I think that Arsene Wenger must have been listening to the TV pundits and their opinion of Arsenal recently, especially what they were saying after the shock defeat to Southampton about one of the things that could stop us from winning the Premier League this season.
That old doubt about the Gunners lacking leaders raised it’s head again and we all know how the press love a bandwagon and a cliche so it was a big talking point for a couple of days. Maybe that is why the manager took the chance in his press conference reported by Arsenal.com to praise our German star Mesut Ozil and talk about how he has become a leader in the Arsenal side.
Wenger said, “I think he plays in a position that suits him well. He plays in a style of football that suits him well. He is, today, maybe more in a more comfortable psychological position because he’s accepted and not so much questioned than he was in the years before.
“This season he was not stopped by injuries and I believe that he arrives at an age – 27 – that you think ‘it’s time for me to really be efficient in every single game, and I want to enjoy every single game’.
“When he was injured for a long period he worked very hard physically. He is a complete athlete. I also believe he has grown in stature and takes responsibilities, leadership in the team and on that front he has improved tremendously and looks determined to lead the team compared to when he arrived.”
If you doubt the manager’s claim about Ozil’s leadership qualities, perhaps because of his relaxed looking style omn the pitch I would remind you that the German is one of our hardest working players and that he really steps up when we need him. with the pressure on after the Boxing day defeat Ozil came up with an amazingly influential game, creating a massive nine chances which is a Premier League record for the season.
So I agree that Ozil is now a leader in the Arsenal squad but who else does the job? Petr Cech obviously and I would say that Flamini does it well as does Coquelin when he is fit and maybe Per Mertesacker. Is that it and is it enough?
These teams Spurs,Man U,Man City,Liverpool,Stoke are away fixtures in the 2nd half of the season so Wenger would be absolutely delusional if he didn’t strengthen our depleted squad!
Though January is the hardest time to reinforce it’s not if you pull up the right money.We are in our best position we’ve had for years. Now is not the time to hunt for bargains like the January sales.Remember Arsene, he who dares wins.
Onwards and upw
If this poxy site would let me finish,
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.
Dabuchy is leaving for more or less 5-7m and replaced by Nenny. Wenger balancing the book. his more like financial minister than football coach
Don’t let the pundits comment disturbing us. Those “wanna be manager” have to say something bombastic and dramatic point of view to keep their job.
The reflection is from 0-4 defeated to comeback 2-0 within 48 hours. So, the true about Arsenal this season is about mentality strength to carry on. Just keep focus to win from match to match and hope that the outside factor (the fortune lady) is on our side. Stay wards and On wards! COYG!!!!
Well it clearly showing the Arsenal boss reliance on Ozil’s form. The manager has history of over-praising players like RVP,Cesc and other players. This season has been so poor that Arsenal have missed chances to take advantage. The refs have been poor also with their bad decision making. Arsenal have to win all home games to ensure the title is their.