Written by Mean Lean on Monday, 07 November 2011 13:16

I may go to my doctor and see if he will write me a note that I can send to Arsenal FC. One that demands victory on a weekly basis because of the feeling it gives you. It is Monday and I woke up to a thundering alarm this morning, I could barely open my eyes but a few minutes later as I sat in my kitchen sipping a hot cup of coffee, memories of Arteta's side footed finish had much more of a kick than the caffeine filled drink that was swimming around my system.

If I could bottle up a post victory feeling tablet then the anti depressant drug companies would be out of business and I would be a rich man. My giddiness has been tempered somewhat due to yet another one of those irritating and unnecessary international periods.

I have been struggling to deal with this one I must say. Too many thoughts racing around my mind. Robin van Persie has been seriously hurt in these games in the past and given his form, that just cannot happen. But because we all don't want it to happen so desperately, it will be just our luck that it happens again but at the same time, because this has happened before so frequently, surely the law of averages is on our side and while we are all shaking behind our sofa's van Persie will jog back to his dressing room post game without a scratch on him. Perhaps that is just what I am telling myself to make me feel a little better, I just don't know.

I'd rather he was pinging free kicks into the top corner at London Colny with Mikel Arteta but that just isn't going to happen. After this article I shall send an email to the footballing gods and inform them that the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are long overdue a visit from the injury gods rather than our good selves.

Ok, enough waffle for a moment and let me get onto a topic that I said that I would avoid for a while but a subject that gets everyone running around like teenage girls at a Justin Bieber concert.

The January transfer window.

Has anyone heard of the names Mario Götze (I've even got the fancy dots above the 'o') or Eden Hazard? Yeah well I thought you may. Those are two names that have been thrown our way for the last year or more in Hazard's case. Two highly talented creative players with huge potential and two players that have many of the big clubs around the world pushing and shoving in the queue to get to the front when the doors open on January 1st.

Both players tick many an Arsene box, technically amazing, match winners, assisters and goal scorers and young with plenty of scope for improvement. During the summer window I was one of the shrieking fans, lying awake at night desperately refreshing newsnow on my phone for a sniff of a chance that one of these players were on the plane to London to.. what do they call it these days? 'thrash out a deal.' Yeah that's the one.

As we know, it didn't happen and apart from Gervinho and a few experienced players like Mikel Arteta we basically had to make do with what we already had at the club. With Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri departing for sunnier climates and greener pockets respectively, I thought we really needed one superstar to add to the quality youngsters and experienced heads brought in during a busy off season.

a large slice of the creative burden was left to Aaron Ramsey who was still feeling his way back after being well and truly Shawcrossed. As you would expect, he was inconsistent, off the pace at times and struggled to stamp his authority on games. I try and be patient when it comes to our players, try and look at the bigger picture but I struggled to see how Ramsey would fill that position this season. What the hell do I know?

As the weeks have ticked by, Ramsey has gone from strenz to strenz, he is looking dynamic and inventive in the final third. He has found his mojo again as well as this new team beginning to click and understand each other so I am guessing that Aaron Ramsey's progress will continue to go north.

I thought I would gather some midfield stats together so far this season from our boys, and the super Mario with the dots above his 'o'

The first thing to point out is that Alex Song and Mikel Arteta for the most part spend a larger percentage of time in deeper positions than Ramsey although it is their job to swap positions during the game. So can people please stop saying stuff like 'I wish Song would do his job and sit back' or 'he think's he is Messi' that gets my goat. His job is to rotate with his two other midfield partners and make it difficult for the opposition to pick our midfield up.

Mario Gotze has often played in a wide attacking position which could explain his better goal statistics. That said Gotze has contributed to eight goals in ten games when he has been on the pitch. Four assists and four goals, impressive work.

Aaron Ramsey has an equal number of assists from the same amount of games played although this does not tell me how many minutes each player has played in each game. Although Ramsey only has one league goal to his name, he certainly is not afraid to let fly and boasts 19 shots from the ten games. Ramsey has had four more shots than Gervinho who is an attacker.

