Article in Times

[TX Bill]

TheGame - Times Online - WBLG: The Enforcer XI: midfield hardmen who would suit Arsenal

This article in the Times discusses Arsenal's issues in the defensive midfield area.

I found it interesting only because of the solutions the author mentions. One of them was linked to us this past summer (M'Bia) and I think another one was as well or at least mentioned here on GOT as a potential target (Annan).

[Slight_Return]

M'bia's agent was touting him about after we showed an interest...

Stephane M'Bia wants Arsenal move as Xabi Alonso's agent ponders January deal - Football - Telegraph

and, iirc, Annan had a trial at blackburn, but the move didn't happen.

Blackburn to sign Ghanaian midfielder Anthony Annan - mirror.co.uk

The arsenal situation is odd, that they messed Flamini about and let Gilberto go who was the only real cover for him at the same time.
Not the brightest move by Wenger, by any means.

[TX Bill]

Agreed. Flamini was a real loss for them and they really didn't have anything lined up.

I think he's going to have to go with option one and open up the checkbook.

[Rook]

Remember there was talk of them getting rid of Flamini in his contract year? God I would have loved to have him. He only makes 55K at Milan I think too.

Wenger was an idiot for not paying for Alonso. Would have made the Shite much much worse and Arsenal much much better. He's been the 2nd best player on the squad (arguably the best because Torres has been hurt). If Barry was in his place then the Shite would be battling it out for 5th instead of 1st.

[Bruce Wayne]

They sold Diarra as well and he's looked good at Portsmouth.

[ToxtethBlue]

Originally Posted by Rook

Remember there was talk of them getting rid of Flamini in his contract year? God I would have loved to have him. He only makes 55K at Milan I think too.

Wenger was an idiot for not paying for Alonso. Would have made the Shite much much worse and Arsenal much much better. He's been the 2nd best player on the squad (arguably the best because Torres has been hurt). If Barry was in his place then the Shite would be battling it out for 5th instead of 1st.

I can't see how Fabregas and Alonso would work to be honest, they'd be steam rolled by alot of teams in the League.

Alonso is class if a game suits him, if it doesn't them he shouldn't be on the pitch. If he's got no space to work with he's average.

Arsenal need an all rounder, Lassana Diarra would've been perfect for them.

[Cal]

I didn't really rate Flamini, he was just rated by pundits because he was the only player in the team who would run around like a headless chicken all game and maybe put in a couple of shitouse challenges.

[Rook]

Originally Posted by ToxtethBlue

I can't see how Fabregas and Alonso would work to be honest, they'd be steam rolled by alot of teams in the League.

Alonso is class if a game suits him, if it doesn't them he shouldn't be on the pitch. If he's got no space to work with he's average.

Arsenal need an all rounder, Lassana Diarra would've been perfect for them.

Alonso is perhaps the best long passer in the prem, and when the fat waiter has to admit his mistake and bring him on in the 2nd half he has always changed the game this year. Fabergas would be able play forward more for he's better at supplying the final pass in the attacking 1/3 (and not bossing the middle) of the pitch while Alonso would control the middle 1/3. Carrick is similar (though not as good) as Alonso and he plays well on Utd even though Utd mostly plays it on the floor as well.

[Rook]

Alonso always does something that no one on Arsenal does and that's shooting the ball so he could provide a threat outside the box. When was the last time you saw anyone on Arse score from 20+ yards out?

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Originally Posted by Bruce Wayne

They sold Diarra as well and he's looked good at Portsmouth.

Theres a diamond in the rough, him and Krancjar - in the Everton squad in a heartbeat. imagine allowing Arteta and Pienaar to flummox the right side solely with Krancjar storming the left wing. heavens it sounds top. although Diarra is a bit of a merc snide though.

[ToxtethBlue]

Originally Posted by Rook

Alonso is perhaps the best long passer in the prem, and when the fat waiter has to admit his mistake and bring him on in the 2nd half he has always changed the game this year. Fabergas would be able play forward more for he's better at supplying the final pass in the attacking 1/3 (and not bossing the middle) of the pitch while Alonso would control the middle 1/3. Carrick is similar (though not as good) as Alonso and he plays well on Utd even though Utd mostly plays it on the floor as well.

Fabregas needs someone who can do his dirty work. Alonso just wouldn't do that for him despite being a gifted player. A midfield containing them two would be overrun by quicker, stronger and more athletic midfields.

Alonso isn't all that, he's got alot of ability but he's been inconsistent for two years now. Benitez obviously wanted someone who could do a similar job (Barry) and do it more consistently.

Is a game is hight tempo Alonso struggles, if he hasn't got time and space to pick out his long range hollywood passes he struggles. He's not the most mobile of players nor is he going to play his way out of trouble if he is cornered.

He's a good player, on his day he is a world beater but his days are few and far between. And when he's poor he's poor, he doesn't offer anything.

I can see why Wenger didn't go for him.