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| Ridiculous |
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But the end of another Interlull seems a good time to post again. And hopefully I'll get back in the groove from next week. Anyhoo...
Quite a lot has happened since my last post, but going through things chronologically would bore me, let alone you; the reader. So I'll stick to the most salient points from the past couple of months:
The Transfer Window...
...was a total shambles. I can't think that any Arsenal fan could argue with the purchase of Cech, but the fact that he was the sole arrival is frankly incomprehensible. Our rivals strengthen, and we do little, despite the vast sums in the Bank.
And then add to the mix the fact that the Manager knew that Welbeck was going to be out for months as the deadline approached, but still did nothing? I can't spin this as anything but negligence.
Performances and Results
The Manager preaches a need to be consistent, yet all we can manage on a consistent basis is inconsistency. There have been some solid performances and results (e.g Stoke, Palace, Leicester), and of course the game against United was outstanding in every way, but when you put the performances and results against West Ham, a poor Liverpool side, Zagreb and Olympiakos into the mix, then you can see that the same mistakes are being repeated again and again.
Now, whilst it's difficult to allow for individual errors, I believe that there has been a lack of continuity and consistent thought from the Manager. To make 6 changes for Zagreb - Chelsea 4 days later notwithstanding - is too much. To play Ospina against Olympiakos, having lost the first game in the group, is inexplicable. Yes, rotate by all means, but two or three at a time at the very most. Otherwise you're asking for trouble.
But the really aggravating thing is that we've seen all this before. Repeatedly. So why does he never learn?
Individual Performances
Summarising, I'd say that Cech has to start in goal, the back 4 look settled but Gabriel seems to slot in seamlessly when required at centre half. At full back, both Debuchy and Gibbs look rusty when called upon - all the more reason not to change both of them for the same match, Arsene.
In midfield, we can ill afford a Coq-shaped hole, as we're light on cover. See above... And we're covered everywhere else - apart from up front, where with loans and injuries we're extremely light.
Sanchez is absolutely exceptional, and hopefully on his way to becoming an Arsenal legend. And I simply love Ozil.
We're seeing some cracking stuff all round when the team really gels, but there's still this nagging tug, isn't there, that there are too many cracks in the squad and a lack of power.
Still, we're stuck with it and I'll back the players every time. But I can't say the same for the Manager.
The Champions League
What a mountain the team has set itself. They've now got to take the majority of points from the double-header with the best team in Europe, or they're finished. Or an absolute minimum of three. And still might be finished if results elsewhere go against them. What a mess.
So do they look to finish third and go into the Europa League - and imagine the stick we'll take from Spurs fans if they do! - or just aim to come bottom and concentrate on the League? My opinion is this: despite the whole Thursday-Sunday farrago, I think that they should go for it. I'm jumping the gun and expecting them not to qualify for the Champions League (thus ruining Wenger's proud record - a self-inflicted wound), but at that point they'll be a Champions League quality squad up against a good number of inferior opposition. With the carrot of a more winnable trophy and a guaranteed Champions League spot at the end of it. There'd be considerably more ignominy attached to finishing last in that group and having nothing but blank weekdays in the spring.
Title Rivalry
Well, it's been a funny old season so far, hasn't it? To have this inconsistency and be just two points behind the leaders feels a bit strange. So all we've got to do it become more consistent and we can challenge. And if we can challenge, we can win it. The league doesn't have a single outstanding team, so consistency - plus flashes of brilliance - may just do the trick.
Of those one would expect to be challenging for the title, I have this to say, As regards City, I've been swinging between extremely impressed and watching in disbelief at the horrible performances they've thrown in. United I simply can't see being good enough. They seem dysfunctional to me. And with due respect to Liverpool, Everton, Sp*rs etc. - well, they're unlikely to challenge. Klopp or no Klopp.
Which brings me on to...
Chelsea
As people would be aware, I've had a lot to say about Chelsea. All of which means that their current plight has me thoroughly amused - and bemused.
Their victory over Arsenal was a triumph for the diabolical (some might say downright biased) refereeing of Mike Dean - a man whose name I have shuddered to see slated to officiate an Arsenal match. I must say no more.
As for the rest of their season... well, their Manager set the agenda early on with his treatment of the Team Doctor, and Karma seems to be dealing with the rest. It's absolutely hysterical to observe them playing so poorly - both individually and as a team - and to see Mourinho suffer as a result. To me, he's out of his depth in a struggling side, the excuses are pathetic, he is failing to deflect anybody with his spurious diversions, and the 7-minute rant after their last game was met with scorn and the inevitable fine.
What Mourinho failed to see - probably deliberately - were two things:
Firstly, that whilst whinging about the penalty Chelsea should supposedly have had in that game, he conveniently closed his eyes to the fact that it was the most contentious of three penalties that the referee didn't award. The two for Southampton were nailed on spot kicks; there was doubt for Chelsea's claim.
And secondly, when he moans about his treatment as a result of calling a referee 'afraid', against Wenger's description of Dean as 'weak and naive', he fails to note the most salient point - that he was wrong and Wenger was right.
People say they'd like to see him sacked. Others say they want him to stay. From my point of view, he's doing a marvellous job at the moment and should therefore stay. But if he gets the sack... well I for one would really enjoy that!
Arsene Wenger
I have said it before and I'll say it again. I don't want him to go; I want him to change. But he won't change, so I want him to go. Now there's a dichotomy...
Watford away. The sort of game Arsenal must win if they want to challenge for the title. So COYG. And Come On The Villa!
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