club knew early on that Champion’s League qualification at a minimum was needed to help with the financial constraints.  He has delivered what he has been asked, a continual cash stream based on qualification in Europe’s elite tournament. 16 years possibly more. Success in the eyes of the board. Not so much in the eyes of many supporters.

But is everything about to change?

It has been wacky week in football. First it’s leaked that Arsenal are dropping Nike in favor of Puma for a kit deal estimated at £170 million over 5 years beginning in the 2014 season. Then the entire football community was rocked with the sudden retirement of Alex Fergueson. Additionally rumours galore circulate United as Rooney has now asked to leave the club twice and Rio Ferdinand was announced as part of BT’s new commentary lineup for its’ Premier League coverage, which could imply he is retiring as well.

United’s dominance as guided by Fegueson and the possibility of Arsenal having more cash on hand than it has ever certainly makes things look up for the Gunners. It’s always argued that United have only been good recently because of the will, determination and skill of their manager – more than their players. Now every team, like Arsenal will get to see if that axiom holds true. If so, with armed with cash from the new Premier League rights deal £40 million, the initial cash infusion from the new Emirates deal £30 million, and the reported £70 million existing cash in hand, Arsenal could be primed to challenge for honours again (as could the other usual suspects – but it’s Arsenal we’re discussing.)

Let’s take Wenger at his word as previous quoted – that he wants one day to be able to compete for talent like the other clubs with unlimited wealth. If all these figures are true, than it seems this summer he will finally be able to do that. He will finally not have to turn away from a player simply because the likes of Chelsea, City, Milan and Madrid (and others) are also at the table. He now has that clout at his disposal.

People will argue he won’t spend. “He never spends” they say. True, but its clear that he never spends because of the restrictions placed on him. He has to sell before he can buy should no longer be the guiding principle Wenger goes about looking for talent. Even if Arsenal should not make the Champion’s League this season, the financial outlook would adjust slightly to the available funds to cover the loss but it would still afford cash available to make transfers.

Arsenal have been hoarding their cash for some time. They’ve been telling us that they are on the cusp of being able to compete with Europe’s elite and stay there. We and I say we because I am just as skeptical, have heard it all before. But the two new commercial deals plus the new Premier League TV rights deal certainly helps Arsenal get into a level that they’ve not been able to compete at, even though they told us about all those years ago.

With so much changing in football, maybe we’ve been wrong. Only time will tell if “Arsene knows” and we don’t but it will certainly be an interesting summer. (Fingers crossed)

But what can you do there was a lot going on when I put it all together. First you have the reported Puma deal worth £170 million, you HAD the rumour of Fergie’s retirement (no longer a rumour,)  you had my rant on twats who are openly hoping for Arsenal to fail and there was also this week’s Throat Punch winner.

Fail. Look I get it, there are issues and we are entitled to be unhappy. I am not questioning that. But again, support the bloody club not the manager, not the players, and not the board. The club is what we the supporteres are inextricably linked to.  Dennis Bergkamp said it best:

“When you start supporting a football club, you don’t support because of the trophies, or players or history. You support because you found yourself somewhere there; found a place you belong.”

My own personal story is that way as are countless others. You support the club. End of. If you can’t, I challenge calling yourself a supporter. You’re a fan which to me is casual and has no inextricable link to the club. Don’t cry to me here if you don’t agree. I don’t care anyway.

Conversely, I can’t get how people can’t see that there are indeed issues and most of the deal with the leadership (starting at the top) of this club.  But I do at least give them credit for their continued support and positive outlook even in the most trying of times.

But enough of that rant. There’s plenty of it on the podcast. Did I tell you is long? It is.  Not me, the podcast you cheeky bastards.

As for Arsenal well it certainly is an interesting week. We’re all on egg shells wondering what our Champion’s League fate is. It certainly rests to some extent ont he outcome of the Chelsea v Spuds match. It may be the only time in my life I will actually root for Chelsea.  A Spurs loss has ot be what we’re hoping for. Then even if Arsenal and Spurs win their last two games Arsenal on the superior goal differential will make it into the Champion’s League spot.

And then, prayerfully then – we can get back to turning this ship around. If the financials are as healthy as they are going to be this summer – let’s recap:  Last summer’s unspent kitty: £70m. Emirates up-front money: £30m. possible upfront money from Puma deal: £20m.  New TV deal: £40m. For a grand total of £140 – £160  million coming into the club ALONE this summer. Sure we know it all won’t be spent but it pretty well insures that regardless of their table standing they could a.) survive without the Champion’s League this year and b.) pretty much sign anyone they wanted to – if they have the cajones.

If you are not familiar with our podcast feature “Throat Punch Winner” let me explain, Throat Punch is something you want to do to anyone who says something so overtly stupid and assinine in the press that you want them to just shut up. How do we do that? We punch them in the throat.

 This week’s winner is none other than Spurs amanger and resident weeping willow, Andres Villas Boas.  He narrowly beat out Arsenal’s own Woijech Szczesny for the honors. Szczesny was in the lead with his comments regarding Spurs and stating rather openly that Spurs didn’t have the quality of players to be in the Champion’s League. Now whether or not you agree with him, we don’t need to be giving that middlesex lot any more motivation to try and finish ahead of us.

