Okay, So Now What?

Why Me?

Well, what started off as a week of saying goodbye (or good riddance depending on your view) to Beyonce loving Adebayor has now turned into worrying (slightly) about our team with Samir Nasri being on the trainer’s table for anywhere from 2-3 months (depending on the break).

For those that don’t know, during a training session in Austria, Nasri suffered a break to this right fibula. While Nasri wasn’t as potent as we would’ve all liked, he was a flexible option either across the midfield or slotting behind one central striker.  Whether or not this is all good news or bad news remains to be seen. Surely the return of Gallas, Eduardo, and Rosicky are good for the team. However, Nasri who in my opinion was better as a holding midfielder will have to be replaced if that is the role Arsene saw for him.

The good news – at least we have £25 million to pay for it.

Now, I have been reading over the last week, that Arsenal are the likely target to fall out of the top four, given the emergence of Man City’s English version of the Real Madrid project. Let me make sure you all remember that last year we were supposed to fall out to the likes of Tottenham and the year before that to Tottenham or Everton. I am not so sure.

So Man City has gone out and signed Santa Cruz, Barry, Tevez, and Adebayor. Are any of those defensive players? Also let’s remember their bids for two premier CBs have been rebuffed by Chelsea (Terry) and Everton (Lescott). While it is clear they will continue to pursue – the time for getting them in is drawing closer. By all indications neither club is willing to part with their two players. But who knows, the money City are throwing around could entice anyone. But my point is – and it is one echoed by Robinho – is they are now too heavy with attack and very light in the back. Scoring goals was not a problem at City last year – keeping the opponents from scoring goals was. There goals allowed was on par with recently relegated Newcastle.  Its a simple game football, you score and keep your opponent from scoring. If you opponent scores watch out.

But again back to the big -four or five. What have any of the top clubs done? Nothing really. Man U takes a gamble on Owens. I won’t ever count them out. SAF is a master genius at recrafting his team when dealing with departures of big players. Chelsea – their own Russian wonder kid is the only signing of note and their back four is just as suspect as last season. Liverpool – if Xabi goes to Real – this team will suffer the ability to make things happen.

Finally, while Thomas Vermaelen is the only signing of note, we still have a lot of talent in the midfield and front. I really like our attack options. Like everyone else, I want more defence from the midfield. I would love to see someone who can really free Fabregas to be the playmaker he can be. But we shall see. I also want to see a full season of Arshavin. Personally, I think he is going to light it up.  Walcott also has to step up this season. Missed opportunities won’t get us anywhere this season and he needs to make the most of his – either on the wing or as a central strike option with RvP.

Speaking of the Dutchman – if he stays as healthy as last year, I fully expect him to either remain where he was or improve. Rosicky is a man on a mission who wants to show the club that was dedicated to him, that he is grateful and equally as grateful. Vela, this guy has to be deputized often. His sense of touch on the ball is amazing for someone so young and without a lot of exposure to the EPL. I want to see him let loose. I think he can be better than Dudu.

So then what are our options  in formation with what we have? Last year was the year of the 4-3-2-1. This was in my estimation a lousy set up with Adebayor having such a crappy year. He never was able to deliver and wasn’t getting fed the ball right. Actually, anyone in that central role wasn’t doing all that well.What the formation did do was allow Arshavin and Walcott to use their speed on the wings to their advantage.

This year it could look like:

Alumina

Sagna, Gallas, Toure/Vermaelen, Clichy

Song, Denilson

Walcott, Fabregas, Arshavin

Van Persie/Bendtner

Then there is the 4-4-2. We all know this well. When Arsenal were at their best and winning silverware – this was the formation of choice. Imagine either Walcott or Arshavin with RvP or RvP with Eduardo/Vela. The possible lineups could be:

Alumina

Sagna, Gallas, Toure/Vermaelen, Clichy

Rosicky/Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri/Arshavin

Van Persie, Eduardo

Alumina

Sagna, Gallas, Toure/Vermaelen, Clichy

Rosicky, Fabregas, Song, Nasri

Arshavin/Walcott, Van Persie

And finally – what about the special one’s vaunted 4-3-3?  It allows for the addition of another central midfielder whilst retaining his attacking options. Possible lineup could be:

Alumina

Sagna, Gallas, Toure/Vermaelen, Clichy

Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri/Diaby

Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin

I have to thank Jeremy Wilson for seeding this idea in my head. His article in the Telgraph is where most of my information came from. The lineups are his ideas.