Stop Whining About a Striker; Everton Preview

I was supposed to go in for work today but then my senior emailed saying I don't have to. God bless her soul. Which also means I can write about Arsenal, and let my views be read by random people who come across my website, and never actually read anything. If I reek of desperation for this blog to be read by someone, it's because I am desperate. Desperate enough to appreciate people whose comments on blogs and discussion groups are along the lines of 'We should get Falcao. And since he's injury prone we should get Cavani as backup. F*** Giroud.' Okay, I'm only joking. I'm not that desperate. 

But that does bring me to this oft-mentioned point about how Arsenal need another striker. Almost every moron with a twitter account says it, and tabloids add fuel to the fire by linking us with every random striker that exists. So let's just put transfer rumours aside, and quote Arsene Wenger:

'Up front we don't need anymore'

Ordinarily that would definitely mean Arsene Wenger isn't looking for another attacking player. No winger, no striker. He didn't say 'we aren't looking at anyone at the moment' nor did he say 'we're ready to do business if something comes up'. No, he simply and clearly stated that Arsenal doesn't need an attacker. So as far as rumours are concerned, the simple solution for all the grievances, misgivings and disappointment that someone might have (on account of the fact that we didn't buy Johnny Superstriker Jr.) is to simply stop reading tabloids. It's good for health, really. Of course, my intention in writing this is not to throw water over your hopes and dreams about Johnny Superstriker Jr., rather it was to analyze this striker business.

Anyone who has ever read this blog (one can always hope), or my tweets (yes I tweet these days strangely enough) would know that I like Giroud. His 16 League goals, and 22 overall is not bad at all. Plus he provides a bunch of assists, and also lead to what I firmly believe is one of the greatest goals ever (the Jack Wilshere one against Norwich last season). His style is such that he holds the ball allowing all our midfield talent to do their stuff. That being said, he's not clinical, misses a lot, and isn't in that elite bracket of strikers plying their trade today. He's good at what he does, but he is no game changer. Good, but not great. 

Our need for attacking reinforcement became apparent with the minimal number of goals we scored last season. Giroud for all the things that he does well, scoring 30 goals a season isn't his thing and Sanogo is still young and yet to score competitively for Arsenal. So it might appear strange that Wenger hasn't bought an out and out striker this season, nor does it look like he's buying such a player. The most obvious answer is because he bought Sanchez (by this time most people are already shaking their heads disdainfully).

Sanchez isn't Cavani, he isn't Falcao, nor is he someone like Costa or Lukaku. Sanchez is a creative forward, capable of playing all across the front three. He isn't an out and out winger, he isn't a traditional No. 9 like Giroud or Cavani, he is what I like to believe a creative striker. He can create and score, he isn't a target man, but someone who widens play and isn't static. For everyone who would have loved Luis Suarez last season, there's a reason why Liverpool wanted Sanchez as Suarez's replacement. Suarez was the best striker in Europe last season by a mile, and the fact remains he barely played in that No. 9 position. He played all across the front three for Liverpool, and wasn't he prolific?

Sanchez, whether he plays on the right, the left, or upfront has the qualities of a typical Wenger striker. Think about it. He has the pace, he can dribble and he's creative. His 19 goals in La Liga last season are proof that he has an eye for goal. People say that he's not tall enough, or well built enough to be a striker. He may only be 5'7 but he's got a stocky frame. The next time you watch Sanchez play, watch him defend. He's got an awful amount of strength, and if I dare say so, is made for the physicality of the Premier League. I've always thought that Walcott would make an excellent striker, if only he had the upper body strength. Walcott has pace, excellent movement, he knows how to run in behind defenders. He'd be a pretty decent striker against smaller teams. But against the bigger ones, he'd easily be overpowered, and shunted off the ball. Sanchez has the quality which prevents Walcott from being a striker. 

That's the reason why I don't see Wenger buying another striker, especially a target mine like Cavani. Because he already has a striker, the type which he likes. And think about it. Wenger's greatest strikers, his best ever, none of them were target men. They were pacey, creative forwards. Starting with Anelka, then Henry and finally (even though I hate saying so) Van Persie (Bergkamp always played a slightly deeper role for Arsenal so I'm not counting him). They weren't players who would head the ball, or be a 'fox in the box'. In the words of that dutch skunk, they were 9 and a halfs. 

