So what have we learnt from the pre-season games so far – what has Arsène learnt? Obviously we can’t read his mind but we can draw logical conclusions from his team selections and have a crack at deciphering the coded messages he sends out in press conferences.
These are simply my conclusions based on what I’ve seen in the pre-season games and Arsène’s own words (as opposed to journalists ‘interpretation’ of his words)
- He hasn’t yet decided who will be first choice keeper. I think he is increasingly coming to the conclusion that it won’t be a disaster if we don’t sign another GK – this may be partially driven by the fact that he can’t find a buyer for Almunia and that new Fulham manager Mark Hughes will not want to let Schwarzer go and may even have made it a stipulation of accepting the job.
- Koscielny was always intended to be TV’s centre-back partner and based on his impressive improvement in every game (many said he was MotM yesterday) he could be a great signing. Koscielny is an Arsène type player. He is a very athletic defender and a good ‘footballer’, but his slight stature means that against the more physical teams, he will be overpowered by opposition strikers. For this reason, I think AW was hoping that Djourou would be able to deputise in some games – in my opinion he is not good enough. For a man of his size he lacks aggression. He doesn’t attack the ball in the air in the way TV does and he is not positionally aware in set pieces. For this reason I think Arsène is still looking to sign another CB but is extremely loathe to spend the £10m required to get the likes of Mertesacker or Jagielka.
- Nasri has reacted positively to his World Cup exclusion. His performances have been consistently good in pre-season and his emergence as playmaker has allowed Arsène to take a tougher public stance on the issue of Cesc’s departure for Barça. The recent statements to the Press have been more for the ears of Cesc himself and his message is “We are the ones in a position of strength, its about time you started acting like our captain again and came out in public and committed yourself to Arsenal”
- I believe that the inclusion and performances of Frimpong and Nordveit have been highly significant. Arsène sees Frimpong as a genuine contender to deputise for Song if he is injured or more likely needed in central defence and Nordveit similarly has the quality to play as CD, RB or DM – we don’t know how they will deal with the pressure of top flight football but I have a feeling we will find out this season.
- Arsène will be delighted with his attacking options for the coming season. Although some may have reservations over Koscielny, Chamakh is going to be a huge success – don’t be surprised if Man City are offering £30m for him next summer. Unlike any of our other striking options, he has ALL the attributes required for the job. He is a big strong lad. He has pace and great close control. He has a strikers lust for goals and yet is unselfish in his play. He is better in the air than any of our other strikers. He has quick feet, a better first touch than Bendtner, and is a more composed finisher than RvP.
All the above is pure speculation. It is not written as a criticism of the manager. I think that Wenger, post his partnership with David Dein, has been a great servant of the Board and will continue to spend the club’s money sparingly. The commercial growth of the ‘business’ is still the prime objective. To grow at a time when almost every other club is shrinking is a major achievement and the focus will not change for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
“He has quick feet, a better first touch than Bendtner, and is a more composed finisher than RvP”.
Wow that is a big statement there mate. How can you say Chamahk is a ‘More composed finsher than Rvp’? You’ve seen Chamahk in one game and have decided he’s a better composed finisher?
Morning all
Nice post Rasp – Kozzer did indeed look more like the real deal in yesterdays game and Chamakh is also going to be firm favourite with the fans. Arsene really wanted Chamakh in January and he was worth waiting for.
Its laughable that we don’t have a world class keeper and if we don’t sign one it’ll still be laughable!!!!!!!!!
Can we challenge for the Premiership? The rest of the team will do adequately IMO but the goalkeeper question will cost us …… sadly.
Hi Mike,
I’m a big fan of RvP. He has ‘brilliance’ that can change a game, but it has to be acknowledged that he commonly tries to smash the ball into the back of the net (sometimes ending up in row ZZ). How many times have you seen RvP pick his spot and sidefoot the ball into the goal? I did not say (now would I) that Chamakh is a better player than RvP – just a more composed finisher.
I’ve seen Chamakh in 4 games for Arsenal now and watched many clips before we signed him.
RVP has improved his finishing over the last two seasons.rvp-c.kaka-AA axis is as complete as any out there even my utd mates were impressed by how our signings looked and they said if AW buys a gk and cb we are the business.
Very neatly argued Rasp. I agree with much of what you say, except I think he will still get a keeper and a new quality centre half and will pay what he considers necessary.
