Can this Arsenal squad finish in the top four without reinforcements?
By Avenell Dave
As expected, Arsene Wenger confirmed today that Jack Wilshere has had a setback. The new star of the team, the man who was supposed to soften the blow of Cesc’s departure is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines and if the doom mongers are correct, we won’t see him again this season.
Whatever happens, we have four midfielders vying for three positions and it isn’t enough.
I don’t buy it that Tomas Rosicky is a viable answer – I can hardly remember one telling pass or goal he has been involved in that has had a positive impact on our season – or many others for that matter. Add to that the reliance on Robin van Persie and you can see that we have serious problems if we suffer any more injuries – and let’s be honest, we have had more than our fair share in recent years.
Five points off the top four that the club relies upon to pay the stadium loans and we need to ensure that we do everything we can to get back in there. Ch*vski are hardly playing like a team capable of holding on to the position if we just keep pushing.
As it is, even with our first team available, the reserves are not quite good enough and the risk of injury or burn out is increased.
Wenger also said predictably that we are not close to signing anyone – and yet I’ve been convinced for weeks that he has someone up his sleeve. With only a few days of the cursed transfer window left, that confidence is taking a battering and while value and availability may be diminished at this time of year, the impact of Arshavin and Adebaywhore, signed in previous January windows should remind Wenger of what we can gain from making canny purchases.
Let’s be honest, we’re one more injury away from a possible mid table finish and without new faces to freshen up and the impetus we need to push on again after a disastrous start to this year.
Suddenly, the FA Cup takes on even greater significance and we need a good result to get the confidence up again. Villa have a terrible record against us in the competition but Darren Bent has a habit of scoring goals against us and we need to keep it tight. How I miss the clean sheets of the past.
I don’t want to see Bacary Sagna rushed back after such a long lay-off so hopefully Francis Coquelin can step in and it will be good to have Mikel Arteta back.
Up front, maybe this is the time to start TH12 on the left with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right because I think Theo needs a rest as well.
Every game is a big game but we need to get back to winning ways and Sunday is a good place to start.
So do us all a favour and sign a couple of players, Arsene.
Addict XI
Szczesny
Coquelin Koscielny Vermaelen Miquel
Arteta Ramsey Song
Oxlade-Chamberlain RVP Henry
DA