Written by Mean Lean on Thursday, 28 July 2011 11:48

Hello there boys and girls,

The sunshine so far as well as the upcoming football is overpowering my tiredness which has left me somewhat chirpy today.

There is only one place to start this blog apart from the very important task of informing you of my mood of course but before I do get on that subject, I wonder if I am the only blogger who almost feels obligated to use a pun when mentioning the name of Juan Mata. I will fight against it today because it has become very boring.

We have been once again linked heavily with the Spanish playmaker. Some have even gone as far as to say that we have agreed a deal in principle with his club Valencia.

Although I think it may be a little early to start shouting 'fire fire' you cannot help but smell the smoke that is drifting around this transfer window like air.

I suspect that it is highly unlikely that we will ever see a one-two between Cesc and Mata at the Arsenal because I imagine that the Mata deal would be largely dependant on whether or not ze brokeback of the Barcelona can come up with an offer that is not derisory.

I would love to come up with a tactical article as to how the team would change and adapt with the possible inclusion of Mata but the truth is, I know very little about his abilities apart from what I have seen on You Tube. Terrible I know but my knowledge of Mata is extremely limited and I am guessing this is the reason why I haven't joined in with the moon walking in the streets when the news broke last night.

If Cesc does end up where we all expect him to end up eventually then a new player is a must if we are to continue to progress. I would say that 'a midfield trio of Ramsey, Wilshere and Song is world class, one of the best trio's around' but that quote was taken from my Arsenal Vision time machine in two years from now. Cesc was our bridge until that time but now that he may be removed from the picture we need another little bridge to orchestrate proceedings from the middle of the park.

While I would have had doubts about Arshavin's ball retention and perhaps his defensive work off the ball, I would have been very intrigued to see Arshavin use his strengths in that position. While some of his passes would frustratingly end up 5 yards behind Van Persie in dangerous positions, his assist record over his career would have seen him contribute to more than his fair share, but it is his explosiveness that would have been truly exciting. Especially with Walcott and Gervinho pealing away either side of him on the break.

Very rarely has Arshavin been given the number 10 gig and it is unlikely that we will see it happen any time soon. This is the perfect opportunity as a fan to say that the manager has lost the plot because he cannot see what I can even without a counter balance from the man who watches the players almost every day in training. So what, the highest ticket prices in the world rules out logic from any debate, ok?!

I started talking about Arshavin for a reason, oh yeah, his comments. He wants to score 15 goals. I don't know if he should just restrict himself to that number to be honest. It would be crap if he already got his 15 goals for the season and then on the last day of the season he was presented a chance to win the game and consequently win the Premier League but instead he blasted wide because he already set himself a 15 goal target but yeah, I know what he means.

He also said:

“I think we will get stronger and stronger,”

“In particular I think our work on set-pieces, both attacking and defending, will be better. We'll also play a pressing game – if we do that well, I'm sure you'll see an improved team.”

I am liking that, I must say. Even though the picture has been painted of Arsenal being possibly the worst team to have ever existed in the history of the game at any level and any age group. I fully believe that if we had pressed better consistently as well as being stronger on set pieces then we would be Premier League winners today and the collapse wouldn't have lasted anywhere near the length of time that it did.

I may well be in the minority but if the squad of last season were all together this season minus Gervinho and no further additions came in then we would win the league if we corrected the mistakes of last season, but that no longer matters (could have thrown it in there) because a) we do not have the same squad b) we will be investing in new players. Regardless of personnel, the issues of last season remain and will have to be worked upon.

When we think of our weakness at set pieces we often think about defensively and rightly so but how many blinking times do we see corners whipped into the near post for the opposition defender to casually swipe the ball away smoking a cigar with a pair of brown slippers and dressing robe on. It is all to easy for the opposition to deal with our set pieces with ease and we lose out on our fair share of goals over the course of the season.

I think back to Thomas Vermaelen's league debut at Goodison park, how many times have we seen our players cock back their neck in the way he did that sunny afternoon to power the header past the keeper. Mr rebel MC (Tommy V) alone will make a considerable difference to set pieces at both ends of the pitch. Not because he is a lumbering oaf *ahem* Chris Samba *ahem* but because he is has the desire to put his head where it hurts. He has the natural hunger to win the header before his marker and unfortunately we have missed a little ov dat over da last few years initt.

Bloody shame about Theo missing the Emirates cup and possibly the start of the season. The last thing we need is the return of injury problems. I was looking forward to seeing the Theovinho combo at the Emirates, pure unadulterated speed but it is unlikely to happen now. He needs to get free of his knocks and niggles before he gets the injury prone tag thrown over his neck.

With Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri being unavailable for the Champions League qualifiers we kinda need the rest of our attacking players available.

Well Mr Arshavin, this is your chance my friend.

Speaking of quick attacking wide players, Young Guns suggested yesterday that Arsenal are preparing the paperwork for Ryo Miyaichi's work permit application.

To be honest, I cannot make my mind up as to what the best thing will be for the lad. Would love to see Ryo warming up with 15 minutes to go, to then see him dazzle the right back for the remaining time of the game as we score two late goals to secure our victory.

But at the same time a season where he is first choice would benefit an 18 year old much more than sporadic substitute appearances for Arsenal. I don't think we will start to see the best of him or anyone else at that age until they are at least 21 and that goes for stupidly gifted players like Wilshere also.

In more defensive news, we are about to increase our offer to £13m for Jagielka according to reports. When our alleged bid of £10m came in for him, I seemed to be one of a few people who didn't think that the amount was way off the mark.

He is 29 years of age, not exactly a player with the scope to improve considerably. He is also not first choice for his country. So why is he worth massive amount of money again? We paid roughly £10m for Thomas Vermaelen who is a better footballer and is young enough to improve yet keep his value. While I would be up for a bit of Premier League experience to rotate with Verm, Kos and Djourou I am not sure if it would be wise blowing almost £20m of our budget on player and wages coming towards the ender side of a players career. Yeah I know ender is not a word and doesn't make sense but what you gonna do about it?

Before I go, I just want to wish Connor Henderson a quick and more importantly a successful recovery after it was announced that his pre season injury would rule him out for the season to come. Poor lad.

Anyway, enjoy the rest of the day.

Back tomorrow.

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Comments (25)

• 28-Jul-2011 12:49 | | Dave
  

  Agree with the Arshavin having a go down the middle.
  
  Would have been alright 2 years ago, not sure today though, but worth a try at the emirates cup.

• 28-Jul-2011 12:59 | | Podge
  

  It's hard to justify paying over 10m for a 29 yr old with a bad injury record.Sometimes I don't understand the market Vertonghen seems to be available for under 15m yet nobody is going for him surely he is the best value for money big name signing? Shame about Henderson and Walcott hope both are back ahead of schedule.If Arsenal are applying for Ryo's permit I think that means we will be signing a new left back as Bothelo wont be getting his permit and Henderson is now injured. A work permit for Ryo could lead to a premiership loan anyone think Wigan would be a great option for him? they play good football and are in need of a winger.

• 28-Jul-2011 13:14 | | Gunner90  - m.hall463@btinternet.com
  

  Jagielka at 13 million if Wenger goes ahead with that deal - then he truly has lost it! He is not as good as Kos or Vermaalen - is shorter and older than them as well!! We need a big CB like Samba or Cahill to head those high balls away.

• 28-Jul-2011 13:49 | | wilko01  - agree with wrong fees
  

  i do think is fee is mad but when you have man city throwing money away they are killing the game good luck for the season lets give the kids a chance

• 28-Jul-2011 13:53 | | Wenger Boy
  

  Lovely article ML. Agree with all as per and you brought a few chuckles out for sure. In particular:
  
  "...how many blinking times do we see corners whipped into the near post for the opposition defender to casually swipe the ball away smoking a cigar with a pair of brown slippers and dressing robe on."
  
  So true and very funny good sir.

• 28-Jul-2011 14:25 | | Goonerfish
  

  It's gonna be a big year for AA23. He knows he's not first choice at the moment and his position is one we are making additions in (Gervinho & possibly Mata) so he knows he needs to make a real impression. He's obviously worked really hard over the summer and I honestly believe we're going to see one of his best seasons this year.
  
  As far as our search for a CB goes, Jagielka and in fact Samba and Cahill are no better than we have now. I will not be disappointed if we fail to sign a CB at all because if TV5, Kos and Djourou stay fit all year we will have enough quality cover to see us through. A much bigger concern for me is another DM to challenge Song.
  
  Ryo needs games but I would love it if he stays, Ryo and Theo on the wings will scare the living hell out of most defensive lines.

• 28-Jul-2011 16:20 | | JB212  - Arsenal 2011/2012
  

  Our squad isn't far from being able to challenge on all fronts in my opinion. Last season we were the only team to get into the last stages and be challenging in every competition we were in. Not saying we had a good season !!
  
  In terms of between the posts am quite happy with Szczesny and Fabianski rotating. Two Polish keepers, friends, no language barrier just makes the competition greater as they would be trying to get that No. 1 jersey whilst in friendly competition.
  
