January Transfer Speculation and Shit

[Niall_Quinn]

Our best backwards & sideways passer - undoubtedly the best in Europe, probably the world.

People are going to criticise Arteta whatever he does or doesn't do. This is just a habit that has taken hold despite the fact the criticism isn't backed by any reasonable evidence. Yes - LIKE ALL OUR PLAYERS - he plays plenty of sideways and square stuff. That's our game, ask Wenger why. But he's our most efficient link between the back four and the forwards and he's demonstrated this time and again, most recently against Anderlecht when our midfield fell apart after he left the pitch. I guess most of the criticism stems from the fact he's not a natural DM, a position Wenger has shoehorned him into. Blame Wenger for that, but it's hugely unfair to get on Arteta's back, a player who works hard for the team on the pitch and is a model professional off it.

[Dein-machine]

People are going to criticise Arteta whatever he does or doesn't do. This is just a habit that has taken hold despite the fact the criticism isn't backed by any reasonable evidence. Yes - LIKE ALL OUR PLAYERS - he plays plenty of sideways and square stuff. That's our game, ask Wenger why. But he's our most efficient link between the back four and the forwards and he's demonstrated this time and again, most recently against Anderlecht when our midfield fell apart after he left the pitch. I guess most of the criticism stems from the fact he's not a natural DM, a position Wenger has shoehorned him into. Blame Wenger for that, but it's hugely unfair to get on Arteta's back, a player who works hard for the team on the pitch and is a model professional off it.

I agree that Wenger has ruined his game - he was bought in to replace Cesc & I was quite happy at the time because I admired what he was doing at Everton. But maybe if he'd been a better offensive midfielder for us he wouldn't have been given the DM role.
It may be unfair to criticise him for being poor in a unfamiliar role but it is fair on us to have to put up with it. The amount of groans that go up around the Emirates every time he goes backwards must surely get to him & he should be telling Wenger especially as captain that this tippy tappy football in non threatening areas in simply getting us nowhere.