Speaking of attackers, we look at the statistics of Eden Hazard from his league games for Lille so far this season.

The same number of goals as Gotze and tops the assists with five. It looks as if he has the touch of the Ronaldo about him with his high number of strikes at goal. 30 shots from 13 games.

However Gervinho's stats look rather impressive on paper. Having missed three games thanks to a mixture of Joey Barton an idiot referee and a silly slap, the Ivorian has only managed to play eight league games so far but in that time he has racked up five assists in that time. That is a cool 0.6 assists per game. When you look over at the other flank and see that Theo only has one assist in eleven games then it shows just how impressive his figures are. I am now beginning to think that Gervinho purposefully missed at Stamford Bridge just to obscure Walcott's stats a little further.

I wouldn't say there was a huge difference in the quality of our two wide players delivery but Gervinho's ability to get around his full back looks like it could well be giving him a massive advantage. Mr Hazard would have little problem in doing that as his strength is dribbling.

So putting the folder of stats away in the draw for a moment and let us get back down to earth. Mario Gotze has stated how happy he is playing for his club and his club do not have to sell for any financial reasons. Not only that but if Aaron Ramsey continues to improve his game, continues to rack up assists and his goals start coming because, I really believe that Ramsey will be a prolific scorer in time, then what do we do come January? I would imagine that we would have to break our transfer record by double and then have a player who has never set foot in a Premier League game and a player that would have to adjust to a new country as well as club. Not only that but there is a small matter of a wee lad called Jack Wilshere who has already ticked the boxes that Mario hasn't.

I am not for one moment suggesting that I wouldn't want a player of Gotze's quality at Arsenal. Far from it, I was in awe when he carved us apart in Dortmund, the first real time I got to see what he was about. I fantasised for days about Gotze being the Cesc replacement that we so needed at the start of the season when Robin spent games isolated in attack without much of a link. His style suits Arsenal perfectly but from a managers point of view, is it feasible? Can Ramsey, Wilshere and Gotze all play without anyone killing the other?

In the words of Kevin Keegan, I would luv it, but sadly I cannot see it happening on many levels. So to Eden Hazard, the fact that he has publicly stated that he is seeking pastures new means that the chance of joining Arsenal is indeed higher than the German signing for us. But as mentioned earlier in the article, there will be many a club waiting to 'double what Arsenal will pay'

Chelsea and Real Madrid have been linked with the mercurial wizard while Barcelona have also sniffed around the Belgian international. He will not be going cheaply that is for sure but there are two faces at the club who will have their arms up in the air, asking 'why never me?'

Ryo Miyachi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have not had the chance to show that they could be as good as Hazard or at least close to that level. The only way they can show that is to have a run of games. Arsene has promised that both of them will be big players for Arsenal after the second half of the season.

I don't want to destroy any bedtime dreams that Gooners may have but I just do not see any of those players in an Arsenal shirt come the close of the January window.

Interesting to see that Jack Wilshere only managed three assists in his 35 games last season and only one goal. Alex Song has already equalled that after only playing eight games. Impressive stuff. Jack has plenty more to offer going forward and I cannot wait until he is back, fit and showing us his improvement.

Speaking of Jack, I loved his comments about wanting to be at the club for the rest of his career. It just shows his commitment and also how much he loves this club. I try not to cling onto footballers words too much though especially of one who is still very young but it is great that his heart is in the right place.

Another person showing the love was Marco van Basten.

“Robin must not leave Arsenal. You can’t compare my situation at Ajax. The big difference is that Robin is ­already at a big club. Robin has been in London for six years. He can’t help it that ­Arsenal have won ­nothing in that time.

“So much has changed in those six years in the Premier League. Chelsea have become a big club and have massive ­financial resources. Manchester City have ­become a big force and are richer than any other club. The amount of money which is flowing to these clubs for transfers is unbelievable. Arsenal operate differently. I admire that.”

