Squad Analysis

[AKBapologist]

Rules
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2094341,00.html


Information derived from a list of sources including
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenal_fc#First-team_squad
http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players
http://www.premierleague.com
http://www.skysports.com/football/transfers/0,20367,11660_11670_201107,00.html

(strike outs donate players who have declared there intentions to, or are likely to leave this season, grey indicate players who are speculated to leave.)
Homegrown players over the age of 21
Nicklas Bendtner
Denilson
Johan Djourou
Cesc Fabregas
Vito Mannone
Gael Clichy
Alex Song
Carlos Vela
Theo Walcott
Armand Traore
Kieran Gibbs

Non homegrown players
Manuel Almunia
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Abou Diaby
Emmanuel Eboue
Lukasz Fabianski
Laurent Koscielny
Samir Nasri
Tomas Rosicky
Bacary Sagna
Robin Van Persie
Thomas Vermaelen
Sebastien Squillaci

Under 21's looking to break into the first team (Age by Jan 1st 2012, Players with a first team contract in bold)
Benik Afobe (18)
Chuks Aneke (18)
Kyle Bartley (20)
Ryo Myachi (18)
Francis Coquelin (20)
Craig Eastmond (21)
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (21)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19)
Conor Henderson (20)
Gavin Hoyte (21)
Henri Lansbury (20)
Aaron Ramsey (21)
Wojciech Szczesny (21)
Sanchez Watt (20)
Jack Wilshere (19)
Carl Jenkinson (19)
Welington (18)
Ignasi Miquel (18)

(of note)
Hector Bellerin (16)
Jon Toral (16)


Home Grown Players Total: 11 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)
Home Grown Players minus likely departures: 7

None-homegrown players: 13 (17 is the limit)
None-Homegrown players minus likely departures: 9

Current Squad size: 24
Current squad size minus likely departures: 16


Size?
Last season, we were 4 senior players short of our quota, relying on players like walcott and whilshire for major parts of the season. In addition, Vermaelen was out for the entire season reducing the effective senior squad size to 20, far, far less than our rivals. For me, this more than anything else (metal strength, experience etc etc) was the reason why we ran out of steam towards the business end of last season.

This season could potentially see us lose 10 from our senior squad! That is the worst case scenario, but even if only half that many left, it would be Arsenals biggest overhaul of the senior squad in a single season during the EPL era.

It's a tricky picture to balance, one the one hand - if you wanted to be as ruthless as possible, you would make sure you filled your 25 senior squad members. But at Arsenal, we have to consider the 5 who will no longer be under 21 before the start of the 2012/2013 next season, 4 of which are on senior contracts already and two of which are first team regulars.


What's the maximum number of players we could buy this summer?
With the current squad size of 24, and with Ramsey and Szczesny a season away from joining the senior portion of the squad, we'd realistically have to sell 2 players before we could receive any new additions.

However, with the list of leavers this season anywhere between 4 and 8 players long, there could certainly be room for a whole host of signings. For instance, given the now, very likely scenario of Bendtner, Denilson, Fabregas, Clichy, Almunia and Nasri, our squad could comfortably afford room for 4 new signings.


What do we need to strengthen?
There is no real easy answer to this. The questions you must first ask before producing priorities include, Quality or Quantity? How will we be set up to play? How will we rotate? Who from the reserves or under 21's can you realistically count on to do a job? Most of these questions are highly subjective however consensus does points towards a darth of quality in two key areas:
- A defender with EPL experience, good in the air and potentially an improvement over any we currently have.
- A striker, as good as RVP or better.

With likely departures considered however, it's likely we'd need to strengthen in every area of the pitch.

In addition, if many reports are deemed to believed, AW may be either changing or adding to the style of play, with wing play, crossing and pace being a higher priority. Which may explain our interest for players such as Mata, Gervinho, Hazard, Willian, De Costa and Falcao, who either play as advanced wingers, or with them.


All in all, AW must not, and probably can not use the lack of departures this season as an excuse for not signing quality players. Players that no longer desire to remain at the club may as well be ushered out, as beyond squad harmony, we are unable to strengthen without player departures. And then age old question remains however - will AW bring in the required quality in a transfer market gone mad?

In less than 6 weeks we will find out.

[Cripps_orig]

Less than 6 weeks.

We need our transfers done and dusted asap cos with the start we have, we'll need them

[milla]

Less than 6 weeks.

We need our transfers done and dusted asap cos with the start we have, we'll need them

0 point in 3 games, you can bet your house on it. :good:

[AKBapologist]

I guess reasoned, researched analysis is wasted on you lot here in GW.

