Although there were some good positives to take out of this season, the fact remains, we are now eight years without silverware and this needs to be addressed!
At times, the mighty Gunners have shown they can match the best. Dominating for large parts against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw and beating Munich in their own backyard were magnificent achievements.
But we have simply been far too inconsistent to mount a serious challenge for silverware this season. Losing key striker Robin Van Persie didn’t exactly help matters and left us Arsenal fans wondering if it was going to be another frustrating campaign.
Two consecutive goalless draws, thrashing Southampton 6-1 and a credible 1-1 with Manchester City gave Arsenal hope of ending the trophy drought. But again too many draws and some silly defeats cost us dear and the league title soon looked far away.
Defeat to Spurs back in March saw Arsenal fall seven points behind their bitter rivals, so to see them turn things around in the final 10 games was good to see. It was a great recovery to see Arsenal salvage fourth spot and ensure at least we’ll have Champions League football at the Emirates again next season.
We simply need to win any trophy to get the monkey off our backs and I believe, once we do that, more trophies will soon follow.
At one stage, I thought we were on course to do just that. After recovering from 4-0 down to stage an incredible comeback with a 7-5 win at Reading, I thought at very least it might be our year in the League Cup. But we lost to lower league Bradford on penalties! Although Bradford deserve huge credit, there is no way we should have lost a game like that!
Struggling Blackburn knocked us out of the FA Cup and, after a 3-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich, the season looked doomed. We refused to give up and a superb 2-0 victory in Munich saw us come so close to an upset against a side who rarely lose at home...but it wasn’t to be.
With only a top-four finish left to play for, it didn’t look good as we were also losing that race too! But thankfully we caught up with Spurs and secured fourth with a nervy 1-0 win at Newcastle on the final day of the season.
But enough talk of the frustration we seem to be suffering every year at the moment, let’s look at the positives. Santi Cazorla has been a superb addition to our midfield, more proof that Arsene Wenger is brilliant at finding talent.....we just have to make sure we keep this one! Olivier Giroud frustrated fans at the start of the season and looked like he couldn’t hit a barn door. As he began scoring and his confidence grew he looked like a totally different player and we need him to go up another level next season. Lukas Podolski showed glimpses of brilliance but I am expecting more goals and consistency from the forward in 2013/14. Nacho Monreal is more reliable than Andres Santos that is for sure but it is too early to judge him.
Laurent Koscielny has put in another solid campaign on the whole and Theo Walcott banged in the goals. At times Walcott can destroy teams but he can also lack confidence in his game. If he takes his game up another gear and is more consistent he could help us to a better season. Jack Wilshere’s fitness will be key because if he can stay fit he can control the midfield.
Individually some of the players can be proud of their performances this season but collectively the team needs to improve. We have the talent and need to believe in ourselves more. More importantly, we need to start games from the off and not take an hour to get going...consistency will be key!
So what do we need to do to ensure the 2013/14 campaign is the one that sees us end our trophy drought?
I firmly believe we have the foundations of a great squad but we need to add one or two top class players, along with some depth. When we have had injuries we have been found out and we definitely need to add some better depth to the squad. While, Giroud, Podolski and Walcott are capable of banging in the goals, I think we need to splash the cash on a striker who can guarantee 20+ goals a season, but the other forwards can still play a key role.
Arteta, Wilshere and Cazorla is an excellent starting midfield but if we can add some more quality depth in this area, it will help us compete better over all of the competitions. As for the defence, I am happy with Koscielny and Vermaelen, although I think the latter will get back to his best without the added pressure of the captaincy. No disrespect to the Belgian but I believe the captaincy needs re-assigned. If Wilshere is injury free, he has to be the main contender, if not Arteta can do the job. Or maybe we can sign a natural leader who can give us what Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira used to!
Full-back is the area that worries me. Bacary Sagna seems drained of confidence and looks a shadow of his former self. If he can return to his best, we may be okay, but it could be time to give Carl Jenkinson a regular starting slot or to bring in some fresh blood.
Between the sticks Wojciech Szczęsny can be a superb goalkeeper. Previously I had rated him as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Although, I still believe he is a class talent, his confidence has taken a knock this season and it will be interesting to see how he responds next season. I have also been worried about the competition he has for the number one jersey. I was very worried when Łukasz Fabiański temporarily replaced him as number one, but he proved many of us wrong with some decent displays. Despite this, I think we need better back-up in this area.