“I still think Arsenal are the most beautiful club in ­England. At Man City and Chelsea, they will never have that class and style. Arsenal have the most ­amazing stadium, they have a style of play, they have a ­beautiful shirt – in every way I consider Arsenal as the ­ultimate football club. It is the club where Robin belongs.”

“Do I sound like an ­idealist? Maybe I do, but all those things ­Arsenal have to offer can play a part in the decision to stay there. The foundations are there."


Now that is what I am talking about. Marco, I would like to officially announce that I love you. I hope you're ok with that. Sounds like more of an Arsenal supporter than a few that I have heard over the years.

Being a Dutch legend and all, I think van Persie needs to be respectful and listen to what the guy is saying. I mean, it would be rude not to.

How fit is van Basten today? With comments like those I think Arsene should offer the guy a year contract and roll back the years. I kid, I kid. You have to write that these days because someone out there will think I am serious and argue with how stupid I am, which would be fair enough but just not when I am pulling yer leg.

Right, it is time for lunch. Enjoy your Arsenal warm day.

Back tomorrow.

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Comments (22)

• 07-Nov-2011 14:01 | | Nic  - Not to nitpick
  

  But you should check your maths if you're going to have stats. 5 assists in 8 games isn't 1.6 assists per game, it's 0.625 per game. It would be great if Gervinho would get to that level though!

• 07-Nov-2011 14:08 | | MeanLean
  

  Nic, nitpick away. I have my formula the wrong way round *smacks head*
  
  Thank you for the heads up. My maths was never my strong point.

• 07-Nov-2011 14:18 | | Marc
  

  great fucking read man i can't believe i've never given this site a look!
  also, i lol'd at the end bit
  
  peace

• 07-Nov-2011 14:36 | | Omomo14
  

  Great Article mate!
  
  If I were to choose btw Gotze or Harzard, I would definitely go for Gotze. Brilliant player with massive room to improve. He would definitely fit into our style of play + he won't be there to restrict the involvement of Ramsey and Jack.
  
  Harzard on the other hand would cause more harm than good in terms of intergrating the likes of Ryo and Chambo.
  
  Don't get me wrong, I would love one or both at Arsenal but still we have got talents waitin' in the wings who should have every opportunity to shine.

• 07-Nov-2011 14:45 | | Jar Jar  - Embarrassing intro.
  

  So, so cringeworthy.

• 07-Nov-2011 14:50 | | MeanLean
  

  My day will just not be the same now Jar Jar.

• 07-Nov-2011 14:52 | | MeanLean
  

  I was very impressed with Gotze against us and his assist record is fantastic. Would love him to be part of our squad but just don't see the club spending what it would take to prize him away from Dortmund.

• 07-Nov-2011 15:02 | | pman80  - gread read, stats good
  

  The author put Songs stats at 0.6 which is correct. he never wrote 1.6 as put it. Good show!

• 07-Nov-2011 15:08 | | bah!
  

  

• 07-Nov-2011 15:27 | | aurora11  - Great article bro,
  

  Love to see the facts. I myself don't think AW will go shopping this January as the price is being escalated during January window. And that is just not AW style. I also had to agree with Omomo14, in which if given choices bet. Goetze & Hazard, I'll choose Goetze. Plus Goetze is cheaper than Hazard. 15-20MM and 30-40MM respectively.

• 07-Nov-2011 15:30 | | Sg gooner  - Have to disagree
  

  Another excellent article.. And the frequency in which the articles are coming is great..
  
  Just got some points though.. You talk about new signings affecting the younger players.. But why should it have a negative impact on them
  Rather than a positive one.. The new signings could spur the players on to greater heights.. I believe aw has previously talked about how he doesn't buy players as it would kill the careers of diaby and denilson.. Has that worked out as an advantage to us in anyway? One is forever on the treatment table.. The less is unfortunately never on the treatment table but instead torturing us on the pitch..
  
  If a player is good enough, he would make it at the club.. Noone could have stopped fabregas from breaking into the team.. The same should be for ryo and ox.. They should work harder to be more impressive than he new signings.. In any case, it might be the end of the arsenal careers for players like rosicky and aa.. I just feel having more quality players replacing them would work to our advantage.. Having quality 1st teamers as well as back ups..
  
