A comparison of Arsenal FC’s transfer business with Chelsea FC’s by Anshuman Sahoo
In a few years time, we will read Arsene Wenger’s autobiography. A large chunk of it I am sure will be dedicated the mob mentality prevalent in football fans. Doing things the different way, the pioneering way is a road scattered with thorns and that odd fan interview blasting what you do. Ah Wenger, why don’t you just become Sam Allardyce and we would be happy!
I don’t know man, we had this trophy drought recently. I got this feeling that many fans started thinking of supporting the club as a chore rather than what it is – a privilege. And Wenger, given a few sparsely million got us through that period without having to ever going down the Nottingham Forest way, the Blackburn Rovers way, the Manchester United way? Just weigh that consistency that he has given you, that bottom line of achievement he has you believe in, the sly old Frenchman.
Anyway, I will present my arguments like the Beatles playing Hey Jude in New York City traffic. So that a few travelers might change their mind and get some perspective on their team. Mind you, I love how much Arsenal fans care about the club and how personally they take everything from tactics to the logo – it’s just a matter of perception sometimes.
I have seen a lot of argument regarding Arsenal’s defense this time around. We didn’t buy a defender! We have only 6!
Well, here is the defense of Chelsea FC: Luis, Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic, Zouma
Let me line up our defense beneath theirs: Gibbs, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Chambers
Do you see what I mean? We have a better defense than Chelsea! (or atleast, just as). So let’s not give Wenger pre-made excuses for losing out on the league. We have a versatile, pacy looking squad. Give them time to gel, and give your opponents hell! (As opposed to your own team)
Tactically, I think Wenger could move to a more fluid system in the last third. I often see our attackers caught in two minds between joining in attack and maintaining their defensive shape. I think we could try being a bit more unpredictable in the last part of the pitch.
Anyway, here’s to cheering on the Arsenal, game by game!