I expect to see Sanchez start a game up top for Arsenal sooner or later. Sanchez and Giroud are Arsenal's equivalent to say Aguero and Dzeko. Additionally, in purely numerical terms, we have the further additions of Sanogo, Walcott, Campbell, and even Podolski to a certain extent. None of them are first choice strikers of course, but in pure backup terms, they aren't bad either. The striker question has already been answered this summer in the form of Sanchez. What we need to do is wait for Sanchez to acclimatise to his surroundings and his teammates (Seriously, Cavani isn't happening. Get over it).

That striker went a little bit long didn't it? Anyway, we've got Everton vs Arsenal on tonight, and after the 3-0 humiliation last season, I hope we finally show what are made of (I mean it can't get worse right). Our away trips were well documented, and Everton is perhaps our first actual test of the season. I'm willing to strike off the Besiktas match on account of the conditions, but Everton is our first league test. I really hope we manage to fix the deficiencies in creativity we've had for the opening two matches of the season.

While Ozil is in the squad, he probably won't start, even though I really think his role is being missed. With Santi Cazorla looking indifferent so far, we need someone to create those chances. Assuming Ozil doesn't start, I'd bring in Chamberlain, because he's looked great in his substitute appearances, or maybe even Rosicky. The creativity has to come from somewhere, and these are players who could help. I would also start Sanchez up front, but I don't really think that's going to happen so soon in the season.

Arteta is injured, so Flamini comes in his place, and I really wish we don't feel Arteta's absence too badly. Chambers is probably going to start again, and he'll also face his first big test in the form of Lukaku. We'll definitely know more about Calum Chambers after tonight. On a more advantageous note for us, Ross Barkley won't be playing, so Everton might be devoid of some creativity too. That being said, I can never wish ill for Everton because they're a great club, run in the best of ways, and have probably the best and nicest managers in Roberto Martinez. There's a great piece about him on ESPN which you really should read.  

It's going to be a tough match of course, but if we finally manage to gel as a team, three points should be manageable. I'll of course be cracking bad jokes through the course of the match on twitter if anyone wants to read them. 

Hope it's a good match.

'til next time

Sanogo Dances, Arsenal Parties and Alexis Joins In

To the half dozen people stumbling onto this blog by accident, I haven't written in the past few days because my job has finally begun. My hotshot, busy law firm job has begun after a seemingly endless summer. Yes, I'm an Arsenal fan who provides (hopefully) sound legal advice. Which also may be a good way to get people to read this blog after all.

Anyway, last night's Emirates Cup match was quite fun. A somewhat experimental Arsenal line up decimated a Benfica team, which to be quite honest was a pale shadow of last season's treble winning team, in a 5-1 victory for the Gunners. Having had its important parts being scrapped and sold, Benfica was outclassed, humbled and embarrassed by an Arsenal squad where a lot of players were eager to show what they were made of. Of course, Benfica by no means are a poor team, and to see the Arsenal players run rings around them was hugely entertaining, and hopefully a sign of things to come.

The starting line up was Martinez, Bellerin, Chambers, Monreal, Gibbs, Flamini, Campbell, Ramsey, Rosicky, Ox, Sanogo, solid if not the brilliant. Apart from Gibbs, the back five was largely young and/or experimental. The last I remember Martinez playing was that lovely 7-5 match against Reading, so not exactly happy memories of defensive breach. Monreal is a substitute left back, Bellerin an academy player and Chamber's debut performance in a slightly unfamiliar role. The midfield was suitably experienced, while the front three comprised of Chamberlain returning from injury, a scoreless Yaya Sanogo and Campbell's debut in an Arsenal jersey. Of course, the lack of experience didn't show. It looked as if the entire squad was a well gelled unit, and everyone played their part. I'll try and analyse the highlights of the match.

The biggest highlight was of course, our much maligned, four goal hero Yaya Sanogo. It took several matches, substitute appearances, criticism and 27 minutes last night for Yaya Sanogo to score his first for Arsenal. Ramsey (as he has done so often in the past year) beat his marker, made a run down the right flank and squared towards Sanogo. Sanogo had already made a nice little run, and since the ball was slightly behind him, back-heeled into the goal. Which was followed by a super dance (definitely looked practiced) and three more goals. He even tripped after scoring the fourth just to prove that it wasn't some sort of dream. Or maybe he was just doing his best Gerrard impression. Anyway, the fun part was watching him grow into the game. As has happened sometimes in competitive matches, Sanogo started on a slightly plodding note, a few misplaced passes here and there, dwelling around a bit. That first goal seemed to unleash his demons, and by the end of the match his long legs were taking on one, two, three Benfica defenders. 