Meanwhile, clichy pretty much backs up the main thrust of the above.


Former Gunner Gael Clichy says it was the lack of squad depth that cost Arsenal the chance of silverware last season.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official site, Clichy spoke about his final season at the Emirates, saying, “It started well, just like the team, but then it just collapsed at the end of the season after the cup final”.

And he attributes the failure to lack of competition for places and an inability to cope with key absences. “That’s why you can see the importance of having a big squad because we had a few players who were out. And of course it’s difficult for a team to cope without Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas at the same time.

“You know, sometimes it’s difficult to have a lot of players, because the competition is hard, but as a team you need a big squad to go all the way, and that’s why I joined City”.

[danisinkz]

Very interesting & youve done some good researching there. It is very worrying if a lot of the players leave, even if we did buy like mad the newbies would have to bed in unless by some miracle they click straight away.

Wenger is his own worst enemy, if he bought more established players when we needed them we wouldnt have so many 'want aways'!

[IBK]

Interesting analysis - that highlights some of the less obvious issues that AW is having to consider ATM. Having said that I am pretty confident that there will be at least a couple of new signings and that at least 5 of the 6 first teamers you have identified will be leaving this Summer...so I think your conclusion will probably be taken on board. Whether the new signings will be of the quality we need however is anyone's guess.

As for Clichy's comments. Total B/S. RVP was around for most of the run in. Cesc was missing for some of it - but it was his lack of form when he did play rather than his absence that was more of a factor. Our squad was plenty big enough last season. The players just didn't perform, is all.

[AKBapologist]

Nah, strength in depth was lacking. Our subs were v poor for the entire season and rarely inspired a change in performance unless large numbers I'd the 1st 11 where on the bench. Eg CC vs Leeds, huddesfield.

[IBK]

Nah, strength in depth was lacking. Our subs were v poor for the entire season and rarely inspired a change in performance unless large numbers I'd the 1st 11 where on the bench. Eg CC vs Leeds, huddesfield.

I disagree. Many of the key games we lost or dropped points in had enough 1st team members to cope. Its your 'go to' guys not your backups that you depend on for inspiration at the end of the day and the likes of Arshavin, Fabregas, Rosicky and for the second half of the season Nasri failed to live up to their reps. So did bendy (compared with his performances the season before) - but at least he can be a bit excused for playing out of position.

[AKBapologist]

Nope, a first 11 on it's own won't pull it out of the bag all the time. As united showed, Rooney not doing so well? Throw in Berbatov, Hernandez or Owen as they did countless times coming back from behind.

We haven't had that strength in depth in our attacking lineup since edwardos legs where snapped.

[Marc Overmars]

I agree, our strength in depth is non-existent. We have a big squad but the simple fact is that there is no one outside the first 11 who is capable of making an impact when needed, whether that is by making the most of sub appearances, or by stepping in for 3-4 games due to injuries or suspensions. When we bring on shite like Bendtner, Chamakh and Rosicky you don't really hold any hope of a game turning around.

[AKBapologist]

Defence is another story. Many games where we were beaten, the entire side controlled the game poorly or the keeper or someone during the set piece made an error. Lack of actual quality and organisation where main issues there. Where as new legs, ideas and a change of tempo let us down in attack. Depth was more of an issue when we needed to break teams down. And when you need 8 players on the edge of an opponents box to score, that understandably leaves you very open anyway.

[IBK]

Nope, a first 11 on it's own won't pull it out of the bag all the time. As united showed, Rooney not doing so well? Throw in Berbatov, Hernandez or Owen as they did countless times coming back from behind.

We haven't had that strength in depth in our attacking lineup since edwardos legs where snapped.

Berbatov may have turned it on againast the shitty teams, but was not a great deal better overall than Chamakh - who did OK for us first half of the season.

Its easy to look at things with hindsight - remember how long Cesc and RVP took to get fit - and the fact that Vermaelen was injured for the whole season? Back before January many were praising our strength in depth. For me, at the very least our failure had as much to do with the senior first team members as it had to do with the strength in depth of our back-ups. And in particular the fact that the so-called first team suffered a group malaise - in which only RVP and perhaps Wilshere can hold their heads up.

[IBK]

Defence is another story. Many games where we were beaten, the entire side controlled the game poorly or the keeper or someone during the set piece made an error. Lack of actual quality and organisation where main issues there. Where as new legs, ideas and a change of tempo let us down in attack. Depth was more of an issue when we needed to break teams down. And when you need 8 players on the edge of an opponents box to score, that understandably leaves you very open anyway.

