That one man can make a difference is not only a statement from the blindingly awesome series ‘Knight Rider’ it also seems to be the difference between ‘them’ and ‘us’ in this, the weirdest of seasons since Blackburn won the Premiership in ’95. I’ve been having….erm, ‘discussions’ with Gooner buddies about our lack of luck with the squad this year, specifically having RVP out from that pointless challenge in the pointless Italy friendly last year at a time when the man was reveling in a new position, scoring from ridiculous angles and providing a ton of assists as well.
Having RVP up front was a stroke of genius as in the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 (whatever) having a player that is lethal with his back to goal is invaluable… having the crap luck to have lost him made me wonder what it would be like if ManIOU or Chel$ski lost their main front men, which is something I touched on in the post ‘oversimplifying Arsenal’s issues’. What would happen if Shrek and Drog’bah’ had gotten wiped instead of RVP?
Martin Tyler at Skysports (their resident stat man) was asked what the league would look like if those two divers were out of the picture, well actually what the table would look like if each teams top scorer was removed, and low and behold I’ll give you three guesses who would be on top.
If only RVP had caught a cold prior to the Italy friendly and missed the plane. If only Looney had tripped during filming of the latest Shrek movie and Drog’bah’ had been offered a lucrative job as a WWE wrestler for his ability to fake injury and generally act like a c**t, things might have been very different in the league.
What is interesting is just how decisive their goals have been as opposed to our top scorer Cesc. They have been the single deciding factors in a number of games, literally carrying their teams on occasion with the goals they’ve provided, whereas Fabregas’ goals have generally sealed the points but not won them outright. This of course is not to take away from Cesc’s obvious influence on the game and his assists that do win games, but it is interesting to note none the less.
I sincerely hope this post doesn’t bring out the ‘why didn’t we buy in Jan’ crowd because that argument is to me, old and busted. Let’s say the above scenario did happen and Rooney & Drogba were out injured instead of RVP, I’d bet my left testicle that Red Nose and the Russians would not have dipped into the market either, they would have used their fall back cover regardless and made do. To round up this point, who would we have bought anyway? David Villa will never come to Arsenal because he’d want Ronaldo levels of pay…oh, and he likes Spain, a lot. Chamakh? Well if you ask me he’s no better then Bendtner, and doesn’t even have Bendy’s experience of the English game – so lets just can that argument shall we? We know that whoever would come in would most likely make way for RVP when he’s back, and this would also be a factor, no player (unless they’re going to Citeh for $$$$) wants to be considered cover and/or a benchwarmer.
Loosing van Persie when we did sucked, plain and simple, but we’ve done well without him and you never know; his comeback might make a vital difference if he can heal before the end of the season. By then everyone will have gotten ‘used’ to how we play without him, and that’s a very different proposition as how the squad plays when when he’s fit.
Let the fighting commence…
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nice.
let’s get bendtner some playing time. he’s quality, even if he’s a real cocky bastard.
let’s find out if vela is worth anything.
and let’s stay in perfect position to steal the title in the last three games when RvP comes back.
The problem with your logic Grimbo is that you can never rely on any one person to make a team. That’s why its called a team. In a team concept you need to look at the sum of the individual parts and provide enough coverage barring totally unexpected circumstances.
To have RVP as your only central striker and Song as your only DM is asking for trouble. Most good teams have 2 or 3 options who can fill those positions.
Our current squad has very little balance in terms of some positions because we have too many similar players.
We are still currently in the mix for the title, not because we have played well, but because other teams have inexplicably dropped points to lesser teams.
February 26th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@Caribkid69, Arsenal have the best team in the league, according to your logic.
February 26th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
@Caribkid69, but yet Chelski and ManUre rely on theirs and we relied on Henry… I’m not saying it’s not a team game, but there are players out there that are game changers…and one of ours is currently broken…
I was thinking along similar lines Grimbo – Drogbreath & Shrek are critical to the Manks and Chavs fortunes and if either of them are unavailable it opens the door for us.
When I was at the Sunderland game the feeling at the ground was that perhaps we are seeing the first signs of burn out from the Shrek at Everton, of course he got helped back into form by a feeble performance by the Hammers at Old Toilet on Tuesday.
Old Red nose does play the Shrek relentlessly so here’s hoping he’s only a whisker away from a long term injury.
Drogba’s critical to Chelsea, but they’ve got Anelka and Kalou and Sturridge. Not bad. If Rooney went down, United would be toast.
So the point here is that we’ve had bad luck and because RvP’s been out, we’re 6 pts out? Well, yes.