The cheers that he's got were both on account of the performance, and because it was surprising. The thing with Sanogo was that he was much maligned last season, sometimes quite unfairly. He's a striker, and he's supposed to be scoring, but in his scoreless performances last season (especially the one against Wigan), the good things that he did went amiss. His appearance in the FA Cup final against Hull, changed the match for us. And while it was a very tactical substitute by Wenger, the player was up to the task. Sanogo's movement has always been up for everyone to see, but fail to notice. People might say all four goals last night were by and large easy tap ins. But that type of movement cannot be taught. You either have it or you don't, and to the best strikers, this knowledge of the game, where to be, to predict where the ball is going to land, comes naturally. By the end of the match, he was even beginning to show his technical ability. It was of course a meaningless friendly, but if Sanogo manages to continue from here, he can be an important weapon in Arsenal's holster. 

Most of Arsenal's best attacking play last night was the result of Sanogo, Campbell, Bellerin and Ramsey. The way all four of them connected was a joy to watch, especially considering the fact that the four of them have barely played together. Campbell showed what the hype was about. Quick, pacey, a lot of individual ability and a definite eye for a pass. His first goal in an Arsenal shirt was super volley. He did look a little unfit at times, but based on last night's performance and Arsene's words after, he's definitely going to be a part of the Arsenal squad for the coming season. Bellerin was largely untroubled at the back, but we got to see his attacking talent and it was definitely exciting. Ramsey of course has been in great form for some time. At the other end of the pitch, our new 19 year old, Chambers acquitted himself quite well at centre back. With persistent rumours of Vermaelen's departure, Chambers might be one of the most valuable signings this summer. 

And then Alexis Sanchez stepped onto the pitch.

And the stadium roared. 

And birds crashed into poles as they too were awestruck by the magnificence that is Alexis. 

Sorry, just trying to create a bit of drama and all. But yes, Sanchez entered, and every Arsenal supporter in the stadium (and several at home) cheered in delight. For the 18 minutes that Sanchez was on the pitch, he showed some glimpses as to why we spent 33 million on him. There was that pace, that dribbling quality, some nice runs, and good work rate. The entire affair had a happiness inducing, well choreographed feel to it. Like bacon wrapped dates, where you first taste all the meaty goodness and then that amazing sweetness. First being entertained by talented squad players, and then getting a glimpse of a true superstar. 

Wenger hinted that Sanchez may play 45 minutes today against Monaco and that is something everyone is looking forward to. At the same time I really want to see more of Campbell and Sanogo, after last night's performance. I know it's still only preseason, and actual competition is very, very different. But with Giroud, Sanchez, Campbell, Sanogo, adding a bit of Walcott and Podolski, we may have a pretty tremendous attacking frontline. It's not like Manchester City's existing star-studded affair, rather a good mix of youth and experience, eager to show what's in their arsenal (bad pun intended). 

Depending on how early I get off work tomorrow, I'll try and write about the Monaco match. 
Till then enjoy your Sunday.

PS: Bacon wrapped dates do exist. Come to Bombay if you ever fancy a taste. 

We Got Us a Sanchez

As is customary during the summer transfer season, I generally google search the term 'arsenal' and read all the news articles linking us with every footballer on the planet. In years past the narrative was something along the lines of Arsenal being linked with a lot of players, players other people have heard of, and then signing Park Chu Young. Last summer was us being linked to a lot of players, rumours of a medical, and then the player signing for Napoli. This summer, we've been linked to a lot of players, rumoured medicals, and we sign Alexis Sanchez..........WHAT?!

It's not even deadline day, and we've already bought a world class player? Doesn't sound like Arsenal at all. Of course, the Sanchez rumours had been going on for sometime now, but most people refused to believe it till appeared last night on Arsenal.com (the link has been provided for people still in disbelief). First things first, we have a great player. He's powerful, pacey, glorious dribbling ability, has a wicked shot, has played at a top level, and at the age of 25, his best years are still ahead of him. A lot was written about our attacking play last season, how we were devoid of pace without Walcott, how Giroud was our primary finisher with everyone else on the team being a creator, how we only managed to score 66 goals. Arsenal was crying out for a top class attacker, and in signing Sanchez, our attacking woes may have been solved.

