Originally Posted by
Ice Berg Kamping
TBH I see things a little differently. We have been unconvincing recently, but IMO its about the general shape of our team, not the deficiencies of individual players. We have shown that Arteta as a signing was more important than we appreciated. this is not surprising for a team that has relied on a range of passing from the middle of the park for so long. The main problem with the players who have replaced him - generally Ramsey, is that he is a completely different type of player and does not have the game and the discipline to protect the back 4 like Arteta does. result - leaking goals.
Up front, we have missed the threat that Walcott provides - and in particular the understanding hat he has with RVP. The only other player truly on RVP's wavelength - Song - has tried to force it recently, and left us open.
Defensively, I am of the opinion that Mertesacker is more important to our shape than people realise. he might mot me quick, but he doesn't get caught out of position like Vermaelen does. Whether paired with Kossy or Verms, again he gives us shape.
3 key players missing at the sharp end of the season, up front, through the centre and in defence. I feel that this has left us more exposed and looking worse than we are.
The other factor that I think we need to acknowledge is that the likes of Norwich and West Brom - well coached teams who can play, had the luxury of playing us with no pressure and nothing to lose, while all the pressure was on us. We have all seen what pressure can do - the newly crowned champions were positively Arsenal like in both nearly throwing it away, and prevailing through a degree of good fortune. It's not just Arsenal who can be labelled fortunate to play badly yet get what they want.
We've done it the hard way, but we have done what we needed to do. We have qualified automatically for CL football, and overhauled our rivals on the last day of the season. Again. Not bad for a 'terrible' season!
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