Author Archives: keenosafc

Time for Arsenal to re-sign former star?

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In 2014 Arsene Wenger got the call. Cesc Fabregas is leaving Barcelona. Do Arsenal want him?

When sold their captain back to his home town club in acrimonious circumstances back in 2011, the club had the foresight to insert a first option buy back clause in the deal, ensuring that if Fabregas ever left Barcelona, Arsenal would have an offer accepted on him.

Whilst at Barcelona, reports are that Arsene Wenger remained in fairly frequent contact with Fabregas. It was an estranged father / son relationship. The door clearly always open for the return of one of the best players Arsenal have had in the last 15 years. But when the time came for Fabregas to leave, Wenger’s phone stopped getting answered to the Fabregas camp. The door was shut. The deal not going to happen.

You could argue it is one of the biggest mistakes of recent years by Arsene Wenger, as Fabregas went to join Chelsea, and win 2 Premier League titles, acting as a driving force in both.

It is very easy now, in 2017, to point and laugh at the mistake. Football in hindsight is a wonderful thing. We see that on Match of the Day as pundits pick apart every tactical and positional position made by players and managers that result in a defeat. It is easy to pick holes in something 5 hours after the event. If these pundits were brilliant as they pretend to make out, they would be top level managers, not sitting on a sofa late on a Saturday night discussing what has happened in games. Hindsight.

So to be fair to everyone involved in the deal, we need to go back to the summer of 2014. David Cameron was Prime Minister, the UK was still in the EU, Jeremy Corbyn was a back bench MP, Ellie Goulding was at number one with Beating Heart and we were a week away from the release of Transformers: Age of Extinction. Spurs had not won a trophy for a long time, the league even longer. Arsenal had just won the FA Cup.

For me, the Cesc Fabregas deal did not die in the summer of 2014, but the previous summer. The summer of the £1 Luis Suarez bid.

In 2013, Arsenal needed a marquee signing, a superstar striker. They went for Luis Suarez, bid above his contracted minimum release clause, and the deal should have gone through. Liverpool held their ground, and basically said to Suarez “take us to court for breach of contract”. It would have been a long, drawn out process, a court case that would have taken years. Instead of taking Liverpool to court, Suarez signed a new, better paid deal, with the agreement that he could leave abroad the next season. Ironically he ended up at Barcelona in 2014, with the Catalonians having to sell Fabregas to finance the deal.

Had the Suarez deal have gone through, I am adamant that the next season, if Fabregas was available, he would have returned to Arsenal. Fabregas playing behind Suarez. It would have driven Arsenal to the Premier League title. But as soon as the Suarez deal died, Arsenal had to explore other options. With very few top quality strikers on the market, Arsenal made a last ditch move for Real Madrid’s Mesut Ozil in a £42.5m deal. Arsenal had arguably secured the best number 10 in the world.

Roll on a year to 2014. The year Fabregas came available. Mesut Ozil had driving Arsenal to their first trophy in 9 years. A successful first season. Fabregas came on the market. He wanted Arsenal, but he found that Arsenal no longer had space for him. With Ozil in his position, there was simply not the space for Cesc Fabregas as a number 10.

Ozil was 18 months younger and clearly a superior player. There would be no way Arsenal would even look into offloading the German after a single season to replace with an older, more injury prone, Cesc Fabregas – who lets not forget basically went on strike to force a move away from Arsenal.

Instead of Fabregas, Arsene Wenger decided on another Barcelona outcast. Alexis Sanchez.

When the Suarez deal fell through, it was clear what Arsene Wenger wanted upfront. A battler. Someone with pace, but who would chase down lost causes, would battle for the team, would be the spearhead. Alexis Sanchez was the man. In came Sanchez, to partner Ozil, and Fabregas eventually went to Chelsea.

It is an interesting conundrum. With Suarez, Arsenal would not have signed Ozil, without Ozil, Arsenal would have signed Cesc Fabregas, without Suarez Arsenal signed Alexis Sanchez.

In his first season at Chelsea, Fabregas won the Premier League. In the 2nd season, he showed his petulant side, alongside Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, they basically stopped performing for Jose Mourinho. This season he has returned to his former brilliant best as Chelsea look to romp home with the title by double points more than their nearest rivals.

But has Fabregas actually performed that well this season?

When I have seen him, he has been excellent. But he has only started 11 league games this season.

He begun the season in a midfield two, where he was horribly exposed for his inability to get around the field. His legs had gone. Very good on the ball, but he had zero defensive awareness and was simply unable to cover as much ground as he used too when at Arsenal. Injuries had taken their toll.

His poor performances in the midfield 2 this season (and previous) have actually justified Arsene Wenger not signing him. With Mesut Ozil in the squad, Fabregas would have had to have played deeper, but he clearly does not have the attributes to play their at 30 years old. So his only role can be as a Number 10.

At Chelsea, he has found himself behind Eden Hazard and Pedro, playing behind Diego Costa. Willing runner Willian also often gets in the side ahead of him. It is this lack of game time that has led Fabregas to seek a new club this summer.

