Quote Originally Posted by toothless gibbon View Post
Whilst still generally underwhelmed, having slept on it I don't think we've done too badly at all. We do seem to have addressed key deficiencies in the squad and whilst there were no world class "Marquee" signings we also haven't spent THAT much on fees or wages which leaves open the possibility of a January splurge (OK, realise this may be unrealistic based on previous windows but once Lille are out of the CL...)

Arteta
Obviously the most high profile signing, and is what we needed in terms of position, skills and experience. The fact that he took a wage cut speak volumes for his desire to play for us IMO. Maybe he hasn't shown the form recently of his early Everton days but that could be down to getting a bit stale and of course injuries. The latter being a bit of an issue with him but then Arsenal players don't really get injured very often...... Will get a fair few assists for us and takes a good set piece.

Benayoun
Initially a WTF moment but on reflection it could be a decent bit of business - he can spot a pass and has an eye for goal and as a squad player could do a job. Also, PL experienced and International captain. In his West Ham and early Liverpool days he reminded me a LITTLE bit of Pires. Also had his injury problems but it's only a loan after all.

Mertesacker
Pretty sure we've been crying out for a BIG defender and they don't get much bigger. Time will tell how he adapts to the PL but loads of experience and was club captain at a relatively young age. The fact Spurs didn't get Cahill also makes me a lot happier with Mertesacker.

Also, Vermaesacker has decent ring to it.

Chu Young Park
Don't know much about him but another international captain that runs all day, be happy on the bench, cheap so little risk... jury out but can't be worse than Chamakh and Bendtner

Andre Santos
Typical AW full back in that he's probably better going forward than defending but also experienced and considering its unlikely we'll change our tactics much he will get more assists than Clichy ever did whilst being good competition if Gibbs ever stays fit.

I'll go along with that.