da winzada777： Yes, it’s the Christmas season and joviality should be flooding the air, but thanks to recent results, Arsenal fans may have little reason to be ‘jolly’. Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over the Gunners at Old Trafford was further evidence that all is not right with this Arsenal squad. There may be no quick fix for all these problems, but I believe that with a few, tweaks and changes, this squad could genuinely challenge for honours. As it’s the season of giving, I scrawled a quick letter to Santa to see if he can redress some of our problems. My Christmas wish-list has five items:
da dobrowin： 1. Some big-game nous: It’s a well established fact in recent times that Arsenal simply cannot handle the bigger teams. Last season The Gunners dropped all 12 potential points in games against Chelsea and Manchester United. This season Arsenal have already lost to United and Chelsea. If Arsenal want to win the League, they’ll have to start chipping points away from their fellow title contenders. More important than the points, is the message that beating big teams sends out to the rest of the League. The message has to be: “We are good enough to take United apart and we’re going to fight tooth and nail for this title”. At the moment, the message eminating from the Emirates is that Arsenal are brittle enough to break when pushed too hard. So, please Santa – grant the Gunners a backbone.
2. A cure for Fabregas’ hamstring problems: Arsenal’s talisman hasn’t been able to play for large portions of this season. Had he been fit and ready to go against United, I have no doubt that it would have changed the landscape of the game. Unfortunately, his mysterious hamstring injury meant that he could only afford 30 minutes of game time during which he didn’t really appear at the races. Get well soon Cesc – Arsenal need you.
3. A fresh start between the posts: I’m still not convinced that Fabianski has what it takes to be Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper. For every good game he’s had this season, there’s been another game where he’s committed a howler. He doesn’t inspire confidence in front of an already shaky back-four. Wenger must work to address this. 20 year-old Wojciech Szczesny is the perfect man to fill his gloves. He was thrown in at the deep end against Manchester United, but performed admirably (especially the Schmeichel-esque save against Anderson). We know from his performances in the Carling Cup that this wasn’t just a one-off. It’s time for him to get a run of games in the first-team.
4. A pair of unbreakable legs for Robin van Persie: Chamakh has had a good start to his Arsenal career, but it’s Robin Van Persie who can provide Arsenal with that ‘something special’ upfront. Whilst Chamakh excels in out-and-out goal-scoring, Van Persie can change a game with a moment of magic. Very little needs to be said about his talent and technical ability – what Arsenal really need now is for him to get a long run of games in the squad.
5. A trophy: This one goes without saying. Winning breeds winning. A trophy could reinvigorate this club. It’s been a long wait for Arsenal fans and it’s time to pick up some silverware. Arsenal are still in the running for the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and are favourites for the Carling Cup. There can be no more excuses.
What’s the gift that keeps giving? Receive informed opinions and join in the debate by following me on Twitter: @ThePerfectPass
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