So should Arsenal make amends for what is a potentially clear mistake back in 2014 and re-sign Cesc Fabregas?

I am not sure.

He is now 30 years old and clearly still has his petulant streak and poor attitude. As Arsenal move forward to a 3-4-2-1 formation, he would clearly be unable to play as part of a two man midfield. He simply is not mobile enough.

Could Arsenal line up with Fabregas and Ozil behind Alexis Sanchez? This would be fairly exciting and a way to accommodate both Fabregas and Ozil. But it would also make us one dimensional. 2 excellent passers behind the striker, rather than a passer and a runner. Would it give us the most balance?

If Ozil stays, and we move Sanchez upfront, I would actually prefer a move for someone like Isco over Fabregas.

Isco is 5 years Fabregas’s junior and does not have his poor injury record. He might not be as good a passer, but he is much better driving forward with the ball. His ability to drop into a wide position is also essential in the 3-4-2-1 formation when the two attacking midfielders are expected to assist on the wings. Isco would simply be more suited.

There are reasons why Fabregas has started just 11 games for Chelsea this season. His immobility to play in a , and his inability to perform in a wider position when required too. Pedro and Hazard, like Ozil and Sanchez, or Isco, have this ability. These lack of attributes would not suddenly appear if he rejoined Arsenal.

What does need to be chucked into the mixer, however, is the future of Mesut Ozil.

If the German does go, it does leave us short of players who can make a game breaking pass. At that point, Arsenal should seriously consider the return of Cesc Fabregas, as there are still few better than him at spotting and executing an assist.

It is the same conundrum as Arsenal and Arsene Wenger faced in 2014. Can Arsenal accommodate Cesc Fabregas with Mesut Ozil in the side?

It is still a no from me.

Whether you would have Fabregas over Ozil is another debate.

Keenos

What song should Arsenal leave the pitch to at the final whistle?

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The last couple of games, the Arsenal DJ has played Sweet Caroline at the final whistle. A tune made popular at the boxing is starting to infiltrate football. Having been to the boxing when it is played, the roof comes off, the place is electric.

Sweet Caroline being played has led to a discussion of the She Wore Facebook page over what songs are should come out too, and what should be played at the final whistle.

After the poorly advised Wonder of You by Elvis that the club tried to force on fans on the move to the Emirates, Arsenal have a policy that they have a list of songs any of which are played at any stage before or after the game.

Whilst this does keep it neutral and stops any debate, having been to the likes of Chelsea when they play One Step Beyond by Madness at the final whistle, and the usual suspects of Bubbles at West Ham and Blue Moon at Manchester City an uplifting song can certainly stir feelings before, and having you leaving a ground with a skip in your step after a game.

It is perhaps something Arsenal should revisit.

So what songs would be suitable for the final whistle?

London Calling; The Clash -­ Great song, and brings back good memories of recent Wembley victories. But it is Wembley’s go to song no matter who wins the FA Cup. Also Chelsea adopted this song at the end of games years ago.

Sweet Caroline; Neil Diamond – At the boxing it go’s off when Sweet Caroline is played. It is synonymous with Eddie Hearn events. And that is why it is not something for Arsenal. It would just be piggy backing on Hearn and boxing.

Moving on Up; M People – The most played post game song of recent years. Could be an option. But a bit embarrassing when we fail to win.

Gold; Spandau Ballet – My Favourite. It has to be this. Why did I not stumble across this before? They are an Islington band, Martin Kemp, Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley are all lifelong Arsenal fans, it is an uplifting song, the lyrics are genius and relatable to football (“you’re indestructible” “Oh but I’m proud of you, but I’m proud of you”). It would be a banger if played at the final whistle.

Good Old Arsenal; Arsenal 1971 – Classic Arsenal song and one of those songs that it can be argued belongs to us (even though some other clubs sing it). Only downside is the lyric “whilst we sing this song we’ll win the game” would not go down well if we have not won. Better if we came out to this before games then had it played after?

Anything by Madness – Love Madness, but Chelsea come out to them and they are Chelsea fans. So no thanks.

The Riders of the Night; Eyes Right – Unique Arsenal song by an Arsenal band. Great song. But lyrics a little too naughty for a 5pm kick off.

My Generation; The Who – Roger Daltrey is a lifelong Arsenal fan. It would be good to have whatever song we have after (or before) the game to be associated with Arsenal. Massive back catalogue so I am sure someone can find a better song than my choice, My Generation

Arsenal We’re On your Side; Arsenal 1972 – Dated, cringey, and most would not have heard of it.

Move on Up; Curtis Mayfield – it has been pointed out to me that it is actually Move on Up by Curtis Mayfield, not Moving on Up by M People. Music has never been my strong point.

 

I started this mini blog with no idea what my favourite would be. My first thought was “we need to look at The Who or Pink Floyd songs), but whilst writing, the choice became obvious. Spandau Ballet – Gold. Incidentally, this tune is one of my most played on iTunes and I always stick it on The George jukebox after a game.