So why talk about strength in depth - when its generally acknowledged that our defence was our Achilles heel last season? If Clichy had talked about a lack of organisation; a lack of maturity or a lack of first team quality, I could live with that. Lack of strength in depth - not so much.

[Özim]

Analysis:

Goalkeeping - One totally rubbish keeper, a young keeper with potential who isn't ready yet and a third keeper who has yet to prove his worth
Defence - total dogshite, don't play as a unit, lots of individual errors, can't defend set pieces
Midfield - Not enough bite, aggression and not really any genuine wide players
Attack - bar one player not enough goals, too many players who can't shoot for toffee

Depth - No decent substitutes to make a difference when required, the backup defenders are also rubbish

Other areas - Too many injury prone players

In a perfect world we'd bring in a number of quality players to make a difference whilst holding onto to our better players like, RVP, Cesc, Nasri, Wilshere.

[AKBapologist]

So why talk about strength in depth - when its generally acknowledged that our defence was our Achilles heel last season? If Clichy had talked about a lack of organisation; a lack of maturity or a lack of first team quality, I could live with that. Lack of strength in depth - not so much.
Beyond Nasri, and Cesc (who was injured for most of the second half), the attacking players in first 11 was remarkably consistent. The back ups? RVP almost scored more than Bendy and Chamakh combined, Rosicky, dreadful, Arshavin? Ten goals and 18 assists wasn't bad, but often lacked cutting edge. And who else is there? Diaby? Ramsey? Both who didn't play more than 10 games between them ALL SEASON!

Yes, this is in hindsight, that's how analysis works. Our squad players weren't good enough. They weren't good enough in rotation, they weren't good enough as subs and when united could count on a greater number of players to do a job for them than we could, you've got to wonder.

[AKBapologist]

With the transfer season becoming clearer we can now update the squad to the following projection.

Players who have left, or are in the process of leaving have been removed. Players with serious doubts on there partisipation in grey.

Homegrown players over the age of 21
Denilson
Johan Djourou
Cesc Fabregas
Vito Mannone
Alex Song
Carlos Vela
Theo Walcott
Armand Traore
Kieran Gibbs

Non homegrown players
Gervinho
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Abou Diaby
Emmanuel Eboue
Lukasz Fabianski
Laurent Koscielny
Samir Nasri
Tomas Rosicky
Bacary Sagna
Robin Van Persie
Thomas Vermaelen
Sebastien Squillaci

Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season. (in red those we'd probably need to make space for in the squad)
Kyle Bartley (20)
Ryo Myachi (18)
Francis Coquelin (20)
Craig Eastmond (21)
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (21)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19)
Conor Henderson (20)
Henri Lansbury (20)
Aaron Ramsey (21)
Wojciech Szczesny (21)
Jack Wilshere (19)
Carl Jenkinson (19)
Ignasi Miquel (18)


Home Grown Players Total: 9 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)
Home Grown Players minus potential departures: 6

None-homegrown players: 11 (17 is the limit)
None-Homegrown players minus likely departures: 10

Current Squad size: 21
Current squad size minus potential departures: 17


In one word...


Whelp!

[AKBapologist]

This Weeks version

Players who have left, or are in the process of leaving have been removed. Players with serious doubts on there partisipation in grey.

Homegrown players over the age of 21
Johan Djourou
Cesc Fabregas
Vito Mannone
Alex Song
Carlos Vela
Theo Walcott
Armand Traore
Kieran Gibbs

Non homegrown players
Gervinho
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Abou Diaby
Emmanuel Eboue
Lukasz Fabianski
Laurent Koscielny
Samir Nasri
Tomas Rosicky
Bacary Sagna
Robin Van Persie
Thomas Vermaelen
Sebastien Squillaci

Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season. (in red those we'd probably need to make space for in the squad)
Kyle Bartley (20) (going back to rangers?)
Ryo Myachi (18) (visa?)
Francis Coquelin (20)
Craig Eastmond (21)
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (21)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19)
Conor Henderson (20)
Henri Lansbury (20)
Aaron Ramsey (21)
Wojciech Szczesny (21)
Joel Campbell (18) (visa?)
Jack Wilshere (19)
Carl Jenkinson (19)
Ignasi Miquel (18)


Home Grown Players Total: 8 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)
Home Grown Players minus potential departures: 7

None-homegrown players: 13 (17 is the limit)
None-Homegrown players minus likely departures: 11

Current Squad size: 21
Current squad size minus potential departures: 18

[hymppi]

wow. that's interesting.
so we can expect a signing of a british player soon? is that how it's fixed?
or can we bump up an under 21 -player to that group???

