Arsene Wenger has often been critcised for his lack of ambition and his reluctance to spend big in the transfer market. His transfer policy is one of the main reasons for Asenal's trophy drought in recent years and also one of the reasons that they have lost the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. With Robin van Persie deciding not to sign a contract extension at Arsenal, it seems as though, he will be the next big name to leave the Emirates. If that transfer saga isn't over by the end of the summer window, it looks as though RvP will eventually leave Arsenal anyway. Considering the fact that Arsenal relied on Robin van Persie and his goals more than anything else last season, it looked as though Arsenal would be facing a struggle to maintain a Champions League qualifying place this season. However, Arsene Wenger has finally showed some purpose and ambition in the transfer window, bringing in Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud so that someone other than Robin Van Persie could contribute in the goalscoring department and has also brought in the creativity of Spanish international Cazorla to their midfield which could prove to be one of the signings of the summer. Jack Wilshere who was missing for so much of last year will also be welcomed back although not quite as soon as expected. Therefore, although they may soon be losing their captain and talisman, their is still room for some optimism for the Gunners. Arsenal's defensive frailties prevent me from suggesting that they will be genuine title contenders next season and Chelsea's big spending could see them overtake Arsenal into 3rd.
Prediction: 4th
Aston Villa
There is a fresh wave of optimism surrounding Villa Park as we approach the new season. The appointment of Paul Lambert will have been met with far more approval than that of Alex McCleish 12 months ago. Alex McCleish was unpopular from the start amongst Villa fans due to his connections with their rivals Birmingham City. The lack of support for the manager and negative atmosphere surrounding Villa Park last season due to McCleish's arrival goes someway to explaining my Villa flirted with relegation. The arrival of Paul Lambert, who did such an impressive job at Norwich, will ease tensions between management and the fans. On the pitch, the rebuilding that needs to take place under Lambert seems to have started with the likes of James Collins, Emile Heskey and Carlos Cuellar having left. Incoming players include Dutch international Ron Vlaar to help bolster an often frail-looking back line last season.
Prediction: 13th
Hi Adam. Nice blog post here.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Arsene Wenger has not signed that many big name signings over the years, and that his policy is to spend as little money as possible and get a top 4 finish, but I hope that he has realised that if we are going to end the trophy drought, then we need to spend some more money, (not to waste it like Liverpool obviously).
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting.
Good to hear from an Arsenal fan. What are your thoughts on the new season now you've lost Van Persie who was such a key player for you?
I've read your blog and thought it was good. I'll be visiting your site more in the future.