Arsenal had a typical season last time around. They played good attractive football for the major part of the season only to capitulate spectacularly when it really mattered. A dismantling by Barcelona could have been forgiven but the way they surrendered in the League Cup final to forgo their first title in 6 years was shameful to say the least. Their downright patchy form come the end of the season saw Arsenal finish below City in the league.
The Emirates Fire Sale
This season’s start has been turbulent to say the least. Arsenal got through to the Champions League group stages by the skin of their teeth and came close to be knocked out by di Natale’s heroics. They have played two games in the Premier League and have a draw at Tyneside and a somewhat undeserved loss to Liverpool to show for their efforts. However the biggest concern at Emirates has been their inability to tie down their star players which has seen three of the most consistent and sure-shot starter’s to leave the club. While Clichy and Nasri have opted to join the revolution in Manchester, Fabregas finally got his wish of playing for the club where it all began for him- Barcelona.
Nicklas Bendtner has packed his bags and his ready to leave for a club that can offer him a place in the starting XI. One look down the Arsenal team sheet and the Gunner fans are left shivering with the thought that van Persie, Walcott and Wilshere are now the most experienced players in the team. Gunners have already lost their traditional stability at the back and have been at fault for shipping some truly comical goals in the past seasons.
While there has been a crowd at the exit gates, it has been a summer of inactivity with only Gervinho being a recognised name to be signed. He has looked sharp but his temperament is questionable at best. If Wenger is able to manage the likes of Gervinho and Walcott and unlock the potential inside, Arsenal could have the makings of a very strong team. However such a situation has been promised time and again to the Gunners and their team has disappointed them each time.
Arsenal need to sign players. And they cannot afford to sign unknown talented players who can be groomed under the tutelage of Wenger. They need to be proven, world-class players who can make a significant contribution from the moment they take the field. With barely five days left in the transfer market, it’s not a time for half measures for Arsenal. They need to risk over-paying for a player rather than leave a gaping hole in their team.
Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Champions League, Emirates, EPL, Fire Sale, Football, Transfer Market