[AKBapologist]

It's a bit confusing. Basically, you can't have more than 17 none-homegrown players in your squad, because in a maximum 25 man squad of players over the age of 21, 8 of them have to be homegrown.

We can have less than the 8, if we have less than 25 members in this squad. Unless Cesc or another homegrown player leaves, we don't actually need to buy English at all. Real issue is that we're not fully taking advantage of the slots, we could really add 3 players and be comfortably within the limit before any additional departures.

[AKBapologist]

This Weeks version

Players who have left, or are in the process of leaving have been removed. (Eboue, Fabregas, Vela, Bendtner, Alumina, Clichy, Denilson) Players with serious doubts on there partisipation in grey.

Homegrown players over the age of 21
Johan Djourou
Vito Mannone
Alex Song
Theo Walcott
Armand Traore
Kieran Gibbs

Non homegrown players
Gervinho
Samir Nasri
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Abou Diaby
Lukasz Fabianski
Laurent Koscielny
Tomas Rosicky
Bacary Sagna
Robin Van Persie
Thomas Vermaelen
Sebastien Squillaci

Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season. (in red those we'd probably need to make space for in the squad)
Ryo Myachi (18)
Francis Coquelin (20)
Craig Eastmond (21)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19)
Conor Henderson (20)
Henri Lansbury (20)
Aaron Ramsey (21)
Wojciech Szczesny (21)
Joel Campbell (18) (visa?)
Jack Wilshere (19)
Carl Jenkinson (19)
Ignasi Miquel (18)
Oxlaid Chamberlain. (17)


Home Grown Players Total: 7 (At least 7 is required in a 25 man squad)
Home Grown Players minus potential departures: 6

None-homegrown players: 12 (17 is the limit)
None-Homegrown players minus likely departures: 12

Current Squad size: 19
Current squad size minus potential departures: 18

[GunnerFan4Life]

Rumours that miyaichi has been granted a visa.

[Cripps_orig]

yay

[Marc Overmars]

Looking forward to seeing a few Carling Cup games this year with the likes of Ryu and Oxo on show.

[Master Splinter]

It's Ryo FFS :banghead:.

[AKBapologist]

Wenger said: “We are absolutely delighted that Ryo has been granted a work permit. This is almost like a new signing for us."

Well I suppose he is actually a new signing for us.

[LDG]

It's Ryo FFS :banghead:.

hufw;qfwbj is the correct spelling of our GK I believe.

[Master Splinter]

Ryo :bow:

Noticed that he's 6 foot tall.

Shocking, in that he's a tall Japanese person and also not a midget like our other wingers. And midfielders actually.

[Kano]

Well I suppose he is actually a new signing for us.
i thought you made the quote up for a sec. wenger has to be aware of using that now, surely

[-Xs-]

Well I suppose he is actually a new signing for us.

Oh ffs

[Flavs]

Lansbury is off to Norwich i believe, Hoyte and Watt are to be sold/released. Henderson now only has one leg, Afobe will be loaned out and Bartley is already gone. The squad gets ever smaller :dance:

[Alias]

Basically, our squad is fucking awful atm and we have no chance of coming close to winning a trophy...

[LDG]

:ilt:

[Fist of Lehmann]

I think we're winger heavy, defensive composure light.

The plan is to win games 5-4.

Exciting times.

[Kaiser]

http://arsenalcolumn.co.uk/2011/08/10/9333/

Excellent column on how we're shaping out tactically at least for the new season.

[AKBapologist]

Yeah, but brings up a few fallicies (re: set pieces) as well as highlighting how Ramsey may become really important, though it's a bit muddled at times and doesn't really factor in much about what happens if/when Nasri/Cesc leaves. I also don't think our pressing in pre-season will be indicative of how we do it when the season starts but I guess we will see.

[Mr. Lahey]

Sure we have added some good pace but after seeing a couple of games in preseason i see no difference in how we play really. Still a slow build up (even without Cesc, can you imagine that) and hardly any intelligent runs being made. I have been impressed with bits of Gervhino's play but he drifts in and out of the game alot.

We loose Cesc and Nasri and our squad is awful. Ramsey and Wilshere will not make the difference in the middle as quite frankly both are neither as good as Cesc or Nasri. Our defense is the exact same minus Clichy so the less said about that the better and I will say the same thing as our options up front. Nobody will be able to convince me that we are stronger in any way starting this season. The only way we are is if both Cesc and Nasri stay and I will only add that we would/will be marginally better.