  The fullback/wingback situation isn't looking to shabby either. Bakary Sagna, and Charlie Jenkinson look like a good master and apprentice set up. The left back situation isn't as alarming as most people think. Gibbs is more of a wing back, but his reactions to opposition movement and ball movement is seemingly better than Clichy's just his positioning lets him down. He's also pretty good in the final third and will undoubtedly get more goals/assists than Clichy. Traore is more powerful and is positionally better and a lot more dynamic with his pace allowing him to fly up and down the left side of the pitch. He's decent in the final third. Vermaelen can always play there if need be.
  
  Centre back situation is quite alarming in my opinion. JAGIELKA IS NOT THE SOLUTION TO OUR PROBLEM !. He's 5'11 we haven't got a problem with defending the ball on deck it's defending against aerial attacks. He won't help us defend against Crouch, Zigic, Carrol, Davies, Vidic and those other Premier League giants. I want someone like Samba, Cahill, Mertesacker, Sakho to come in. They're good at defending on deck and bullish aerially. One of those listed + Vermaelen, Koscielny, Djourou, Squillaci (decent old man who doesn't mind sitting on bench- can't go wrong as 5th choice), would be enough to keep me happy.
  
  Holding Mid role needs to be sorted urgently, many people are forgetting that Song AND Frimpong will be gone during the African Cup of Nations which is where we need that extra push to carry on our title charge. That Argentine Biglia seems like a decent prospect and if not him, we need someone like Parker, Melo or Marchisio.
  
  The "Wilshere" & "Fabregas" role can be played by the following players:
  
  Wilshere, Diaby, Vidal, Ramsey, Rosicky, Arshavin (Cesc role only), RVP (Cesc role only). There's an abundance in quality in this role with hopefully the young Lansbury joining that list.
  
  The wide forward role is also looking quite good:
  
  Walcott, Gervinho, Mata (HOPEFULLY), Vela, Miyaichi (HOPEFULLY) and maybe adding one more Wide player, someone like Hazard (DREAMS) to fully strengthen our squad.
  
  Upfront is pretty gloom:
  
  RVP = Quality
  Bendtner = Good when given a run of games
  Chamakh = Average, would rather Bendtner stay and Chamakh go
  Vela = poacher by nature, could be effectively used
  
  I would say we try and bring in a striker such as Benzema, Falcao, Hulk, or even Cardozo, his goalscoring record is pretty good as well + has a stinging long shot whilst being a good freekick taker and aerially adept whilst being a good finisher with his feet.
  
  So a squad looking like this would definitely challenge on all four fronts with a heavy rotation policy based on player's form and fitness:
  
  Szczesny, Fabianski, Mannone
  
  Sagna, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Traore, Cahill, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Djourou, Squillaci
  
  Song, Marchisio or Biglia or Parker, Frimpong
  
  Wilshere, Diaby, Ramsey, Montolivo, Rosicky, Arshavin
  
  Walcott, Gervinho, Mata, Hazard, Miyachi (Arshavin if needed)
  
  RVP, Chamakh, Benzema
  
  QUALITY TEAM FULL OF DEPTH & COMPETITION !!! - FABREGAS AND NASRI WHO ???

• 28-Jul-2011 22:50 | | gooner95
  

  lets face it, the only reason jagielka is apparently worth so much is because he's english.... the phil jones and jordan henderson transfers are further examples of how the prices of players are effectiveley being doubled, just because they're english. and the annoying thing is, there isnt really a great deal we can do apart from splash the cash for an english player like everyone else; fact is we have to have a certain number of 'homegrown' players in our squad, and with the imminent departures of almunia and bendtner, who are considered as homegrown, we need to buy another player who classifies as homegrown rather than someone like vertonghen, who is foreign. its annoying that its the case, but we're just gonna have to accept it. at the end of the day, although there are better players, jagielka aint half bad, hes english, and hes experienced. could be worse eh?

• 28-Jul-2011 22:56 | | gooner95
  

  i pretty much agree with everything you have to say, how about frimpong as someone to challenge song at DM? if it wasnt for his season long injury last year, i reckon he could have been challenging for a place last season, hes had chances in pre season and hopefully, injuries permitted, he can make his stamp on the first team squad this upcoming season. i certainly dont expect him to be first choice for a couple of seasons at least, but i'd certainly hope he could make about 15/20 appearances, and rotate with song when song needs resting. hes got quality, thats for sure!