The foundations of a great squad are there but we definitely need to add some fresh faces to the squad over the summer to put us firmly back on the map! It may also be time for some players to move on. Sagna I am undecided on but Santos and Gervinho need to go!
Whilst the players need to stand up and take responsibility for a trophy-less season, it is Wenger who will come under the most scrutiny. I firmly believe he is the right man for the job and his players need to stand up to be counted next season.
Yes, he has allowed big-name players to leave over the last few summers. It has been very frustrating and he should maybe sort contracts earlier, but you also can’t force a player to stay! I was bitterly disappointed that Van Persie turned his back on us but IF we make the right signings we CAN survive without him!
Players and managers come and go in football, but fans are there to stay. We must stop criticising every week and firmly get behind Wenger and the boys. 2013/14 is another season, let’s use it as a fresh start and show people just what Arsenal can do!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Great Scot: Moyes prepares to fill football’s biggest shoes
Walking through the door at a new club is never easy so filling the boots of arguably the best manager in the world is sure to be a mammoth task.
That is what faces David Moyes, who will leave Everton to take up the post of Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Old Trafford in July.
Moyes certainly has great credentials, having worked wonders in his 11 years with the Toffees on very limited resources. Everton are currently sixth in the table with two games remaining and, although Moyes has never won silverware with the club, he has definitely done a sterling job.
The fact he was recommended for the job by Ferguson, a man known for his impeccable judgement, proves Moyes deserves a chance. Ferguson recently revealed that he had approached Moyes in 1998 about the possibility of becoming assistant boss at Old Trafford.
Moyes didn’t take up the opportunity but the experience and knowledge he has gained at Everton will stand him in good stead for the top job.
It will be no mean feat replacing Ferguson and it will take time for Moyes to settle in and instil his ideas on the Premier League champions. Moyes definitely needs to be given plenty of time and his new six-year deal indicates he should get just that.
It is just as important that the fans remain patient with the new manager. Just because Ferguson continually filled the trophy cabinet with silverware year after year doesn’t mean another Scot will have the same fortune.
Manchester United fans have been blessed with the amount of success they have seen in the Premier League era, but it is hard to gauge at this stage whether this will continue in the immediate future. But, if they really love Ferguson and trust his judgement as much as they claim to, Manchester United fans will get behind the man he chose to succeed him.
It will certainly be a tough job and nothing like what he faced at Everton. He will be working with a longer list of top class players, as well as having to contend with a schedule filled with Champions League football. But no matter how his reign begins Manchester United fans and neutrals alike must not compare the two Scottish managers to one another. They are both top managers in their own right and whoever succeeded Ferguson was going to have a difficult job on his hands.
It isn’t about Moyes doing exactly what Ferguson has done as his predecessor’s achievements are unlikely to be matched for many years to come. Instead, Moyes needs to be given time to make the club his own and progress the club for the future. Moyes’ appointment shows the club are once again thinking about stability and longevity, especially offering the Scot a six-year deal to give him plenty time, something many managers don’t get these days!
It is likely that Moyes will return to Goodison Park to sign some of his former players, with Marouane Fellaini being touted as a possibility. The way Moyes handles Rooney will be interesting as, despite giving the England international his debut, the pair have certainly had their differences. But the duo could see it as a fresh start and Moyes could yet get the best out of Rooney once again.
Whoever Moyes brings in to add to the squad over the summer, he will no doubt be delighted with the players already at Old Trafford....they are not champions for nothing!
Ferguson , who is set to remain at Manchester United as a director and ambassador, will also not be far away should Moyes need any advice or assistance during his reign. But this is a new era at Old Trafford and it is about the Moyes’ way now and everyone connected with Manchester United must get behind him!
That is what faces David Moyes, who will leave Everton to take up the post of Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Old Trafford in July.
Moyes certainly has great credentials, having worked wonders in his 11 years with the Toffees on very limited resources. Everton are currently sixth in the table with two games remaining and, although Moyes has never won silverware with the club, he has definitely done a sterling job.
The fact he was recommended for the job by Ferguson, a man known for his impeccable judgement, proves Moyes deserves a chance. Ferguson recently revealed that he had approached Moyes in 1998 about the possibility of becoming assistant boss at Old Trafford.
Moyes didn’t take up the opportunity but the experience and knowledge he has gained at Everton will stand him in good stead for the top job.
It will be no mean feat replacing Ferguson and it will take time for Moyes to settle in and instil his ideas on the Premier League champions. Moyes definitely needs to be given plenty of time and his new six-year deal indicates he should get just that.