In terms of bringing in players, only a small # of teams can pay the absurd wages (City, Real Madrid, Barca, Chelsky). United’s going to have to pay Rooney a gazillion a season here shortly. As for us, I don’t see any reason why this offseason we wouldn’t be able to find 2-3 players that fit in the salary structure that could dramatically change this team. It won’t be Ribery or Dzeko, unless something crazy really happens. Those guys are likely destined to be bought and overpaid by the aforementioned teams. But here’s the thing. Those rich teams can only field 11 players at a time and that leaves a helluva a lot of great players the world over for Arsenal to bring in and pay in more sane fashion. If a player would rather go to City and sit on the bench but get paid, fine for him. We wouldn’t want that player anyway. But what if we went out and bought Dzeko and agreed to make him the highest paid player on the club. Guys like Fabregas and RvP and ARshavin have been saying that Arsene needs to bring in more players nearing this quality. For them to come out and throw hissy fits would be disappointing, but also contrary to what they’ve somewhat openly pined for. Just be thankful we don’t have wankers like Joe Cole on the team asking for 120,000 a week. Now that’s a salary structure WAY out of whack at Chelsea.
February 26th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
@ArseChicago, right on…
That’s true A Chicago, the Chav are less reliant on Drogbreath than the Manks are on Shrek, but Anelka doesn’t have the fear factor that the tumbling, squealing Ivorian does. Kalou blos hot & cold and Sturridge I think is a way off becoming the real deal.
However the Manks have no one that can fill in for Shrek has no one who can fill in – Valencia and Nani are patchy and Berba is a luxury player.
February 26th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@Chary, Anelka is no-where as efficient or ruthless as Drog’bah’ – Kalou is like Vela, Sturridge? Looks a bit Ngo to me… The point is that Drogba/Rooney are DIRECTLY responsible for winning matches in a way no one else here is mentioned… RVP pulled off many a goal that got us the points and yet we’re still in it…
That was ALL I was trying to say…
February 27th, 2010 at 4:53 am
You have to include Anelka in the discussion, though. The last two seasons he’s scored game-winning goals aplenty (I’ve watched the Chavs a lot). And look at the #s. 1 goal every 2 games between last season and this season. The guy’s a born goal scorer. He just doesn’t command the attention that Drogba does, mostly because Drogba’s a cunt and gets himself mixed up in silliness on the pitch. When Anelka has the ball in the box, even at his advancing age, he still may have the quickest first step with the ball. Deadly, deadly striker.
Anyway, watching the Citeh/Chavs match right now. Wayne Bridge rightly passes over Terry for a handshake. Good for him.
And well said it was too, Grimbo. Here’s hoping for an away win at the bridge first game tomorrow.
It is all true, and I completely agree with you that if either Chelski or Roonited lose Mr.Divier or Shrek, a lot of things would be different. However, there is one thing that has to be taken into consideration. Robin Van Persie gets injured when Rosicky looks at him wrong, when winter comes early, when it is fool moon, and if you are a serious manager, you can not neglect the “injury prone” factor. It is like going on a trip with your Renault from Russia to France, although you know that it breaks down easy on the first bump, and when it happens, trying to finish the drive on a karting cart. No disrespect for Bendo, but he ain’t no limousine at the moment. So, instead of thinking what would happen if suddenly the neighbour’s Landcruiser breaks down on a highway, it maybe would be smart to just buy a decent car yourself instead.
I see it’s not just me and my brother that were tearing our hair out over “Drog-bah” the other night then! That twat is the worst commentator on TV. Full stop. Period, even.
Grimbo,
ArseChicago is correct–Arsenal can recruit a top striker like a Dzeko. The other point to make is that Arsenal should be able to afford very, very high wages for players who make a real difference. We have the third highest wages in the Premier League already. That is because we overpay the kids who haven’t yet accomplished anything, rewarding them prematurely to guarantee their loyalty to the club. We could cut some of those players who contribute little but keep getting long term renewed contracts and raises to pay for a real game breaker.
The last point is has been made about RvP, a player I love. But when did he play for more than half a season since coming to Arsenal? He really has been injured consistently and given that history it is really foolish to count on him for a full season.
This season Chelsea is older and a bit weaker but leading because ManU is much weaker apart from Rooney having a sensational season. This is/was a prime opportunity for Arsenal to win the title and give these players a taste of victory–otherwise they are going to get used to never winning anything and Fabregas, Arshavin and RvP will leave.
February 26th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
@Limestonegunner, Except this time it wasn’t his fault. This injury was the result of that bastard Chelleni. So we should close-ranks and get behind him. If he’s injured again next season Wenger will replace him. But, for now I think he’s not going to be out for longer than 2-3 weeks next season in total.
Also we don’t overpay the youngsters, we pay them at a level similar to mid-table prem-sides. And then bump them up the pay-structure once they start to deliver (Aka Song).
February 27th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Firstly when is it ever about who’s fault it is? That’s totally irrelevant, 2-3 weeks next season! how can you logically predict that based on his career to date? My advice is bring in a quality striker that RVP can support until he’s proven he can stay the distance because I feel that Cesc’s patience is wearing thin.