Before games it should be Good Old Arsenal, and as players come out, Right Here, Right Now by Fatboy Slim.

Any other suggestions? Leave them in the comments

Keenos

Serious investment required if Arsenal stick to 3-4-2-1

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In the last few weeks we have changed to 3-4-2-1 with fairly impressive results. The high profile defeat to Spurs being the only humungous blot on the copy book. Victories over Middlesbrough, Manchester City, Leicester City and Manchester United have led us to 4 wins from 5 games.

The key question now is do we continue with this formation into 2017/18 and plan our transfers around it, and if so, who would we need to add to the squad?

In the current formation, we play a very high line. Therefore we need a goal keeper who is kick off the line who can play as a sweeper in the same way as Hugo Lloris or Manuel Neuer perform the role for their perspective clubs. Petr Cech is slow off his line, and with his recent poor form, moving forward he is certainly not the future.

A new goal keeper, or Wojciech Szczesny has to be on the list this summer.

At right wing back, we look fairly well set. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has impressed, and in reserve we also have Hector Bellerin, an attacking full back who suits a wing back role perfectly.

Moving through the back line, Shkodran Mustafi is a naturally right sides centre back. With Calum Chambers as his understudy, we look well set. Laurent Koscielny will be the linchpin that holds the middle of the park together, with Rob Holding and Gabriel also in the frame. Add in Per Metesacker and we have plenty of options.

The left hand side of the 3 is another story, however. Recently both Rob Holding and Nacho Monreal has looked OK there, but it is certainly a weakness. If we were to continue with 3-4-2-1, someone over and above Monreal is needed. Sead Kolasinac could be the answer here.

Kolasinac is naturally a left back, but has played centre back in the past for German side Schalke. At 6ft and left footed, could he come in and be the left sided centre back we need? With Nacho Monreal then backing him up?

The left sided problems continue when we look at left wing back. Monreal is too defensive to play wing back – hence his recent successful move to left centre back, whilst Kieran Gibbs is simply not good enough. If Kolasinac was to play centre back, we would then need to go and sign a left wing back.

Ricardo Rodriguez was heavily linked last summer, but my bet would be Jordi Alba. The Spaniard has recently found himself out of favour at Barcelona and would fit in to the left wing back role at Arsenal. Providing his back up would be Nacho Monreal who would also double up covering left centre back.

The middle of the park actually looks fairly solid with Granit Xhaka and the revitalised Aaron Ramsey. 3 at the back has given Ramsey the chance to get further forward. He is less of a liability in the opponents 3rd of the field than Arsenal’s.

It would be preferable, however, if we also signed someone a bit more defensively minded than Xhaka who can be rotated in for the tougher games where we need a bit more of a defensive shield. Someone who is physical but can also cover a lot of ground. Basically a better Coquelin.

No names spring to mind, however a strong central midfielder is a must. Add Mohammed Elneny into the mix alongside a returning Jack Wilshere and it would leave us with 5 solid players for 2 positions. The formation change does however signal the end of Santi Cazorla’s Arsenal career, and Francis Coquelin is simply not good enough.

We play with a narrow 2 behind the striker, rather than a wide two. Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have excelled since the change. Your two best players playing close to each other has left teams chasing shadows. They can not isolate one when they have the ball as the other is always close by.

Both players have played a lot of their career out wide, so have also been able to help the wing backs out when the ball is in the wider positions. Where we are perhaps short is in their back up.

Alex Iwobi has fallen out of favour after a good start to his Arsenal career, whilst Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere could do a job behind a striker, but would also be needed in the middle of the park. Signing a player of the calibre of Isco would give Arsenal 3 brilliant options in the 2 positions, whilst also freeing Sanchez up to potentially return up top. The aforementioned Iwobi completes the options.

We are still in need for a new striker. Olivier Grioud is simply too immobile to play in the formation, whilst Danny Welbeck has all the physical attributes but is simply not a consistent goal scorer. Up top we need someone who has the physicality to play on his own, the pace to run in behind, the work rate to close down, and a sharp finisher. Not too much then!

Kylian Mbappe would tick a lot of boxes, but at £85m+, it is crazy money for an 18 year old who has been a first team regular for barley 6 months. If we are looking to spend that big, it potentially brings the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mauro Icardi into the frame. Any of these 3 would cost a big chunk of cash, but would also be a dramatic improvement on what we already have.

Arsenal would also have Alexis Sanchez as an option, and then Danny Welbeck and Yaya Sanogo (I jest) as back up.

A permanent move to 3-2-4-1 leaves us needing 6 new signings. 4 of which would be 1st team player. Just typing and speaking out loud as I type, that feels like too many players for the starting XI.

It is also hard to see how the likes of Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud would fit into the new formation. Walcott and Giroud have already struggled for game time (are they injured), whilst Cazorla would get over run in a midfield two.

If we do stick to 3-4-2-1, some serious investment would be needed in the summer. And hopefully it is invested better than last summer.

Keenos