Bendtner wants to leave

[Niall_Quinn]

I think Bendtner potentially going leaves a spot open up front and we have all been calling for a striker so I think that's a cause for optimism. We can't possibly start next year with just RVP can we? With Chamakh, Vela and Afobe in reserve? Surely not?

I wouldn't mind Theo being pushed up front. He's had enough games now and he's pretty sharp in front of goal when he puts his mind to it. We're bringing in another tippy-tapster on the wing anyway aren't we? We haven't got anyone who can cross a ball and even if we did Wenger has a passion for playing our big guys on the wing. So that just leaves pace through the middle and Theo has bags of that.

[selassie]

I think Bendtner potentially going leaves a spot open up front and we have all been calling for a striker so I think that's a cause for optimism. We can't possibly start next year with just RVP can we? With Chamakh, Vela and Afobe in reserve? Surely not?

Anything is possible with Arsene...though I would assume he will replace Bendy. It may not be to our liking but he'll bring somebody in.

[IBK]

That's just it. I think people are confusing the worth(lessness) to the team of some of those who want out with the internal negativity at the club that is being revealed by them.

[budesonide]

Our togetherness and strength of purpose in the dressing room is amazing.

the blame falls at the feet of one guy and one guy alone! --- WENGER. he's paid this lad handsomely for so many years with little benefit. Wouldn't we have been better off buying and decent established striker so we had better squad depth over the years?

[Toronto Gooner]

That's just it. I think people are confusing the worth(lessness) to the team of some of those who want out with the internal negativity at the club that is being revealed by them.

I agree although often the "the worth(lessness) to the team" is determined by fans, and sadly the talent spotting of fans is a little suspect. I recall a couple of seasons ago, the cries and demands were for Reo-Coker and/or Sidwell. Now look at where those two are. [These two players are part of the reason why I do not buy into the demands that Scott Parker be bought.]

Also, I think that the value of players should not be judged purely on what they bring to a 90 minute match.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Also, I think that the value of players should not be judged purely on what they bring to a 90 minute match.

Which is precisely the rationale behind those favoring a move for Parker.

[IBK]

Yes. And what's more which other of his project players have really, really justified not just the investment in them, but the fact that we haven't signed players at crucial times so as not to hamper their development? Honestly - I'm struggling to think.

Even the king of them all, Cesc, has 'repaid' us lately with tepid, disinterested performances. He is following a well-trodden path of captains who leave us as shadows of their former selves. Nasri seems intent on following the Adebayor/Flamini/Hleb model - break through and then believe the hype and believe that the club is beneath you.

Is there not some point at which a rational manager would realise that its not working...

[selassie]

Yes. And what's more which other of his project players have really, really justified not just the investment in them, but the fact that we haven't signed players at crucial times so as not to hamper their development? Honestly - I'm struggling to think.

Even the king of them all, Cesc, has 'repaid' us lately with tepid, disinterested performances. He is following a well-trodden path of captains who leave us as shadows of their former selves. Nasri seems intent on following the Adebayor/Flamini/Hleb model - break through and then believe the hype and believe that the club is beneath you.

Is there not some point at which a rational manager would realise that its not working...

Sub...regarding the bit I've highlighted...

At the point where the board say to the manager we judge you on a results only basis from now on?

I'm pretty sure Arsene wouldn't still have a job at any of the other top 4 clubs in Europe let alone PL.

I think we're in a very sticky situation right now in as much as Arsene can pretty much develop the team the way he wants so long as he meets the requirement from the board which must be to finish top 4?

[IBK]

I agree although often the "the worth(lessness) to the team" is determined by fans, and sadly the talent spotting of fans is a little suspect. I recall a couple of seasons ago, the cries and demands were for Reo-Coker and/or Sidwell. Now look at where those two are. [These two players are part of the reason why I do not buy into the demands that Scott Parker be bought.]

Also, I think that the value of players should not be judged purely on what they bring to a 90 minute match.

A good point, well made re Reo Coker and Sidwell. The problem for fans is that it is very very difficult if you are not trained/experienced as a manager to predict whether a player who looks good in someone else's system; with different players and coached by different methods, will fit in/work out in our's. An excellent example the other way is Flamini. Great with us, indifferent with AC Milan.

Looks like he could be going to Spurs now, BTW!

[IBK]

[/B]

Sub...regarding the bit I've highlighted...

At the point where the board say to the manager we judge you on a results only basis from now on?

I'm pretty sure Arsene wouldn't still have a job at any of the other top 4 clubs in Europe let alone PL.

I think we're in a very sticky situation right now in as much as Arsene can pretty much develop the team the way he wants so long as he meets the requirement from the board which must be to finish top 4?

Aye - very worrying that there is noone to point his deficiencies out, that he will listen to.