It was interesting and I believe significant JD was brought on injured or not and played as a DM.
So a new CB allows cover whilst DJ Song and Frimpong who had a fine game allows us to play two defensive midfielders when we need them.
We looked good yesterday and it will be interesting who he plays today given the Celts will put it about a bit, will key players be risked or saved for the real dress rehearsal on Wednesday in Poland.
PS How many runs did you score yesterday.
Hi K-TR7,
RvP’s 20 minute cameo against totnum was the best I’ve seen him play – he’d have had a hattrick had it not been for Gomes. He worked hard in the World Cup, his link-up play was good but he wasn’t able to create many chances on goal for himself. I think RvP is a No.10 whereas Chamakh could be a No.9 …. just my opinion.
Good article and some fair points raised. Also object slightly to the notion that Chamakh is a more composed finisher than Rvp, but I do understand what you mean.
Rvp is a lovely finisher, though he does sometimes get between cooly slotting home and firing powerfully on sight. Having said that, he displays an aptitude for both. At times during the World Cup, Rvp cut a forlorn figure isolated up top, with neither the sheer pace or power to break the shackles. Hopefully the presence of Chamakh will free him, to come off the line and play his brand of Bergkamp style football.
Agree on the keeper situation.
Really pleased with first look at Kosclieny. Looked quick, agressive in tackle and dominant in the air. It is early days but that was the original remit.
AA also has to produce his moments of brilliance more often.i have always maintained against park the bus opponents we need an x-factor player.messi does it for barca and you can see how spain look lethargic without such a player.rvp can but he is often injured but AA i believe should be our man.it will also be great to have plan A and B on the pitch at the same time.
K-TR7 – I agree that the ‘Rvp – Chamakh – AA’ trio is a mouthwatering prospect – if RvP had been playing yesterday we would have looked really classy.
I hope they’re not all going to be so unselfish that we hardly see what they’re capable of – ‘after you, no after you, no after you’ scenarios could become all too regular in front of goal 😦
Morning dandan,
I see the ‘word’ is that we are unlikely to sign Jagielka, I’d be absolutely delighted if Arsène proves me to be incorrect and pays £10m for Mertesacker – but it aint gonna happen!
I’m itching to place a comment in ‘I told You So’but will have to wait until the end of August. My house is safe but you’d better get in touch with Pickfords 😆
Welcome Danny,
Great comment, can’t argue with any of that. A club our size needs players like RvP, AA and Cesc. They sell shirts, inspire new generations of fans and give us that ‘Arsenal creativity’ on the pitch.
Rasp rvp rattled the spuds that day.he looked like a leftfooted cr9 that day.i believe that when rvp comes back he will still play through the middle as a false nine with chamack and AA playing in between the fullbacks and their respective cbs.with overlapping runs from our fbs i expect us to always bamboozle defenders.chamakh playing slightly wide can make diagonal runs which are more difficult to defend against compared to him making a horizontal run.he also has ade-esque abilities in holding the ball and occupying cbs sparing rvp of physical confrontations and maybe he will stay fit longer.
I have never thought Jag would be released Rasp, Think German I say.
It seems you misread my former post my house wasn’t discussed I am in a win win situation.
Another thing about chamakh is that he is good at defending set pieces too and he will be the ‘indian’ of our attack.in training he will also improve our defender’s abilities in defending set pieces.all in all a free signing!…koscielny will be a monster.if he bulks up i bet you he will be a massive prospect.
I agree K-TR7, AW will not play anyone as a traditional centre forward. As you say, the fluidity of movement of the strikers and attacking midfielders is key to his plan – and we all know you don’t have to look any further than Spain or Barça (pphhhhttt!!) for that.
I do like the fact that Chamakh and kozzer are agggressive and ‘busy’ players so perhaps the malaise we saw in some performances (from some players)last season will be a thing of the past.
I personally feel frimpong is not ready to step into the big games yet if called upon maybe he could do with a season out on loan first… wilshere and nordveit i would keep as i believe its time wilshere got his chance denilson an diaby have had long enough to show there quality but have failed to be consistent..
A quality keeper a cb an dm and i would be really excited about what the seasons hold i dont get it where never far off but just a lil push in the transfer market could get us that trophy we all crave now!!!!!
fabulous post rasp…. just gonna read the other comments before i add to them
Rasp if AA,Rvp and AA can form a telepathic understanding i believe we will have no problem offensively.if you watched chamakh at bordeaux he loved ghosting through at the far post to score a header and thats what AW wants-unpredictability.its also good to see lil mozart coming along nicely.
