Comments on: William Gallas Puts His Own Reputation Before Arsenal’s

By: RyanJ

RyanJ — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:08:09 +0000

I agree with you on that Kelly. We are in dire need of a quality CM or DM. The problem with us unlike the most other big teams in Europe is that we lack depth. We need depth. It’s bad business when you have to worry about who will replace Theo because he’s out for 3-4 months. In addition, I’m lost for words concerning Rosicky, I can’t understand why his return is indefinate.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:51:08 +0000

I really really hope that Arsene signs a good CM, at this point I dont really even care if they are Cup tied for the CL. I think we need this CM to be like Flamini, but more talented, a box to box player that wins tackles, over the age of 21 with plenty of first team experience. Im not sure how many players out there right now I would consider great DMs but we need one of them. I think its important this player comes in January because it will show Cesc this club does have ambition, give him more time to develop an understanding with this player, and hopefully will convince him to stay. I’d also consider signing a winger now that Theo is out 3-4 months and who nows when we will see Rosicky again, but I think the most we will get is one first team ready signing.
Summer is when I would make alot more drastic changes.

By: RyanJ

RyanJ — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:19:54 +0000

Like both of you I don’t think Almunia is a good enough keeper for Arsenal and like both of you stated, there is no clear cut choices for a captain at this point. Therefore, I guess we have to pray that we can salvage our season and grind out some wins to become title contenders once more. We damn sure have the talent but as for confidence and leadership at this point I really don’t know what to say. Seeing that January is around the corner what do you think will happen?

By: RyanJ

RyanJ — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:13:14 +0000

Point well taken Kelly.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:12:46 +0000

Uwvie, i agree with all you have said, there is no good choice because there are no experienced leaders in this team that consistently perform. I do not want to see Almunia given the captaincy because I am holding out hope that we will sign a better goalkeeper or maybe promote Fabianski if hes ready.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:09:29 +0000

RyanJ you completly ignored my reasons that I think Clichy is the most capable of being a good a captain, i clearly did not say that the only criterea Clichy falls under is solid performaces.
I said he is one of few players on this team who keeps a level head and workrate the whole match, every match, which is something that can not be said for Cesc. He never goes and whines to the press, and he is already a leader in the squad. He works harder, and seems to care more about this club than many others do, and he is most likely out of Toure and Fabregas to still be here with a starting job long into the future.
Wenger will not take the job from Gallas, but I can see him being sold most likely in the summer, and then a new captain can be appointed.

By: Uwvie

Uwvie — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:34:37 +0000

Really i think the problem is who do you give the armband to? i think that the reason Gilberto was stripped of the captaincy was not Copa America, but the fact that he wasn’t a player who was relied on to start every game, at least in Wenger’s eyes. Arsenal don’t really have anyone right now that is both undroppable and a experienced enough to be a leader right now. Kolo is next in line, but remember Kolo was recently dropped. Maybe Almunia? He performed well enough when he was captain a few weeks back.Maybe he would up his game a level. Personally i think Arsene will stick with Gallas for this season and then he will be sold.

By: RyanJ

RyanJ — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:02:35 +0000

It all a matter of personal opinion, as it should be. I agree that Clichy has been putting in some slid performances, but I don’t believe that should be the only criteria for being a captain. To put in strong performances is simply apart of his job description as a defender. He is very young and with the accumulation of more experience he could develop into a leader, but for now he isn’t a suitable candidate. Kolo Toure or Cesc remain the two most suited for the role. However, like I said, Wegner isn’t going to take the job away from Gallas beause he would implode.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:01:43 +0000

First RyanJ, I am an Arsenal fan, I watch every match.

I agree at first I felt like Kolo should have been given the captaincy, but now I do not think he is even playing well enough to constitute being our starting CB, much less captain, plus I feel he has a tendency to over react to situations, not to the point Gallas does, but still to much to be captain over this team.
Cesc I also at one point thought should be captain, but again now I dont think so. This season he is playing like his head is already in Spain, and last season it was easy for him to act as leader because he had another leader along side of him in Flamini. Flamini imo was the real leader last year, and it was a huge mistake of Arsene’s to let him go.
In my opinion no one at Arsenal now has the all the qualities of being a captain, but if I had to pick one it would be Clichy. He does not whine, he does not sulk, he always puts in maximum effort, he has a good head on his shoulders, and I believe he will be at Arsenal far into the future.

By: Im

Im — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:15:15 +0000

definitely have to agree with your comment, leaders aren’t born, they’re made. i think if arsenal had a more effective captain they might still be in the title chase. ideally, as a gunner, i’d like to say they are not out of the race. but realistically, the gunners are almost done. if they lose one more game before december ends, their title hopes will probably be up.