Arsene commits on the eve of the season
7 comments August 14th, 2010
As we enter the new season, there are a lot of question marks over this Arsenal squad. One of those questions appears to have been answered, with the news that Arsene Wenger is close to agreeing a new contract. His exact words were:
“I have to show how much I believe in this team by showing my commitment. My situation will be sorted out very soon.
I believe my commitment to the club has nothing do with the speculation of how the season would go, because that would be unfair.
If I do not do well, and one day the club is not happy with me I can completely understand that I do not stay here any more. But I believe we will do well.”
It’s an interesting one. Whilst I love Arsene and think the stability a new contract brings is a good thing, there will undoubtedly be fans who would rather the board waited to see how the team performs this season before signing off on his new deal.
In fact, let’s have a look what you reckon:
The press conference yesterday brought some team news: Abou Diaby is “fully available” to play, whilst a decision is yet to be made on our pair of World Cup finalists, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas. As for the keepers – Arsene says he’s yet to make a decision on who will start, and was not exactly forthcoming about the possibility of a new signing in that position, despite the news that Mark Schwarzer has handed Fulham a neatly wrapped transfer request:
“What is important at the moment is for us to focus on players who are in the squad and not give too much room to any speculation. I believe that we have goalkeepers who have quality and class and they have a good opportunity to show that on Sunday.”
I was going to write a big long season previewy thing. But then arseblog published his and I felt I agreed with it almost entirely. There’s no point me going through the squad pointing out the deficiencies we’ve talked about all summer. Although if, in a moment of masochism, you wish to read more of my thoughts on the laughable goalkeeping situation then you can do so here.
As for how we’ll do this season? I find it hard to call, as it’s so dependent on our transfer activity between now and September 1st. Reinforce the defensive part of the team, and we could challenge for the title. As ever, we’re just a couple of signings away from being a genuine force. If those players fail to arrive, we could come under threat from Manchester City, Spurs, Everton, and maybe even a resurgent Liverpool.
Perhaps you’ll get a season preview after the closure of the window. Until then (or until tomorrow, rather), adieu.