Hi cj,
I agree that Frimpong is a rough diamond, he is probably as ready to step up as Song was when circumstance forced him into the first team. He could learn a lot from Flamini’s performance yesterday – unfortunately he looked really good don’t you think?
CJ Aw has already said he is keeping frimpong as he believes him training with our first team would be better for him.if we by any chance field rvp,cesc,AA,c.kaka at the same time in most of our games teams will be scared to even attack us.with rvp,c.kaka,diaby,song,sagna,kozzer/newcb/djourou and tv we have players who can dominate aerially so if we can have some defensive drills we may have a chance.
K-TR7,
Its all about balance as I see it. We don’t have genuine wingers and are not blessed with that many players who can deliver a good cross. Sadly the rapier ‘pinball style’ counter attacks that Bobby and TH14 were so brilliant at haven’t been a feature in the last few years. As you say (and it was demonstrated with AA and Cham yesterday), if those attacking players develop the telepathy of RP and TH, we won’t need wingers.
Hi Rasp
yh flamini showed what this team is lacking since he left really a hardworking mid that sets the tempo and can put his foot in him fab an song could have been a great prospect his energy levels are so high. i was impressed with him yesterday an i was told that was milans 1st pre season game?…..
I also think thios could be a big year for vela i still think there is something special in that boy and would like to see him today playing on the right side of the 3 cutting in..
i watched it on the box yesterday and i would have had Kozzer as the MoM, i was so pleasantly surprised at his reading of the game and composure on the ball… he will fit in well. Maybe he played too well yesterday and Wenger may now think he doesn’t need a star CB signing, just maybe a 5m back up or something. We’ll see… but as much as i want Mertsaker, i now believe it wont happen.
Chamach impressed as well, not sure if i agree that he is a better finisher the VP as i havent seen enough, only time will tell… i hope he is as cool as eduardo was when he first arrived, that would suit me.
Frimpong needs a loan spell, wilshire is ready. And i hope Walcott and Vela start today!
Hi cj,
I am struggling to see how Bendtner will get many starts this season with Chamakh in the side.
I think Vela is a more skilful footballer than Theo, but for some reason he hasn’t been given as many chances. I think this will be a make or break season for him and he may end up playing elsewhere next season.
If we have got a player in Charm. who really does use his pace to play around the far post. Then Theo will be seen in a different light because his crosses are aimed there and would be meat and drink to such a player.
yh rasp i agree although with eddy leaving it should open up more chances for vela now he is a guy that can score a goal out of nothing and the stats show he has actually got a goal 1 every 2 games when he has started so he deserves a chance!!!
fingers crossed rvp stays fit then your right i cant see where bendtner willl play but its a long season so im sure everyone will get decent enough playing time.. and gibbs also looks to have come back an picked up where he left of before his injury.
The reason AW likes theo is that his off the ball movement is sublime to watch.if you remember nasri’s goal vs the mancs theos movement took out the mancs defence.at full throttle he is amazing to watch.all he needs to improve is what he does on the ball.vela is way more skillful though but looks terrified on the pitch where he panics alot making the wrong decisions.he also has the ability to be invincible…
Vela showed a great piece of skill yesterday keeping the ball and making space for himself and if his shot had actually curled into the top corner it would have been a great goal.
i agree K-TR7 and theo has that something special in him waiting to come out every game but he just seems to overthink everything then the chance is gone.. theo needs two things a good start maybe a couple goals in 1st few games and a injury free season and he could take of this year an prove the critics wrong… im so glad he didnt go world cup or could u imagine the flak he would of got from the press!!!
When all is said and done we’ve watched yesterday’s
game many times before. Brilliant football, sometimes even mesmerizing. Fast, short passes, great runs, domination of possession – but in the end result – same ole – same ole!
Above and beyond all else we have to get a greater return on our possession. I agree that our goalkeeping is not top drawer and that another cb would be nice but to win games we need to put the bloody ball in the net.
I’m a stat freak but one stat that I don’t know is the goals return rate vs possession – I think we would rate near the bottom. It’s all well and good to say we have to beat bus loads of defenders to win games but that was not the case yesterday – it was down to wasted opportunities.
