Summer Transfer Speculation and Shit

[The Emirates Gallactico]

We've been doing it for years but has it ever been effective? It was at its best for the invincibles, with Pires playing on the left. But one of the main reasons for its success was that he had Henry in front of him playing a pseudo wide-left forward role and basically providing the width and pace for us. None of our other forwards since have given us that, and it has affected our ability to break down teams.

It's an ongoing problem. We tend to pass too slow and predictably against organised teams who sit deep and keep their shape. We lumber our way through the game without seriously looking like scoring until the last 15 minutes when the opponent's tire (Wenger even suggested that this is actual one of our strategies...). Of course the risk here is that we don't miraculously find a way through right at the end, or that they counter us and nick a win cause we're pushing everyone forward. Which has happened time and time again.

The pundits kind of had it right when they said we don't have a 'plan B'. But really, the top teams have a plan C and a plan D as well. We need more variety on the pitch so we can mix it up. Don't forget that having more direct players and runners in the team would get more out of the likes of Ozil and Cazorla too as it would give them something to aim at, rather than having another similar player who occupies the same spaces as them.

I'm not saying that signing a winger like Griezmann would fix all that but it would be a step in the right direction.

The results this year have shown us that we painfully need a player like Griezmann in the squad.


Theo on the right and Griezmann on the left with Ozil/Santi and Ramsey feeding them balls.

[GP]

feeding them balls.

lmao

[fakeyank]

Have we signed anyone yet?

Looks like another usual Arsene Wenger's customary Arsenal transfer window

[Power n Glory]

We've been doing it for years but has it ever been effective? It was at its best for the invincibles, with Pires playing on the left. But one of the main reasons for its success was that he had Henry in front of him playing a pseudo wide-left forward role and basically providing the width and pace for us. None of our other forwards since have given us that, and it has affected our ability to break down teams.

It's an ongoing problem. We tend to pass too slow and predictably against organised teams who sit deep and keep their shape. We lumber our way through the game without seriously looking like scoring until the last 15 minutes when the opponent's tire (Wenger even suggested that this is actual one of our strategies...). Of course the risk here is that we don't miraculously find a way through right at the end, or that they counter us and nick a win cause we're pushing everyone forward. Which has happened time and time again.

The pundits kind of had it right when they said we don't have a 'plan B'. But really, the top teams have a plan C and a plan D as well. We need more variety on the pitch so we can mix it up. Don't forget that having more direct players and runners in the team would get more out of the likes of Ozil and Cazorla too as it would give them something to aim at, rather than having another similar player who occupies the same spaces as them.

I'm not saying that signing a winger like Griezmann would fix all that but it would be a step in the right direction.

I haven't seen much of this Griezmann kid, but will soon see what he can do during the World Cup. But you're right about this left wing position. We've experimented with a host of different type of players and had very little success. Reyes, Rosicky, Arshavin, Nasri, Gervinho, Podolski, Cazorla....all of them very good players but none of come close to doing what's needed on the wing. It's not as if they didn't/don't have the ability to do a job either.

I think we need to start coaching dribbling technique and stop depending on pass, pass pass to penetrate stubborn defensive systems. Our wide players should be taking more risks and testing their wingbacks. We just don't see that in our game anymore. Henry and Pires used to cause havoc on the left wing because they'd dribble from the left, cutting into the middle and invite tackles. These days, our players always look for the quick one two to beat an opponent instead of inviting the challenge. We need a few selfish individuals to have a go and play without fear. We saw a glimpse of it in Arshavin's, Gervinho's and Ox's first season. That side of their game disappeared in the 2nd season.

[selassie]

We've been doing it for years but has it ever been effective? It was at its best for the invincibles, with Pires playing on the left. But one of the main reasons for its success was that he had Henry in front of him playing a pseudo wide-left forward role and basically providing the width and pace for us. None of our other forwards since have given us that, and it has affected our ability to break down teams.

It's an ongoing problem. We tend to pass too slow and predictably against organised teams who sit deep and keep their shape. We lumber our way through the game without seriously looking like scoring until the last 15 minutes when the opponent's tire (Wenger even suggested that this is actual one of our strategies...). Of course the risk here is that we don't miraculously find a way through right at the end, or that they counter us and nick a win cause we're pushing everyone forward. Which has happened time and time again.

The pundits kind of had it right when they said we don't have a 'plan B'. But really, the top teams have a plan C and a plan D as well. We need more variety on the pitch so we can mix it up. Don't forget that having more direct players and runners in the team would get more out of the likes of Ozil and Cazorla too as it would give them something to aim at, rather than having another similar player who occupies the same spaces as them.

I'm not saying that signing a winger like Griezmann would fix all that but it would be a step in the right direction.

[I am invisible]

Real Sociedad's president has apparently confirmed that we want to activate Vela's buy back clause - £3.2m.

Edit: doesn't mean it's done or anything, but it sounds like some things are starting to happen behind the scenes (at least between us and Sociedad anyway).

[fakeyank]

Step in the right direction. Now to get Remy and we will have a good forward line up. Kill Arteta and buy a replacement for him (hopefully Cesc) and we should be good in CM.

Oh, add a RB and a back up goalie (Viviano is fine tbh)

[Fist of Lehmann]

Real Sociedad's president has apparently confirmed that we want to activate Vela's buy back clause - £3.2m.

Edit: doesn't mean it's done or anything, but it sounds like some things are starting to happen behind the scenes (at least between us and Sociedad anyway).

No Griezmann then. Shame.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Vela is not what we need.

There's a reason why he is good in Spain - cause he's not trying to play in the PL anymore.

Let's hope this is just because he is available so cheap as a squad option and the real money transfers wil be something to look forward to.

[Globalgunner]

If there is a choice between Great, Good and Cheap, Why do we always prefer the last option.....Sheesh. No competition for Giroud...Just what we need.