[AKBapologist]

This Weeks version

Players who have left, or are in the process of leaving have been removed. (Nasri, Eboue, Fabregas, Vela, Bendtner, Alumina, Clichy, Denilson) Players with serious doubts on there partisipation in grey.

Homegrown players over the age of 21
Johan Djourou
Vito Mannone
Alex Song
Theo Walcott
Armand Traore
Kieran Gibbs

Non homegrown players
Gervinho
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Abou Diaby
Lukasz Fabianski
Laurent Koscielny
Tomas Rosicky
Bacary Sagna
Robin Van Persie
Thomas Vermaelen
Sebastien Squillaci

Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season. (in red those we'd probably need to make space for in the squad)
Ryo Myachi (18)
Craig Eastmond (21) (????)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19)
Henri Lansbury (20)
Aaron Ramsey (21)
Wojciech Szczesny (21)
Joel Campbell (18) (visa?)
Jack Wilshere (19)
Carl Jenkinson (19)
Ignasi Miquel (18)
Oxlaid Chamberlain. (17)


Home Grown Players Total: 6 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)
Home Grown Players minus potential departures: 6

None-homegrown players: 11 (17 is the limit)
None-Homegrown players minus likely departures: 11

Current Squad size: 17
Current squad size minus potential departures: 17


What does this mean? Assuming all the transfers for players within the squad continue as planned, we can add a whopping 8! senior players to the squad whilst keeping within the squad size limits. I think Rosicky and Arshavins contracts expire or are close to expiring next year so it's not even a case of reserving spots for youngsters. It's unbelievable with such a small squad, that there hasn't been much transfer activity. Maybe he's waiting for players to complete deals???

I'm just baffled by how little has happened so late this transfer window. And no, youths don't count. Funds for the likes of Campbell and AOC come from a separate pot. What we had to spend before the summer is essentially still there. The good news is that all those of you who have been complaining about the dross, well we've essencially cleared it all (apart from Squlliaci) but oh well...

[selassie]

This is the worst squad Wenger has assembled since he's been with us. Gaping holes all over the place and a distinct lack of experience. Potential is there...but that's about it.

I absolutely cannot believe Wenger will go into this season with the squad as it is.

[Joker]

This is the worst squad Wenger has assembled since he's been with us. Gaping holes all over the place and a distinct lack of experience. Potential is there...but that's about it.

I absolutely cannot believe Wenger will go into this season with the squad as it is.

You've got it all wrong, if anything the squad is too large :wenger:

[selassie]

You've got it all wrong, if anything the squad is too large :wenger:

:d

[Olivier's xmas twist]

This is the worst squad Wenger has assembled since he's been with us. Gaping holes all over the place and a distinct lack of experience. Potential is there...but that's about it.

I absolutely cannot believe Wenger will go into this season with the squad as it is.

Well he never really assmebled it he was left with it, unless you mean from alst season. Then i agree Worst squad ever.

[AKBapologist]

5 quality signings Mr Wenger (not including Park chu Young) or else you'll be sacked by christmas...
:coffee:

I've even colour coded them to make it easy for you

Homegrown players over the age of 21
New Center Back (eg Subtovic)
New Left Back (eg Baines)
Johan Djourou
Vito Mannone
Alex Song
Theo Walcott
Armand Traore
Kieran Gibbs

Non homegrown players
New Central Defensive Midfielder (eg M'Vila)
New Creative Midfielder(eg Swienstiger/Shaquri)
New Striker (eg Rossi?)
Park Chu Young
Gervinho
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Abou Diaby
Lukasz Fabianski
Laurent Koscielny
Tomas Rosicky
Bacary Sagna
Robin Van Persie
Thomas Vermaelen
Sebastien Squillaci

Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season. (in red those we'd probably need to make space for in the squad)
Ryo Myachi (18)
Craig Eastmond (21) (????)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19)
Henri Lansbury (20)
Aaron Ramsey (21)
Wojciech Szczesny (21)
Jack Wilshere (19)
Carl Jenkinson (19)
Ignasi Miquel (18)
Oxlaid Chamberlain. (17)


Home Grown Players Total: 6 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)
Home Grown Players plus needed reinforcements: 8

None-homegrown players: 12 (17 is the limit)
None-Homegrown players plus needed reinforcements: 15

Current Squad size: 18
Current squad size plus needed reinforcements: 23 (IE we could still add another 2 players to fully maximise the squad in relation to the UEFA squad size rules!!)