From a pure footballing view, Sanchez has a lot to offer. He can play anywhere across the front three, on the flanks, as he's done for Barcelona, just behind the main striker as at Udinese, or even as a classic striker as we've seen him do for Chile. And let's face it, he was rather impressive for Chile. Where he finally plays is of course up to the boss, but he's flexible enough to play anywhere. He scored 19 La Liga goals from the wings last season, behind only Messi, and would go a long way in creating one of the best strike forces in the league, and perhaps even Europe. Furthermore, Sanchez has a great work ethic. Continuously haggling defenders, tracking back, for Chile he was the first line of defence. As far as transfer dealings go, 30 something million pounds for a player of Sanchez's ilk is pretty much a no-brainer.

Alexis Sanchez's footballing abilities aside, this transfer is pleasing for numerous other reasons. One of them is that no one is upset about Cesc Fabregas going to Chelsea anymore. Well, not as much at any rate. It was a known fact that Arsenal required a goal-scorer, and if 30 million pounds are spent on Sanchez rather than Fabregas, so be it. It was the necessary transfer, rather than the luxurious one. We had a problem in terms of goals. We addressed it. Another rather admirable aspect about this entire transfer was the efficiency of it.

Unlike the torturous summer of 2013, where we were simply bouncing from one transfer target to the other, this summer the club and it's officials settled on a transfer target, negotiated with one of the biggest clubs in the worlds for one of it's best players, and quickly signed him up. There was no dithering of old, no haggling, no endless talks. People talk a lot about the Ozil deal, but in my honest opinion, there's a huge difference between the two transfers. Ozil was a deadline day signing, after a summer of transfer dithering. I understand that he only became available after the Bale transfer went through, but it wasn't necessarily a planned one. Higuain, then Suarez, and then finally Ozil. This summer presents a different scenario altogether. It would appear that there are definite transfer targets, and the club is doing it's best to get them. Of course, the Ozil deal would have helped provide those in charge of transfers the requisite experience to conduct deals at such a top level, but the club itself deserves a lot of credit for conducting it's affairs in an efficient manner.

In my opinion, the most pleasing aspect of this entire transaction is that Arsenal is now looked at as one of the big boys once more. If Ozil's transfer was a hint as to what Arsenal's newfound financial power is capable of, then Sanchez's transfer is definite evidence of that. It means that last summer's record transfer wasn't a one off, rather the first in what can only be deemed as the flexing of the club's financial muscle. A lot has been said about the new Puma and Emirates deals, how the club could compete at a much higher level than before, and the club is putting money where it's mouth is. Ozil's transfer was pleasing as to how unexpected it was, and Sanchez's transfer is even more significant since we know what to expect now.

Of course, not every player coming in is going to be world class, or cost upwards of 30 million, but there is something comforting in the knowledge that when there is a need for a world class player, and such a player is available, the club is competent enough to buy him. At the centre of it all is Arsene Wenger. He may have come under a lot of criticism over the years for apparent penny pinching, buying bargain players, but 2014 was always going to be the year when Arsene would have substantial resources at his disposal, and thus far he has more than lived up to expectations. When you're competing against teams with unlimited resources such as Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, and teams with resources greater than yours such as Manchester United, getting players such as Ozil and Sanchez cannot be easy. It would appear that Wenger is the difference. Despite what some supporters (and non-supporters) may say, he continues to be one of the most respected managers in the world, and getting top class players requires them being convinced of our club and it's abilities. To say that our manager has been convincing, would be an understatement.

Admiration aside, our transfer needs aren't over. We still need a Right Back (Debuchy seems pretty close), a holding midfielder and a back-up keeper at the very least. But for now, we should enjoy the fact that for the second summer in a row, a world class player has donned an Arsenal jersey. It's the dawn of a new Arsenal, and while the wait to see the actual team in action is agonising, the future is definitely an exciting one.


Welcome, Alexis Sanchez, our new No. 17.

PS: Sorry Nacho, hope you're ambivalent between No. 17 and 18.