Some stats regarding the depth of our squad currently

[Maravilloso Marvo]

Comparing the use of players in this years Emirates cup to that of 2 years ago.


In 2013, 9 players played over 100 minutes across the 2 days, in 2011 only 4 did.
In 2013, Sagna, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey and Giroud all played over 120 minutes, in 2011 only Ramsey did (due to Wilshere injury 7 minutes into NYRB game).
In 2013, we used 21 players, in 2011 we used 25
In 2013, average time on pitch over the two days was 96 minutes per player, in 2011 it was 85.

[Rich]

I think we're focuing on quality over quantity now. For example, Squillaci probably played in the Emirates Cup last year.

And Chamakh.

And Gervinhio.

And Arshavin.

And Djourou.

And Santos.

[Maravilloso Marvo]

2011

Fabianski
Manone
Szczesny
Sagna
Jenkinson
Koscielny
Vermaelen
Djourou
Squillaci
Gibbs
Traore
Song
Wilshere
Frimpong
Ramsey
Nasri
Rosicky
Gervinho
van*Persie
Vela
Arshavin
Eboue
Chamakh
Afobe
Bartley

2013

Fabianski
Szczesny
Sagna
Jenkinson
Mertesacker
Koscielny
Gibbs
Arteta
Rosicky
Ramsey
Wilshere
Chamberlain
Walcott
Gnabry
Podolski
Giroud
Akpom
Cazorla
Sanogo
Miquel
Zelalem

[Classic Jorge]

[Redflag]

[Maravilloso Marvo]

I almost bit then on pointing out what pre-season was for.

Nice try R.

[Classic Jorge]

[Redflag]

:-)

[Hillary]

[Maravilloso Marvo]

And television rights to those mugs over at BT Sport.

[Curly]

[Norn Iron]

[Redflag]

With a 6Om a year higher wage bill than our nearest current rival for 4th spot I would expect us to get at least 4th place.
For years we only had United to contend with for the title,it's a bit tougher now of course - but 4th place is not asking too much.

[Curly]

And Drogba's was fúcking shocking.
Go figure how thon eejit gave it

[Maravilloso Marvo]

Or link me into some blog or something, thanks.

[The Tony]

Wherever there is......

[PSRB]

the one the day before was a shocker

[Red N White Army]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/apr/18/premier-leag ue-finances-club-by-club (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/apr/18/premier-league-finances-club-by-club)

By that rationale, we should be further ahead. But we'd still be fighting for 3rd/4th.

[Maravilloso Marvo]

But tbf, I'd say it is a lot lower today than it was at 31st May 2012, 14 months is a long time in football.

[Free SL]

when they all signed new contracts.

We've shifted a few hundred thousand a week from it in the last couple of months though.

[Red N White Army]

But even so, our wage bill will be more. Some of that is explained by the fact we (apparently) have twice the number of back office staff etc