[Niall_Quinn]

3 days to negotiate all those? We're all dreaming, or more like we can't wake up from a recurring nightmare.

[AKBapologist]

Then I guess he's going to get sacked. Don't break up a squad so thoroughly with only a handful of senior replacements. I expect a few more results like todays or the newcastle away with high numbers injured or suspended. No longer can he rely on the young squad bollocks either. It'll be perceptually young with this pattern re-occurring.

[AKBapologist]

This Weeks version

Players who have left, or are in the process of leaving have been removed. (Squillaci, Nasri, Traore, Eboue, Fabregas, Vela, Bendtner, Alumina, Clichy, Denilson) Players with serious doubts on there partisipation in grey.

Homegrown players over the age of 21
Johan Djourou
Vito Mannone
Alex Song
Theo Walcott
Kieran Gibbs

Non homegrown players
Gervinho
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Abou Diaby
Lukasz Fabianski
Laurent Koscielny
Tomas Rosicky
Bacary Sagna
Robin Van Persie
Thomas Vermaelen


Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season. (in red those we'd probably need to make space for in the squad)
Ryo Myachi (18)
Craig Eastmond (21) (????)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19)
Henri Lansbury (20)
Aaron Ramsey (21)
Wojciech Szczesny (21)
Jack Wilshere (19)
Carl Jenkinson (19)
Ignasi Miquel (18)
Oxlaid Chamberlain. (17)


Home Grown Players Total: 5 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)

None-homegrown players: 10 (17 is the limit)

Current Squad size: 15

With news that we are actively trying to sell, Sebasian Squillaci, Bendtner and Alumina as they will take little part of our EPL season, and that Traore is going on loan to QPR, we now could buy 10 players before exceeding the squad size limit.

WHISKY TANGO FOXTROT.

[AKBapologist]

If you didn't see this -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/match_of_the_day/14707733.stm?

[AKBapologist]

Deadline Day Edition:

This Weeks version.

New Signings in Green


Homegrown players over the age of 21
Johan Djourou (Center Back)
Vito Mannone (Goalkeeper)
Alex Song (Defensive Midfielder)
Theo Walcott (Wide Forward)
Kieran Gibbs (Left Back)

Non homegrown players
Alumina (Goalkeeper)
Squillaci (LOL)
Andrey Arshavin (Wide Forward)
Marouane Chamakh (Center Forward)
Abou Diaby (Central Midfielder)
Lukasz Fabianski (Goalkeeper)
Laurent Koscielny
Tomas Rosicky (Central Midfielder)
Bacary Sagna (Right Back)
Robin Van Persie (Center Forward)
Thomas Vermaelen (Center Back)
Per Mertesacker
Gervinho (Wide Striker)
J Y Park (Wide Striker)
Mikel Arteta (Central Midfielder)
Yossi Benayoun (Wing/Midfielder)
Andre Santos (Left Back)


Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season. (in red those we'd probably need to make space for in the squad)
Ryo Myachi (18) (Wide Striker)
Craig Eastmond (21) (Defensive Midfielder)
Emmanuel Frimpong (19) (Defensive Midfielder)
Aaron Ramsey (21) (Central Midfielder)
Wojciech Szczesny (21) (Goalkeeper)
Francis Coquelin (19) (Defensive Midfielder)
Jack Wilshere (19) (Central Midfielder)
Carl Jenkinson (19) (Right Back)
Ignasi Miquel (18) (Center Back)
Oxlaid Chamberlain. (17)


Home Grown Players Total: 5 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)

None-homegrown players: 17 (17 is the limit)

Current Squad size not including under 21's: 22




How did we do?

In terms of raw numbers, OK, although I am surprised to be seeing Alumina still at the club. It also means that come winter, if we plan on adding any new faces, they either have to be English, or we'd have to flog Arteta to the highest bidder.

In terms of quality, I'm not too sure. We've got to hope Arteta picks it up another notch (as moving to a bigger club can often initiate) as I suspect Whilshire will be out for plenty of games (post pubescent growing pains) if we try to rely on him. Beyond that, we're slightly better in defence on paper however whats key is injuries. Being unable to form a solid back 4 partnership trumps the individual qualities of whoever we sign.

With Mertesacker, it's also likely we'll be playing with a deeper back line as well as 2 CDM's (in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-1-3 formation) actively looking to provide deep cover - although imo his pace (or lack of) in most respects has been overblown.

