That 15m for Song looks like an incredible piece of business in hindsight, doesn't it?>>

[Alfred C. Jolibois, PhD]

Certainly with Jack coming back, Cazorla in for 12m, and Arteta playing the way he has.

And of course, Song not even in the Barca team when Busquets plays CB. Feels like we got away with murder getting as much money for a player like Song.

Arsene knows, etc.

[Pat Vegas]

[Luis Anaconda]

waste of Busquets at cb much as I despise the guy he is a quality midfielder

[bostonbrian]

and we will miss him more than you say imo..especially when Diaby is out long term,and the messiah Jack reaggravates his ankle http://www.awimb.com/images/smiley_icons/smile.gif

[JJSB]

offensive player, and he was impressive with so many quality assists last season. But at the same time, his defensive game lapsed. His role was kind of neither here nor there in the end, was a bit of everything.

Now Arteta plays with discipline in the holding role, and the likes of Cazorla playmake. It's less confused and more balanced.

[Norn Iron]

I'm pleased with how well Arteta has played this season though. It's good to have somone who is disciplined and you have total confidence in playing there. A far better passer than Song will ever be. Although I didn't mind Song.

[JJSB]

when he's selected.

[Luis Anaconda]

[bostonbrian]

deciding to push forward,as he enjoyed the glory? There was a falling out for sure though imo,and i would love to find out the juicy gossip

[JJSB]

[bostonbrian]

[Luis Anaconda]

an orthodox midfield pairing where one would hold and one would go. Without a Song or Diaby Arteta is more of a holding player than one of two

[JJSB]

ManU don't have a holding midfielder to speak of. Nor do we have an authentic physical or tough tackling type midfielder. (well except Frimpong maybe)

At the top level there does seem to be more of a switch to retaining possession therefore not needing a ball winner as such to get the ball back off the opposition. And those that have most of the defensive duties tend to be a lot more subtle now too.

Barca take this to even more ridiculous lengths by playing without proper centre halves sometimes too.

[bostonbrian]

now with Mata being left out too,i begin to think that there is a prejudice against premier league players http://www.awimb.com/images/smiley_icons/sherlock.gif

[Luis Anaconda]

When you see Ramires playing it for Chelsea as well. Players like Arteta, Alonso and on a much lower level Carrick can play that deep lying role well

[Luis Anaconda]

[plastic james]

i still think we need to replace though, diaby will not last the season, he's already had 2 injuries by september.

[JJSB]

[bostonbrian]

[bostonbrian]

midfielder is edged out

[hamstrung]

[TRENT COLTON]

[Alfred C. Jolibois, PhD]

A much better technician and passer, and he does get forward with the team, but never bombs forward unbalancing the team and exposing the back four as Song did. Yes, midfielders can move forward, but keeping the team's shape is important, with the "pivot" playing a key role in that. And with Song, the lack of discipline meant being exposed all the time...