Given that’s now off of my chest I do like our new additions, Marouane and Lauren really look the part and are typical AW buys and our youngsters look to have e greater influence this season. But we simply have to score more goals to help offset our goalkeeping and defensive deficiencies.
Cheers.
Frimpong does look very good. I wasnt convinced before because the opposition were very weak, but against milan his composure was particularly impressive.
That was the main thing that impressed my about eastmond last year, that he didn’t look at all flustered, and was able to read the game well, cut out passes and keep the ball with simple, intelligent play. Frimpong seems to have these qualities, but on top of that I think he might have more stamina, which is very important for that position, and he’s also a lot physically stronger. Very promising.
Wilshere as well did really well in a more withdrawn position. He played a little like flamini in terms of the energy he brought to the side, but he obviously has great talent on the ball and can make things happen. I think wenger was testing him there because he is considering playing him in the same midfield as fabregas. In this game jack was playing next to frimpong really, but getting forward at times, and nasri was doing cesc’s role. He did very well, and that’s fantastic for the squad. Not only is wilshere a talented attacking midfielder, he can also contribute defensively. This is the sort of player we have really been missing since flamini left. Someone who will run and work for 90 mins, a real winner in midfield. I would still rather we bought flamini back because hes the finished article as a box-to-box midfielder, but its great to see that jack might be able to do it.
We really do have a golden generation coming through. These kids are not only very talented, but they are winners. Certain players in the current squad lack that mentality imo. Gibbs, jack, frimpong, possibly nordtveit and eastmond as well – these players all seem to have the right attitude. Add to them cesc (if he stays), song, vermaelen and the fact that nasri is starting to look the business, and chamakh might also be of that mold, we have the basis of a really great side. We still lack the big, powerful defender, the sol campbell-type. Hopefully djourou can become that. I think yesterday might have shown up his lack of match practice and fitness, because he certainly has more talent than he showed, but his injury record is worrying. We definitely need another defender.
Morning GN5,
I couldn’t agree more. We’ve all suffered frustration of watching a performance where we’ve dominated possession, played brilliant football and eventually crafted a beautiful goal (ususally after missing a few chances) and then been hit by a sucker punch from a set piece.
Birmingham last season was the most excruciating for me.
cant dissagree with Gunnern5 ithink theo, nasri rvp will all be expected to contribute with more goals this year an hopefully chamakh can be that 20 goal a seson striker we been needing.. i doubt it though he looks way to unselfish he more of a worker for the team but will hopefully open up chances for other players.. Kozza looks the buisness he looks a real talent i dont know if he is ready for first 11 but only time will tell!!
Good comment Davi
I did think Djourou playing as HM looked funny as he’s so much taller than both Vermaelen and Kozzer.
I’m sure Flamini felt he had something to prove yesterday but he was pretty awesome.
Hi Davi,
Some very perceptive observations and an excellent comment. You’ve written enough good stuff there for a headline post – you would be most welcome to submit your thoughts in the form of an article if you feel inclined.
Wilshere is blessed with great talent and has a natural gift that cannot be taught. I like his aggression but sometimes he can become petulant, I think he’ll collect a few cards over the course of a season.
I just got the red and black treatment – must be a gremlin somewhere?
Push F5 GunnerN5, it happens when the broadband goes slow or the internet is very busy.
Hello!
We must buy a world class gk, and a class cd as well as cdm. Otherwise we won’t win a damn thing.
And we still can’t finish. Can,we?
I think this season we be the same as the previous one.
But I fear we will end up outside top 4.
Aside from Wilshire, JET, Frimpong and Gibbs rest of our kids are not good enough.
Peace. And have a great Sunday.
Hi Maciek and welcome,
It would be nice to buy a top keeper, but the fact that we know we have tried to sign Schwarzer suggests that Arsène is hoping one of the younger keepers will come through.
I agree the defence will never be strong as long as we have a shaky keeper that the defenders don’t trust.
I think the top four will be interesting next season and will comprise Arsenal, Chelsea, Manu and Citeh with Chelsea the most likely to win it. It is possible that united could struggle as they aren’t going to make significant signings and so much rests on the shoulders of Rooney.
I think Frimpong looks good but if yesterdays game was a competitive match he would have been booked within 5 minutes and then been restricted for the remainder of the game. He may stay with the first team but I dont think he will get much game time yet. Just looked a bit naive and reckless to me. A loan move would do him good IMO.
