Mark ModiHow Can Arsenal Win The Title With Defenders And Goalkeepers like This?
Link: marcmm03.blogspot.com
First of all I would like to say if you are here to read about taking a swipe at Arsene Wenger current squad and criticise him on that, I seek for an apology for disappointing you. I'm talking about the last double Arsenal have won at season 2001-2002.Many fans have question about Arsene Wenger ambition of winning anything since the lack of activities in the transfer window. A many have think this current defender is not good enough especially at the center back department. But before we make judgement of the players before the end of the season, better we look back at the previous title winning squad. Who was playing back then and is this players are a world class players that winning the double for Arsenal back then.
First we look at the goalkeepers that was used that season. We have David Seaman, Richard Wright and Stuart Taylor. Seaman is world class and the number one goalkeeper that season. But Arsenal didn't win just because of David Seaman. Seaman didn't play all of the league game that season. Arsenal have depend on the like of Wright and Taylor, yes this is the Stuart Taylor of Man city now. I just wonder how can Arsenal won a league when they have an average goalkeeper playing for them. And Arsenal go to FA cup final with Wright and Taylor between the sticks. I think Almunia and Fabianski is better than both of them. So I cannot see why we need a world class goalkeeper to win a title and cup. This squad have shown it. An average goalkeeper winning the double for Arsenal.
Now we look at the defender that season. We have Adams, Keown, Campbell, Dixon, Cole, Luzhny, Grimandi, Upson, Stepanovs and Lauren. The right back have no problem with Dixon and Lauren. At center back, Adams, Keown and Campbell are world class. But the likes of Grimandi, Upson and Stepanovs? There are below average defender. Upson is promising but still slightly below average. With 26 starts and 20 subs appearance between them, they do really contribute to Arsenal success. I'm feel sorry for stephanovs for didn't get the medal for only play six games (where he all starts). And we also have Luzhny playing both right and left back have 18 starts and 3 subs for both league and FA cup. Arsenal didn't rely on the world class defender that time and they still win the double. This squad have shown again that Arsenal didn't need a world class defender to win the double.
When we look at the current squad, they are much better compares to the double winning squad and some fans still thinks this squad don't have enough quality. If Arsenal can win the double with Wright and Taylor between the sticks, Arsenal can also win the title with Almunia, Fabianski, Mannonne and Szecshny. If Arsenal can win the double with Luzhny, Upson, Stepanovs and Grimandi, Arsenal also can win the the title with Vermaelen, Koscielny, Squillaci, Djourou and Norveit.
The point here is, no matter how many world class players the team have the success is not guaranteed. Just ask Man City. A team can win the title with slightly above average players playing the most part of the season. That is what Arsenal do best.
Keep the faith Gooners.