Which signing will make the most impact? I would like to say Park as a wild guess. Not really the type of striker I felt we needed (IE, Drogba circa 2009) but is closer to RVP in technical ability. Given that hes gone in 2 years, it'll also be rather typical that he becomes our star payer. Beyond that Gervinho already looks to be a quantum leap in terms of direct running.dribbling.crossing when compared to Nasri last season and may form a great partnership with Theo and RVP.

The Jury's out on the rest, Santos maybe good in possession, but very little evidence so far that he'll be good in our league, Arteta has been described as a sidewise passing crab by some everton fans, although his (poor) injury record has been over stated. I fear the 8-2 thrashing the kids recieved demonstrate just how far away they are from truely making an impact. More of them should have been sent on loan, Miyachi, Afobe, Jenkinson and Oxlaide in particular, should have gone on 6 month loans to EPL clubs (specifically Bolton) allowing them to make mistakes and get EPL gametime under their belts... However in a number of cases, they seem close to being second choice...

I believe Gervinho is an improvement on Nasri, Mertesacker will likely improve our defence however in general, I think we've regressed. We will find it harder to keep possession, which generally means we'll concede more goals from open play. Whether we score more or a similar amount depends on how well our wide forwards do as our central midfield will struggle to assume roles and produce from those areas as well as we did last season.



First 11
http://this11.com/boards/abA84praj.jpg

Alternative First II
http://this11.com/boards/abA84tEay.jpg

Second 11
http://this11.com/boards/abA84yzak4.jpg

But then again, the changes of this lot consistently being fit is slimmer than RVP playing 44 games in a season...

[Fats]

tbf on most occasions i would say that we have a little more depth but knowing our luck we'll struggle to have 11 fit players

[KSE Comedy Club]

Arteta will be in the first 11.

[fari]

all a bit strange. i was out all day and came home and heard benayoun signed and i was like whaaat. arteta is quality, a proven prem baller. our defensive line needs to be lower to accomodate merts cause opp teams will just take a page from manu's book and hit it over the top, i think this season will see a different arsenal in terms of defensive pressure and organization.

[AKBapologist]

Official:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~2440123,00.html

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Oldfield Spence-Neita, Nigel Paul
Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexander Mark David
Frimpong, Emmanuel Yan
Ebecilio, Kyle Stephen Joel
Fagan, Zachari Freddy Casey
Aneke, Chukwuemeka Ademola Amachi

Great names. :bow:

[Master Splinter]

Djourou-Gbadjere, Johan Danon
Yao, Gervais Kouassi
Gibbs, Kieran James Ricardo
Clarindo Dos Santos, Andre
Song Bilong, Alexandre Dimitr


:bow:

Wenger's transfer policy finally uncovered.

It was staring us in the face.

[Niall_Quinn]

Chamakh, Shittus Cuntingdon Cringeworthy

[AKBapologist]

A good aritcle about the squad here...
http://www.whoscored.com/Blog/zj0oryrcneip_s-39apaag/Show/Arsenal-Signings-to-Lead-to-Tactical-Change

TL:DR

Before...
http://cdn.whoscored.com/img/blog/2011%2f9%2fArsenalXI-1011.jpg

After...
http://cdn.whoscored.com/img/blog/2011%2f9%2fLikely-ArsenalXI.jpg

[AKBapologist]

Dusts off thread...


In preparation for this summers round of second guessing and and reinterpreting wenger double speak, lets have another look at our squad...


Potential Leavers: (probability based on rumours, player comments / destination)
Johan Djourou 50% (Juve) - Hasn't had much game time at the club and sites have linked him to a move away - shame as he loves the club
Alumina 99% (Free) - Currently on loan at west ham, leaves our books on a free this season
Squillaci 50% (???) - Wenger is said to be pretty dissapointed by his performances on and off the pitch. May stay to milk wages however
Arshavin 50% (Zenit St.Petersburg) - Mixed reviews of his return to Zenit and his desire to return to london may have him back for an additional season
Chamakh 60% (PSG) - Likely to be offered a big money move to PSG
Denilson 99% (São Paulo) - Likely to remain on loan until his Arsenal contract runs out
Park 50% (Unknown) - Hasn't got the game time, wenger says to be patient. May go out on loan, or may sit out and milk contract
Bendtner 60% (Sunderland?) - Doesn't like the North East, however has been said to not likely fit into wengers plans
Vela 90% (Real Sociadad?) - Wants to go, and Sociadad want to keep him
Frimpong 50% (???) - Younggunsblog author and writer for the independent&metro mentioned that he's likely to move on
Eastmond 70% (???) - See above
Benayoun 50% (End of Loan) - It's likely wenger will make a judgement call towards the end of the season depending on who else leaves and who stays
Henri Lansbury 50% (???) - With only 16 appearenes for West Ham, its hard to know where his future lies, although he recently extended his contract with Arsenal and my go back on loan

Contract worries:
Van Pierse
Wallcott


So that's 13 players who are doubts for next season. Statistically, I'd say 50-60% of them will go.