Thanks Rasp.
Great post Rasp & probably spot on.
Big plus: Cham, Kosc, Gibbs, Frimpong, JW.
Big Neg: JD & Randall who cost us the game. I’ve never felt Randall was good enough for Arsenal & from the time he came on our performance dived & we lost superiority/an attack!
Fellow gooners,
Whole point is that we need world class experience,Mertasacker size is a must,won’t be brushed of the ball.If we cant pay 10 mill,very sad,6 mill for eduardo in the bank!.Oh and come on,Frimpong if song injured you CANNOT replace him in a game like a top four game i.e. CFC!.If Wenger still hasnt learnt that then he needs to move upstairs,because he is not seeing it.It is SO obvious lol.
Very reasonable article Rasp and, dare I say it, even quite optimistic given your stance on likely in-comers (or lack of them) before the window closes.
I still believe we’ll get another CB and a GK, but of the two the most pressing has to be the GK. Fabianski had an OK game yesterday, but that’s kind of the point – he is OK when it doesn’t matter. When the pressure is on and the stakes are high, those fingers turn to jelly.
I think the club has decided that Sneeze is going to be the GK for the next 10 years but he’s still too young to be thrown in the first team, so the temporary fix option (Schwarzer) is what they’re aiming for.
If we don’t get a new ‘keeper we can assume we’ll drop between 9 and 12 points this season through ‘keeper errors. Last season it was probably higher than that.
AW is not stupid, he knows we cannot go into the season without cover at cb. I think Schwarzer is the only keeper he is interested in though and if it doesn’t happen he will probably stick with what we have. I still believe Mertesacker is going to happen and hopefully another maybe Micah Richards.
I propose that Arsenal fans World wide post letters once a week for the next four weeks to UEFA & FIFA complaining about Barcelona FC’s ‘tapping up’ of Cesc Fabregas. Also post a letter just once to Arsenal FC requesting that they formally complain to UEFA & FIFA. I have drawn up 3 template letters that I will email to willing participants. All you need to do is type in your own Name & Address before printing off & posting. Momentum will be boosted by you forwarding the email to every one of your Arsenal FC fan family & friends, encouraging them to participate.
Please see …. http://www.goonerettesonline.co.uk/452/other/an-overview-of-the-cesc-saga-time-for-the-fans-to-bite-back/#more-452
The aim of repetitive letters is to create an Admin headache for UEFA & FIFA with thousands of letters received from all over the world & display the strength of feeling from Arsenal FC fans. The purpose of the single letter to Arsenal FC is again to display the strength of feeling from us fans.
My email address for this campaign from where I will email you the letter templates is …….. ArsenalFansHateBarcelonaFC@gmail.com
i enjoyed the game today, it was typical that our defending capsized again but taking into account all of the personell changes it was hardly surprising. Thought Jack and Frimpong were great today and have done enough i feel to be valuable squad members this term. Rosicky was interesting in the middle, i think he and nasri will fill cescs boots quite well when called upon this season. Djourou was ok, i think he just needs to get plenty of games under him to give him some confidence.
Almunia had a good game, shame that! I so want this new GK.
Clichy was good as were TV and Sagna (who was so chuffed at scoring his goal, God that did make me laugh today.)
Theo got in some fab positions he was electric, though he did make some bad choices, sometimes, when it looks a little 50:50 as to whether there is a pass on or not, i just wish he’d put his foot through the ball and make the goalie work.
On the whole i’m a happy gooner full of optimism this season, but then again i always am……. mertsaker please!
Chamakh looks to me like a great striker, and i think he will be Arsenal’s Didier Drogba, a striker who is strong and powerful and holds the ball up great but can also get goals but i dont think he will be a big goals scorer, i think Van Persie will be the guy who gets 20+ goals for Arsenal, and i think Chamakh will be 15+ goals.
[…] Reading Arsène’s Mind So what have we learnt from the pre-season games so far – what has Arsène learnt? Obviously we can’t read his […] […]
Morning all
Theres a NEW POST
How refreshing to read a sensible and balanced view. I still hope we can sign another GK but even more of a hope is that Wenger sells Bentner as soon as possible and does not send any good youngsters on season-long loan. As was shown last season, we did not have good players to deputise for injured first team players.