The following is a recap of our various departments in the squad in previous years:
Goalkeeping
David Seaman was arguably our best goalkeeper and we have not yet produced a better goalie to replace him in the No.1 kit. Lehman was decent but since then it has been a case of inconsistencies, flappy hands and miscommunications with the defence which has cost us in big games. Anyone remember the Carling cup final against Birmingham? We lost a game and we have repeatedly lost games because of the howlers from the goalies although Wojciech has been brilliant this season. We can only presume that the competition from his fellow Pole and the Italian keeper who is yet to feature is getting the best out of him. The competition at the international level might also be another reason since he lost his place to Boruc. I would want him to maintain such performances over the course of a whole season.
Defence
The Steve Bould effect might be working. I remember last season during the first few games where we didn’t look like we will ever concede a goal. The defence was resolute although on the other end we were not scoring goals though this run of solid performances did not last for long. The partnership between Per the big German and Kos has been blossoming especially in the absence of the Verminator although it has come at an expense. Koscielny has been conceding too many fouls culminating to free kicks and penalties as a result of his rash tackles and poorly mistimed challenges whereas Per is always caught napping due to his apparent lack of pace. The away game against spurs was a clear indication of Per’s frailties and foibles where the goals we conceded from Lennon and Bale were down to his lack of pace hence we were caught by the lightning fast breaks and crisp passes which spurs exhibited last season. The goal which Davis scored against us this season away at the Swans is also another replica of his lack of pace. I am not going to ostracize him though since he has a fair share of his perfections. His is technically adept especially because our build ups stem or spawn from him at the back and his composure on the ball in unrivaled. Regarding Verminator, he has lost confidence but the game he played in the cup this season depicted his class. He only needs to believe in himself more and now that he is not shouldering the responsibilities of being a captain unless he starts a game, we should expect more from him. Another addition would be perfect though to complement what we have and to take care of unforeseen injuries.
About the fullbacks, Gibbs and Nacho have been excelling in their battles and I also personally believe that Nacho would make a very good left winger. His link up play is top class and his crosses are precise. Unfortunately our manager does not gamble enough even in the absence of all our natural wingers such as Aha! Lukas and the Ox. Sagna has looked like a natural center half though his deputy at right back has not impressed me. He gets weekly wages to play football but he has not yet trained his left foot to kick a ball. It’s pathetic especially remembering the two goals we conceded at home to Swansea last season. Remember the second goal anyone? Ha!!He also seems to be losing his most valuable art which is his crossing abilities. I won’t castigate him any further. He would benefit from competition from another right back or under tutelage of another right back besides Sagna.
Midfield
This is the only area of our footballing department which I am not concerned about. It is reminiscent of the trio which excited everyone involving Hleb, Cesc, The Mozart and Flammy the master of the dark arts. A comparison with Gilberto, Vieira and the prince called Bergkamp is not too far-fetched except for the deficiencies in physique. The competition for places is so fierce and the rumours surrounding the possible January acquisition of Javier Pastore has got me wondering about where he would play. Anyway, for the time being, let us just sit back and enjoy.
Attack
We have had great finishers, great poachers, perfect and well moulded no.9’s such as Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord, Ian Wright, Mark Overmars and the Judas called Robin but at the moment, I feel that we are short of a good classic No.9 although Giroud is doing okay and he is on a good run. He scored two scored albeit against a weak opposition; Australia and so did his deputy, the Great Dane but against a strong opposition; Italy. I am sure that everyone agrees with me that we should get another striker in January if we are to compete on all fronts and against oppositions of varying might and so I won’t labor into delving into this topic so much.
Feel free to share your views with me.
Have a good week Gooners.