It is just as important that the fans remain patient with the new manager. Just because Ferguson continually filled the trophy cabinet with silverware year after year doesn’t mean another Scot will have the same fortune.
Manchester United fans have been blessed with the amount of success they have seen in the Premier League era, but it is hard to gauge at this stage whether this will continue in the immediate future. But, if they really love Ferguson and trust his judgement as much as they claim to, Manchester United fans will get behind the man he chose to succeed him.
It will certainly be a tough job and nothing like what he faced at Everton. He will be working with a longer list of top class players, as well as having to contend with a schedule filled with Champions League football. But no matter how his reign begins Manchester United fans and neutrals alike must not compare the two Scottish managers to one another. They are both top managers in their own right and whoever succeeded Ferguson was going to have a difficult job on his hands.
It isn’t about Moyes doing exactly what Ferguson has done as his predecessor’s achievements are unlikely to be matched for many years to come. Instead, Moyes needs to be given time to make the club his own and progress the club for the future. Moyes’ appointment shows the club are once again thinking about stability and longevity, especially offering the Scot a six-year deal to give him plenty time, something many managers don’t get these days!
It is likely that Moyes will return to Goodison Park to sign some of his former players, with Marouane Fellaini being touted as a possibility. The way Moyes handles Rooney will be interesting as, despite giving the England international his debut, the pair have certainly had their differences. But the duo could see it as a fresh start and Moyes could yet get the best out of Rooney once again.
Whoever Moyes brings in to add to the squad over the summer, he will no doubt be delighted with the players already at Old Trafford....they are not champions for nothing!
Ferguson , who is set to remain at Manchester United as a director and ambassador, will also not be far away should Moyes need any advice or assistance during his reign. But this is a new era at Old Trafford and it is about the Moyes’ way now and everyone connected with Manchester United must get behind him!
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
SIR ALEX FERGUSON: END OF AN ERA FOR A TRUE GREAT
He may have frustrated many people with his constant pointing at his watch but, now Sir Alex Ferguson has called time on his managerial career, it is clear just how much he will be missed.
When Ferguson first walked through the doors at Old Trafford in 1986, few people would have expected him to go on and become the most successful manager in British football history...but he did just that!
Manchester United fans love their manager and most neutrals can appreciate the world class job he has done at Old Trafford. What he has done for the club will never be forgotten. The trophy cabinet at Old Trafford must be close to bursting by now and that is testament to the hard-work and enthusiasm of Ferguson.
Thirteen is often considered an unlucky number and in a way it is for the fans as Ferguson’s 13th Premier League title spells the end of his achievement-filled time in charge.
The famous treble of 1999 (Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup) is just one of many highlights during his time in charge of the club. Two goals in injury-time saw Ferguson’s men lift the Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich...Ferguson just never knew when to give up. His passion never seemed to fade – year after year Ferguson returned to the dugout to win trophies and still looked as eager for the next one.
But success wasn’t instant for the Manchester United icon. Unlike many clubs today, the Scot was given plenty time to prove himself and it paid off. Not only has he continually won trophies for the club, but Ferguson has also managed some of the best players of the Premier League era. The likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Peter Schmeichel have Ferguson to thank for making them the top players they went on to become.
Ferguson has been key to arguably the best period in the club’s history and I for one am surprised to see him retiring. The timing seems a bit bizarre and it certainly came as a bolt out of the blue to many football fanatics. But after winning the title by such a clear margin and with games to spare is maybe the perfect high to end on.
Ferguson’s departure will leave a big hole in the dugout next season but nobody can begrudge him from wanting to retire after all he has given to the game. All the comments that people have been making today show just how much he is respected by managers, players, pundits and fans across the world.
So after having arguably the best manager in the world at the helm for so long, how do a club as steeped in history such as Manchester United even go about replacing him?
A key factor will be stability and longevity. Whilst Jose Mourinho’s name has been mentioned on a number of occasions, I don’t believe he would stick around long enough to be the right man for the job.
David Moyes looks to be the favourite and has done superbly on limited resources at Everton...but is that enough to prepare someone for filling the biggest shoes in football? If he does indeed get the job, he could be a big success providing he is given the same time to develop which I am sure he would.
I’d also like to see the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ryan Giggs on the coaching staff as their passion for the club would be key in helping the huge transitional step forward.
Although a club like Manchester United continually win trophies, if the new man doesn’t bring instant success it is important for the club and fans alike to stay firmly behind the manager. Stability and longevity are vital and, when someone is replacing an icon such as Ferguson, it is never going to be easy.