This is what our squad looks like once you've accounted for potential leavers.


Homegrown players over the age of 21
Vito Mannone (Goalkeeper)
Alex Song (Defensive Midfielder)
Theo Walcott (Wide Forward)
Kieran Gibbs (Left Back)
Aaron Ramsey (21) (Central Midfielder)
Wojciech Szczesny (21) (Goalkeeper)

Non homegrown players
Abou Diaby (Central Midfielder)
Lukasz Fabianski (Goalkeeper)
Laurent Koscielny (Center Back)
Tomas Rosicky (Central Midfielder)
Bacary Sagna (Right Back)
Robin Van Persie (Center Forward)
Thomas Vermaelen (Center Back)
Per Mertesacker (Center Back)
Gervinho (Wide Striker)
Mikel Arteta (Central Midfielder)
Andre Santos (Left Back)

Under 21's likely to be a big part of next season.
Ryo Miyaichi (19) (Wide Striker)
Francis Coquelin (20) (Defensive Midfielder)
Jack Wilshere (20) (Central Midfielder)
Carl Jenkinson (20) (Right Back)
Ignasi Miquel (19) (Center Back)
Oxlaid Chamberlain. (18)
Benik Afobe (20)
Kyle Bartley (20)



Home Grown Players Total: 6 (At least 8 is required in a 25 man squad)

None-homegrown players: 11 (17 is the limit)

Squad size not including potential leavers 21's: 17













So where are we weak? Where might/should re-enforcements come if we consider all the players who are leaving gone?

Goal Keeper:
Szczesny
Fabianski
Mannone


Center Back:
Vermaelen
Koscielny
Mertesacker
Miquel*



Left Back:
Gibbs
Santos


Right Back:
Sagna
Jenkinson


Center Mid:
Wilshere
Arteta
Diaby
Rosicky



Defensive Mid:
Song
Coquelin


Wide Forward:
Walcott
Ramsey
Oxlaid Chamberlain
Gervinho
Miyaichi*

Center Forward:
Van Persie
Afobe*




We're weak in almost every area of the pitch quality wise, and we'll be even weaker once several of the "likely to leave" candidates decides to depart the club. Ideally, if we're to mount a serious challenge for the PL we'll need:
To keep Walcott and RVP
Get a new Center Back and allow DJ AND Sqid to leave
Get another CDM freeing Song to take up more advanced positions
Get 3 creative players (eg striker, play maker, winger, or 2x strikers, winger or playmaker)

There are lots of conditionals, for instance, if none of the players who were part of the first team this season decide to leave, we could only make a maxium of 2 signings, and so on. But, it's clear that we've got a few targets in mind, whether there continginces for a quite summer, or the rumblings of the approaching whirlwind of changes remains to be seen.

[Jens' Face]

How are we looking vis-a-vis the rules about homegrown players?

[Syn]

JF back from the dead :bow:

Dunno. Got about 10+ of them these days because not-English players who are really English (like Chesney and Jenkers) are counted as English English for our purposes. Think we can claim Song as well.

edit: Missed the first post.

[Cripps_orig]

Too complicated to sort out

Thats why im not a manager

[AKBapologist]

How are we looking vis-a-vis the rules about homegrown players?
It's all about maximizing the size of your squad. In terms of homegrown players over the age of 21 still on our books, we've got well over the minium of 8 in a first team of 25.

Whether they'll all be here next season is another question.

[Underhill and over Grove]

I hope you are wrong about Frimpong. From what I have seen, he has alot of the qualities needed to be successful. Hopefully the fact he is likely to be unfit during the transfer window will mean he gets another shot at Arsenal. A CDM trio of him, Coquelin and Song is probably the strongest we have been in that position for a while. For me we are fine for keepers, I agree with Squid/DJ out, and hoopefully Vertroghen in, maybe another full back, a replacement for Diaby, and more strike support for RVP, possibly in the shape of Myiachi, and Podolski.

If we could sign Hazard that would be great, but I fear that Man City's borrowed millions will win the day on this one too.