  My only concern right now is that we're not linked with striker which is more urgent.. Chamakh has totally lost form.. Park still getting used to the team.. It's v risky relying only on rvp given his history..
  
  Anyway, it was an excellent article ML.. Just sharing my thoughts.. There aren't enough gooners around me.. I'm stuck with having to talk to gooners online

• 07-Nov-2011 15:37 | | EpiKnightz
  

  Eden or Mario spend most of the time playing out wide so I don't think we (Arsene Wenger wanna be ) have to worry about Wilshere or Ramsey lost their place, the only 1 who gonna suffer is Theo, but he's young n his natural position is Forward so I think our formation in the next few year gonna be this:
  
  Chezny
  Carl - Koscielny - Verminator - Gibbs
  Song
  Ramsey-Wilshere
  Gervinho Mario/Eden
  Walcott
  
  Pretty solid, plus RvP may still be an important player after he pass 30. Verm, Kos n Song gonna hit their prime combine with the energetic force of Rambo, Wilshere, Mario, Theo to create (may be) the most fearful team in the world!!!

• 07-Nov-2011 15:41 | | Sg gooner  - Agree with epiknightz
  

  The future does look bright.. The entire defense is middle aged.. And has plenty of experience other than Gibbs and jenkinson.. But they've got a great bunch of players to learn from..
  
  Midf full of talented young players with many Many more coming up..
  
  As mentioned prev, only concern would be attack.. Though I'm hoping for some young player to come into the team and prove his worth.. Maybe afobe can do that once he's recovered.. Or Campbell next season..
  
  But, the future is arsenal! COYG!

• 07-Nov-2011 15:42 | | Eric  - Mario could continue the spark but not too likely
  

  I would also prefer Mario to Eden...Mario (clinical finisher), dribbles rather well, ball control v good and 'sees' intricate passes where some others dont..Now the problem is how that would affect the balance of the team and the development of Ryo and cHAmeberlain (as you point out)...Sometimes it is not just about having an amalgamation of World Class players..it is also about ensuring that all the players work well together...It is another reason why I would prefer Mario to Eden...He seems to have a better attitude/outlook ...
  Buying a January could prove essential for : a)RVP to be convinced of the club's ambition b)bolster the squad for 2nd half of the season when games will be coming thick and fast and injuries possible..
  Again for that reason Mario seems a better pick (as he is versatile enough to play as back up to RVP too) ...
  Whether any of this happens is rather small in probability (alot of money required)
  As you point out though we have players who are showing themselves to be v good and classy too now it is just a matter of consistency, pushing themselves to the limit...Thus proving allthe naySayers and merchants of doom wrong...as many have pointed out :the season is not over yet

• 07-Nov-2011 15:54 | | Aleks
  

  Great article. My thoughts exactly on Hazard and Goetze. There is another one in the equation - Gourkoff. Most probable out of three highly improbable buys imho.
  Ramsey is a nice surprise indeed, quite unexpected to me, let's hope it lasts.
  As for killing the youngsters - the last transfer window proved yet again that Wenger relies on his youth. Gibbs is a prime example - when Clichy left Enrique was an obvious replacement, but Wenger did not want it, since he would kill Gibbs, he wanted a sub for Gibbs. Even those older players (with the exception of (Gervinho) are just a stopgap solutions at the beginning of a "new cycle", even Arteta. Although Arteta has a small chance to prove Wenger wrong if he steps up a level.

• 07-Nov-2011 16:16 | | Jimi  - How about another.......
  

  I think Christian Eriksen would be just as good for us as either of these two.
  
  I really wanted us to sign Hazard but more and more I get the feeling he'd screw us over after a couple of years just like Nasri, and we wouldn't be able to stop him either, not when one of the filthy oil barons comes offering wodges of cash, this is presuming that we could even afford to sign him in the first place.