Manchester United are likely to do right by the new man and who knows, if things get desperate, the club can always call on Ferguson for help...after all he’ll only be upstairs!
As a director and ambassador of the club, Ferguson is likely to be on hand to offer advice when needed next season and beyond. But the new manager needs time to develop and instil his own ideas on the club over time. As tempting as it will be for many, we need to not constantly compare the new manager to Ferguson. The new manager must be allowed to be his own man as he takes the highly-respected club forward.
Fans, including myself, berate Manchester United and Ferguson at times, often merely through frustration, as the club make things so difficult for us. It’s at times like today we can take a step back and reflect on the amazing job Ferguson has done and just how much the game will miss him.
The final say....
Even though Ferguson put us on the wrong end of some embarrassing defeats, not to mention taking Robin Van Persie from us, I still have the utmost respect for such a quality man. The Premier League is unlikely to see another man like him and his success should be celebrated! Sir Alex Ferguson = Legend!
When Ferguson first walked through the doors at Old Trafford in 1986, few people would have expected him to go on and become the most successful manager in British football history...but he did just that!
Manchester United fans love their manager and most neutrals can appreciate the world class job he has done at Old Trafford. What he has done for the club will never be forgotten. The trophy cabinet at Old Trafford must be close to bursting by now and that is testament to the hard-work and enthusiasm of Ferguson.
Thirteen is often considered an unlucky number and in a way it is for the fans as Ferguson’s 13th Premier League title spells the end of his achievement-filled time in charge.
The famous treble of 1999 (Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup) is just one of many highlights during his time in charge of the club. Two goals in injury-time saw Ferguson’s men lift the Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich...Ferguson just never knew when to give up. His passion never seemed to fade – year after year Ferguson returned to the dugout to win trophies and still looked as eager for the next one.
But success wasn’t instant for the Manchester United icon. Unlike many clubs today, the Scot was given plenty time to prove himself and it paid off. Not only has he continually won trophies for the club, but Ferguson has also managed some of the best players of the Premier League era. The likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Peter Schmeichel have Ferguson to thank for making them the top players they went on to become.
Ferguson has been key to arguably the best period in the club’s history and I for one am surprised to see him retiring. The timing seems a bit bizarre and it certainly came as a bolt out of the blue to many football fanatics. But after winning the title by such a clear margin and with games to spare is maybe the perfect high to end on.
Ferguson’s departure will leave a big hole in the dugout next season but nobody can begrudge him from wanting to retire after all he has given to the game. All the comments that people have been making today show just how much he is respected by managers, players, pundits and fans across the world.
So after having arguably the best manager in the world at the helm for so long, how do a club as steeped in history such as Manchester United even go about replacing him?
A key factor will be stability and longevity. Whilst Jose Mourinho’s name has been mentioned on a number of occasions, I don’t believe he would stick around long enough to be the right man for the job.
David Moyes looks to be the favourite and has done superbly on limited resources at Everton...but is that enough to prepare someone for filling the biggest shoes in football? If he does indeed get the job, he could be a big success providing he is given the same time to develop which I am sure he would.
I’d also like to see the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ryan Giggs on the coaching staff as their passion for the club would be key in helping the huge transitional step forward.
Although a club like Manchester United continually win trophies, if the new man doesn’t bring instant success it is important for the club and fans alike to stay firmly behind the manager. Stability and longevity are vital and, when someone is replacing an icon such as Ferguson, it is never going to be easy.
Manchester United are likely to do right by the new man and who knows, if things get desperate, the club can always call on Ferguson for help...after all he’ll only be upstairs!
As a director and ambassador of the club, Ferguson is likely to be on hand to offer advice when needed next season and beyond. But the new manager needs time to develop and instil his own ideas on the club over time. As tempting as it will be for many, we need to not constantly compare the new manager to Ferguson. The new manager must be allowed to be his own man as he takes the highly-respected club forward.
Fans, including myself, berate Manchester United and Ferguson at times, often merely through frustration, as the club make things so difficult for us. It’s at times like today we can take a step back and reflect on the amazing job Ferguson has done and just how much the game will miss him.
The final say....
Even though Ferguson put us on the wrong end of some embarrassing defeats, not to mention taking Robin Van Persie from us, I still have the utmost respect for such a quality man. The Premier League is unlikely to see another man like him and his success should be celebrated! Sir Alex Ferguson = Legend!
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