February 27th, 2010 at 6:51 am
Theo Walcott makes 60K per week, right? That’s being overpaid.
Holy crap did City embarrass Chelsea. Well, let’s see if we can do our part today.
What do people make of Arsene Wenger’s recent comments that we should be proud of the team for competing still for two trophies despite our youth and the fact the other two teams have spend much more money? Implicitly suggesting it is a real achievement we should be happy with to finish 3rd and go deeper into the CL. (Of course it is an achievment and we are proud of the team, but we’d be more proud and it would be a better achievement to win).
Combined with Gazidis’ release of the healthy financial numbers for Arsenal, you really have to ask what is going on. Lots of gooners are very proud of this, as am I. But some Gooners are so proud of this that it is as if they are saying that Arsenal profits and financial health “are like a new trophy…”!!!
Gazidis said the expectation is to win a championship and at the beginning of the season Arsene said the team could win this year and that age is not an excuse any longer–why is he offering it now as a possible excuse when we are in the midst of a title challenge? Can’t he wait to say this in the summer if we finish 2nd or 3rd? It’s a bit disappointing to hear this sort of talk at this time.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:49 am
@Limestonegunner, No manager should really be concerned with the business aspect of their club. That should be the focus of professionals (like Peter Storrie and ‘Arry) who should have that expertise. Wenger is an exception and is exceptional in dealing with both the on field and business aspects. Having said that, financial success is not a substitute for winning.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:50 am
@ctpa, Forget “Arry.
Thank you Obi Wan Kenobi, you are no Essien. Then Tevez goes on to beat Terry, Carvalho and Hilarious to make it 1-1.
On the Chelsea goal: that’s a well spent 22mil for Lescott to ignore goal scorer’s Lampard’s run.
February 27th, 2010 at 5:41 am
@ctpa, And oh by the way, Bridge did not shake that asshole’s hand.
February 27th, 2010 at 6:37 am
@ctpa, Good, I hate that whole “he should shake his hand cus it’s tradition” thing. So glad Chelsea lost this match. Can’t believe their fans had the temerity to boo Wayne Bridge when he was subbed.
Bellamy beats Obi Wan Kenobi and Hilarious for a 2-1 lead.
Obi Wan gets subbed for Belletti. No surprise.
2 shots on Chelsea’s net and 2 goals.
It just got better for us: Barry flops in the box and draws a PK and Belletti gets a red card. Tevez rips a 3-1 lead and Chelsea are done at 77″.
February 27th, 2010 at 6:27 am
@ctpa, Mancini brings on a Striker. Odd move? Maybe he wants a fourth?
Steve Bennett is card crazy, yellows and reds right and centre. Comon’ Citeh! Do the job!
February 27th, 2010 at 6:29 am
@XTG, And another red. Ballack with an awful challenge second yellow. Done and dusted!
February 27th, 2010 at 6:32 am
@XTG, Mike Dean.
February 27th, 2010 at 6:35 am
@ctpa, Different name, same shit refereeing.
4-1, total destruction by Man City as Bellamy gets his 2nd.
Mike Dean gives Chelsea a soft PK. Too little, too late.
Woo hoo!
Now we gotta take care of business.
Chelsea’s defensive mistakes today were similar to our defensive mistakes against the Mancs. I hope the boys have heard about this result and it gives them that extra bit of motivation to pull out a good result today – not that they should need any at this point of the season. I would love to point my finger at Chelsea and laugh but I am going to refrain myself because we need to take of business at Stoke. Arsene said every game now is cup final well I hope we certainly don’t play Stoke like the way we played them in the cup. This is great opportunity for us to close the gap to 3 points so let’s get the job done. C’MON ARSENAL!!
February 27th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Clearly Chelsea is a team distracted; those mistakes were very avoidable. Pretty big difference between Cech and Hilario, yeah?
The thing I worry about now is that we’ve not done well this season when we’ve been right on the verge of getting towards the top. Seems like we tighten up in these situations. At least we should be plenty rested this week. Release the hounds!
February 27th, 2010 at 7:44 am
@ArseChicago,
Huge difference! And we have seen Hilario before where he has been decent – just goes to show how lack of match sharpness can affect you. Makes those mistakes by Fabianski a tad easier to swallow.
Stoke are ripe for the taking today. They are tired after a long midweek cup tie and we are well rested. I dont think we will get another chance as good as this. If we dont get it done today, then when? Anything less than a good performance and you have really got to start questioning the mentalilty of this side.
February 27th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Hilario’s first allowed goal was almost as bad as Fab’s first against Porto.
Today I think our quality on offensive overmatches and gets the job done. 3-2 to the Arsenal.