• 28-Jul-2011 23:06 | | gooner95
  

  errr, i dont know how much money you think we've got? we aren't man shitty, or chelsea, we dont have millions and millions to spend! i've got no problem with the players you've chosen, but benzema, mata, hazard, montolivio, marchisio(/parker/biglia), AND cahill? thats getting close to £100 million, money we just dont have! as far as im concerned, we need a cb, and i wouldnt say no to a quality striker either. as far as DM cover goes, diaby could fill the spot? its just for a month or two after all, depending of course on how the teams do, for all we know we could have song and/or frimpong back within a few weeks! otherwise we're sorted i reckon, i rate szcesny as world class, like you said, our wing back situation is good, and i believe our midfield is top notch too, as long as nasri and fab stay

• 28-Jul-2011 23:12 | | gooner95
  

  its not just about height, its about having the desire and committment to stick your neck on the line and WANT to head the ball before your opponent. i do believe cahill and samba are class, but with the high line we play, i just dont think they'd fit in, they aren't the most mobile of defenders, and would struggle with balls played in behind our back four. we were one of the best teams at defending from open play last season, and thats without towering 6ft-something-or-other defenders. defending set plays is something that can be worked on in training, just buying a tall cb wont solve our problem

• 29-Jul-2011 21:18 | | Dwayneoffdachain
  

  Hey Lourdino you knobhead, stop talking shite. You talk bollocks and you'll never be Arsenal manager.
  I have the perfect solution to all of Arsenal's problems, we rip off Cesc's balls and then use then for shooting pratice, this practice of riping of heads balls and breaking unhappy and lazy players legs will continue until we have won a trophy. I guarentee after we chop off some heads the remaining players will sit up and listen
  Oh and p.s your not coming to the England game...

• 29-Jul-2011 21:26 | | gooner95
  

  dwayneoffdachain...... you are NOT black, and never will be. the only balls that need ripping off round here are yours matey! by the way, the 'centre mid' is currently in my bed with the 'landing zone' AND the 'chunder wagon', shame you're gonna miss out eh?
  ps. you're not coming to prom with us, or my party ;)

• 29-Jul-2011 21:30 | | Dwayneoffdachain
  

  At least i got balls, and their big and black my friend, enjoy this little ditty i wrote for you...
  
  Im back and im black
  i got a big ball sack
  If i show ya ma swelling
  will ya give me a drilling
  cuz my powers run dry
  and my HUUUUMOUNGOUS black balls are killin
  bitch.

• 29-Jul-2011 21:35 | | gooner95
  

  fair, you've got balls, i aint gonna lie cos i've seen em hanging out of ya trouser legs at school (fuck me they're saggy, you might wanna get that checked out?), but you sure as hell dont have a dick! the 'centre mid' was telling me all about your lack of that my boy ;)

• 29-Jul-2011 21:37 | | jackthearsenal  - fuck off dwayne
  

  hey dwayne, go find another website where you can flash your big black ballsack, this site is for true arsenal fans, something yoou're obviously not you spurs scum!

• 29-Jul-2011 21:37 | | MeanLean
  

  Dwayneoffdachain & gooner95
  
  Get back on football matters please. Thank you

• 29-Jul-2011 21:39 | | gooner95
  

  on it like a car bonnet meanlean ;)

• 29-Jul-2011 21:41 | | Dwayneoffdachain
  

  Damm I got told....

• 29-Jul-2011 21:47 | | Dwayneoffdachain  - im a bellend
  

  sorry meanlean, its all my fault, i shouldnt have commented to gooner95 with abuse like i did, its just im a bit of a retard, and i kinda have like a double personality disorder or something, my secondary personality
  
  thanks for your time.

• 29-Jul-2011 21:49 | | MeanLean
  

  The referencing of skin colour is unnecessary and has nothing to do with this blog. I don't want to start banning people, I would just prefer people talk about football without insults.
  
  Thanks.

• 29-Jul-2011 21:50 | | Dwayneoffdachain
  

  Right this ones a classic:
  
  Theres a priest and a buddihst monk making toast, and the priest says to the monk, you wont believe it ive seen the image of god in the margarine look... the monk leans over and says:
  "i cant believe its not buddha" classic.

• 29-Jul-2011 21:52 | | Gooners4ever
  

  Dwayneoffdachain your an idiot, its people like you that make the world the way it is. You make me sick, with your cliche's, can we please talk about football, like the site was designed for...

• 29-Jul-2011 21:53 | | MeanLean
  

  Stick to the same username mate, saves confusion for others. Cheers

• 30-Jul-2011 03:12 | | richie  - AW pay 13Mill for a 29 year old Jags?
  

  Get real guys AW doesn't buy 29 year olds so I think 13Mill must've come from Jag's agent, If it was the last day of the transfer market and we'd lost 2 CB in quick succession then just maybe Arsene would panic buy but this storey's legs ain't from us I'm sure.

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