I feel this is the main signing, along with that of a strong centre-back that we need in the next 4 days and I for one want the player to be Mikel Arteta or Marvin Martin. Having said that, it may be that Wenger will break the bank for M’Villa, and in which case we might see the Frenchman take Jack’s role and Wilshere ushered forward. He has the talent to bear the creative responsibility, but it would be so much pressure on his young shoulders.
I guess we have to wait only a few days more to discover who we add, but I would be stunned if we do not see one more midfielder and a centre-back coming in.
As I said earlier, Wenger needs to be prepared to make brave decisions if he is to select the differing formations dependent on the opposition. I do not see a real starting place for Arshavin in the 4-4-2 at all and he would fall behind Gervinho and Theo in a 4-3-3. Also, if he does bring in a big-name to add creativity in the Fabregas role, that player or Song or Wilshere, would not play in the 4-4-2 formation we play at home in the Premier League. It is this ruthless streak that wins Alex Ferguson the titles and Wenger will need to develop it pretty quickly this season. It was encouraging to see that we did see early evidence of this, with a half-time change to bring on Rosicky last week against Udinese.
I also feel he is buying players who will be able to adapt to the flexible 4-4-2 or the current 4-3-3. There is little doubt that Ryo can player left of RVP in the left wing berth when Gervinho is away in Africa, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can also play left in a four man midfield or in a three man attack. Joel Campbell, when his work permit is granted, can fill in for Theo, RVP, Gervinho or Chu-Young. We are also fortunate to have Frimpong pushing Song for the anchorman duties in both formations and who is ready to slot in during Song’s African break.
This has been a long set of musings, so I hope you have made it to here? We do need to show more flexibility of formation and tactics, both in match situations and for different opponents. This has been a failing of Wenger’s in the past and I hope he sees fit to be more fluid and to think outside the box from here on in.
His signings so far suggest that we will be more adaptable and one or two more in coming through the door, with the experience to lead by example on the pitch, will see us there.
I for one want to see more of the Theo running clear one on one at the keeper as we saw against Udinese like Henry used to do – more than often, the result will be the same.
Any thoughts welcome…
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Top article, well done.
Great article. I share you opinion. 4-4-2 against weaker teams would be great. We could even play it against big teams. IF we can dominate the game and keep the ball in our side. Theo would be a weapon as a Henry-kind of player as he is wasted on the flanks.