• 07-Nov-2011 17:00 | | GoonerB
  

  Good article and you echo what I have been saying for a while now. I feel Goetze plays in the Wilshere and Ramsey role and I would be happy for us to build around them at the moment. Arteta can also play in the advanced midfield role even if he currently sits a bit more and Rosicky has looked good again recently. Another one would make it too many numbers wise. With Hazard you also have it spot on. He would play as the winger/wing forward playing off the main striker where we already have Gervinho, Walcott and Arshavin as senior players and AOC and Myachi waiting to come in on certain games. If you got Hazard it would almost raise the question of what was the point in getting AOC and Myachi. I believe we also have Aneke to come through in the next couple of years and I hear great things about him as a powerful attacking midfielder with an eye for goal.
  
  More attacking midfielders doesn't seem to be what we need but the one player we really miss is another world class 20+ a season striker. I will give you an example even though this player is not an option but the example refers to his quality and how much better we would be if we had someone of this level. If we had Eto'o was at Arsenal you could play him and RVP together against the biggest sides and that firepower would scare even the other big sides but with a player like this it also allows you to play one and rest the other in certain games and still carry a goal threat. Park may prove to be this but I am not sure and I feel come January we will need to get this player. These players are generally not cheap but as it is only one player so what if we have to splash serious money. This one player will be the difference in winning silverware or not for me and I would leave the rest of the squad as it is.

• 07-Nov-2011 17:41 | | Eric
  

  I prefer the idea of a striker that is also versatile enough to play on the wing or behind a main One...This will come in handy if you want to give players like Theo a chance or Park even...An out and out striker these days has to be exceptional (and quite expensive) but I find that a disciplined defense can usually snuff out the threat of a lone striker If the rest of the team is not providing the service/assists...Whereas a versatile striker who can also drift sideways offers a more fluid shape and keep the defense on their toes...For that Reason I like the idea of Mario or Gourcuff (as someone has suggested)

• 07-Nov-2011 20:33 | | MeanLean
  

  Thanks SGG, don't be a stranger.
  
  I agree with you in many ways. Competition is always great, especially with the quality of Wilshere, Gotze and Ramsey. The ojnly thing I would say is that going by history at our club, whenever we have had a talented young player, we have played that player every week so he can develop and improve. Think of the likes of Anelka, Cesc, Wilshere, Cashley, Song etc. They reached the levels they did because they didn't have rotation, well at least mass rotation and that is what would have to happen with that quality.
  
  Teams such as Real Madrid, Money City and co stock pile players and do so because they can afford to do so. I cannot really remember a time when we have done that.
  
  The unbeaten team had a clear 1-11 and the fringe players were just that. There was no chance of Bergkamp, Vieira, Pires, Henry, Campbell sharing games and I think that has been Arsene's formula.
  
  Like I said in the article, don't get me wrong. I would love to have Hazard and Gotze on our books, even if it meant moving on a couple of players who haven't quite reached their best for a while but I don't think we are the type of club who can afford to do so, even more so that our team is based on momentum and continuity.

• 07-Nov-2011 21:48 | | merkin  - How times change
  

  It shows you how quickly the tide can turn.It was only a month or so ago that we were all calling for Cahill. Now, not a single commenter has mentioned defense.
  
  The one who has been right all along, the one whose vision has been the most accurate has been Wenger. I trust him to do the right thing in January, even if it is to stand pat or just to sign an older striker on loan just to cover for RVP.
  
  But yes, AFC couldn't help but to be a better club with either Super Mario or Hazard. The same is true of any club anywhere in the world.
  
  Right now I would put money on Hazard to Real Madrid in the summer, Goetze staying put for another 18 months, AFC signing M'villa to compliment Song, and Nasri failing repeatedly to be the first bench/squad player to win the Ballon d'Or.

• 07-Nov-2011 21:54 | | dkgooner
  

  And don't forget, Bendtner is back for next season.

• 08-Nov-2011 10:39 | | Mr gunner  - your crazy
  

  you are crazy goetze would be more than 30m. we had a bid of around 30m turned down in the summer so technically hazard might be less.

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