And when you thought that idea might linger a waft in the air for a while Villas Boas (Viash Boash to some) went and called Szczesny a passing fan and not someone who had been at the club for a while. Well, besides a manager lowering himself to get pulled into a war of words, he should know that Szczesny has been at the club for quite some time I believe since 2006 in fact or some odd time like that. Someone will correct me on this I am sure.

So Andre enjoy your award. We’re glad we didn’t have to give it to one of our own.

As for today’s guests we have two great ones for you. First up is none other than Jules Wheeler known on twitter as @theRealGunner. Jules is freelance Tv Presenter and avid Arsenal supporter she isn’t known outside of twitter much for doing podcasts but Jules has been a big supporter of ours so we’re glad to talk to her about Arsenal in the wake of the Wigan match. After Jules we have the AST’s own Tim Payton. He is a man who divides a lot of opinions but to me he has always come across as fair and in the end wants the club to recognize it’s supporters for what they are and wants the club to be what we all want it to be the gold standard for football in every facet.

Today’s Guests

Jules Wheeler @theRealGunner

Tim Payton @timpayton

Again thank you all for continued support. Sorry again for the length. I really try. Until our next episode – stay Goonerish!

Music by Will.I.Am and Armin Van Burren feature in this episode of the podcast

But for now, like always I will look forward to the 90 minutes of glorious frustration an Arsenal match has become (this season). Even in the bad times I just love the club, the game and the overall atmopshere of English football – especially our beloved Arsenal. So even though like many of you I am frustrated with our lack of silverware and success, I put that aside at the start of every match and just watch.

That’s how I’ll approach this match. It’s one that really should be considered a lock in terms of win. But hey, nothing is a lock is it? QPR are already relegated and have nothing to play for. They could come out and as relaxed as they can be give us a very hard time. They certainly aren’t bereft of talent are they? Or they could come out and like pretty much every match this season, stink the joint up.  While the likes of Chelsea and City have shown what bloated spending can do on the positive side of things, QPR has shown the negative side of it all.

Couple that with rotating managers and well, you have a recipe for relegation. Remember QPR only staved off the drop late late into last season.

Arsenal need to win. As much as any match they need the 3 points from this one. A loss will likely put an end to the top 4 this season. It’s not completely impossible but it sure would be damn hard as it would mean the club are dependent on others to get it done. Right now however, its solely in the Gunners hands. If they are to qualify for the Champion’s League they must be as ruthless as they can be and not look past any of the opponents that remain.

Since the loss to Tottenham, Arsenal have been one of the most consistent sides. They’ve not lost since then and they’ve allowed only 4 goals. Expand your outlook to the 2-0 loss to Manchester City and Arsenal have only lost 1 and let in 9 goals in 12 games. The form they are displaying now would’ve kept them in the title hunt but as we mentioned it’s been one up and down moment after another.

Arsenal are at the frustrating worst when they make stupid mistakes and go all flat. By flat I mean that they make their effort look labored. TDecisions are poor, passing is side to side and backwards without any purpose and the urgency goes missing. When Arsenal look brilliant, its quite the opposite. And you need only look at the first 41 minutes to see what Arsenal can do when the effort is there.

In the end the three points depends on them. It’s not down to Wenger. It’s not down to the board or any of the other things we rail about these days. It comes to the effort the players who go out there and play the match. There certainly is talent enough to do it. We’ve all seen it.  QPR is there for the taking. They’ve been absolutely horrid all season, a mishmash of talent that has never come together. More concerned with their bloated paychecks and egos than actually working together as a team. You wonder had a good manager been in charge of them what the net result would’ve been.

But that’s not our concern. The focus has to be on finishing the season on a high note. Forgetting all the crap we’ve been through. Sure we’ll all pick over the carcass of a season later. That’s what we do. For now though, it’s focus in on supporting the team. The away supporters will be as brilliant as always – that’s no doubt. The twitter faithful will be their usual mishmash of praise, angst and everything in between – and it’s all good.

I hope come 3 weeks we can lament what could’ve been with a hearty laugh and a preverbial wiping of the brow of a narrow escape. But then comes all the joy of the silly season. Woo Hoo.

Probable Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Diaby (knee), Fabianski (rib), Giroud (suspended -2)

QPR: Wright-Phillips (ankle), Johnson (knee), Townsend (Test- hamstring),  Samba (Test-knee)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Cazorla 12, Walcott 12

QPR: Taarabt 5, Remy 5

Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Walcott 10

QPR: Taarabt 4

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1

QPR: 0

Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.4

QPR (home): 0.7

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 0.8

QPR (home) : 1.5

Last Five:
Arsenal: DWDWW

QPR: DLLDL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 30

QPR:  -27

Match Official:
Referee: Jon Moss. Matches: 20. R1 Y62. 7Pk

Broadcast Information:
US: Fox Soccer Channel: 12:30 PM

UK: ESPN UK: 17.30 GMT

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

QPR: 0