Gunner Since Time Began - born to moan
08-05-2013, 08:40 PM
What Arsenal Need to Be Champions Again
By
James Dudko
(Featured Columnist) on August 5, 2013
The formula to make Arsenal champions again is a simple one. It is a matter of adding greater firepower.
This has become a familiar narrative this summer, as the Gunners have been linked with almost every marquee striker on the market.
The reason for the consistent links is clear. Arsenal will win nothing without more proficiency in attack. More proficiency in putting the ball in the net and in creating scoring opportunities.
An example of the need for more ruthless quality in front of goal was provided in Arsenal's Emirates Cup matches against Napoli and Galatasaray.
Against the Italians, Arsene Wenger's team produced some effective combination play and crafted some positive openings, but it was Napoli who waltzed into a two-goal advantage.
Didier Drogba reminded Arsenal why they need a match-winning striker.
Against the Turkish outfit, the difference a quality striker can make was even more ruthlessly exposed. Despite Arsenal again hogging possession, Galatasaray had the class in attack in the form of playmaker Wesley Sneijder and ageing hit man Didier Drogba.
Two goals from arch Gunners nemesis Drogba pinched the game for Galatasaray. Arsenal's inability to be as efficient up front had cost them.
When their Emirates Cup opponents had their chances, they took them. Despite all of his bravado, Wenger can not have the confidence that his current strike force will do the same.
Even with the brash spin Wenger is putting on the 2013/14 version of Arsenal, the Frenchman knows titles are won with greater potency in attack. His best Arsenal teams proved the point.
When he captured a double in 1997/98, Wenger could rely on the complementary talents of Dennis Bergkamp and Nicolas Anleka. Bergkamp provided the flair and guile, while Anelka's physical gifts stretched defenses to breaking point.
Bergkamp's fellow Dutchman, Marc Overmars, added his own brand of smarts and quickness to the mix. This trio's cunning and speed was augmented at crucial times by the contributions of clutch substitute Christopher Wreh.
Christoper Wreh scored some vital goals in 1997/98, including this winner at Bolton.
Wenger's first double-winning team was held scoreless only five times in 38 English Premier League games, according to ESPN.co.uk. And four of those came when the team was still playing with arch-poacher Ian Wright, who did not ideally suit Wenger's version of passing football.
Fast forward to the 2001/02 season, Wenger's second double-winning campaign, and a similar dynamic exists in attack. Bergkamp is still in place as the creative heartbeat of the forward line.
He has been joined by Thierry Henry, Anelka's equal in pace, but possessing greater physical power and a more versatile overall game. The two are supported by the mercurial talents of N****wo Kanu, along with Sylvain Wiltord, who took Wreh's knack for clutch goals to new heights.
This attacking quartet made Arsenal the best team in the land from 2001-04. Yes, the midfield and defence were strong, but it was scoring potential that made the Gunners feared during Wenger's golden years.
In 2001/02, Arsenal scored in every single league game. In the unbeaten year of 2003/04, it had become more of the Thierry Henry show, but Wiltord, Bergkamp and Kanu still played their parts.
Sylvain Wiltord proved how vital quality depth in attack is to a title-winning team.
This foursome could also count on the efforts of attacking midfielders Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg. At their best, this vital duo could both be relied on to score double-digit goals.
Spanish prodigy Jose Antonio Reyes was even added in January 2004 to freshen up the rotation. The next season it was Henry, Reyes, Bergkamp and Robin van Persie who helped fire Arsenal to FA Cup glory.
All of Wenger's title-winning teams captured the prizes chiefly because of the firepower they possessed.
A look at today's squad reveals the pieces of a similar Arsenal coming together, but without the picture being complete. In midfield, Santi Cazorla has proven his credentials as a goal threat, but where is his support?
Step forward Jack Wilshere, who has to add goals to his game. Any player who glides past tacklers the way he can and possesses such a powerful left foot has to be aiming for double-digit goals.
Of course, even if the Wilshere and Cazorla double act gave Arsenal 20 goals from midfield, their efforts would be wasted without more consistency in front of them.
Only Theo Walcott offers the kind of pace and threat Wenger craves. He belongs in wide areas, darting all across the forward line.
Putting him in the middle where he is naturally bracketed by two central defenders and easier to mark is beyond ridiculous. The same is true for Lukas Podolski, who should stay on the left.
The Germany international can be more of a force this season. But only if he varies his movement and makes more of an effort to consistently keep up with the pace of play.
There may be some doubts on the flanks, but they are nothing compared to the questions asked of the man in the middle, Olivier Giroud. The towering Frenchman is a true battler, and his height and instinctive play around the box are important to the Gunners.
But the ex-Montpellier man is never likely to stretch a defensive line. More concerning is that Giroud rarely inspires confidence that he will convert any scoring chance he is presented with.
He is not a natural, assured finisher. The problem is that he is Arsenal's only true centre-forward. There is little in the way of depth, at least until youngster Yaya Sanogo proves his credentials.
The free-transfer signing from Auxerre has the mobility and technique Wenger loves. But asking the France U-20 star to lead the line for a title challenge is stretching the limits of reality at this point.
Yaya Sanogo needs to contribute right away.
The issue of depth is compounded by the imminent departures of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh, as reported by BBC Sport. The idea of Nicklas Bendtner getting back into the team is a bone-chilling thought.
So how does Wenger solve the problem of firepower and make Arsenal champions again? The embattled tactician has two options.
First, he can spend big to acquire the marquee frontman his fluid brand of football relies on. This is the striker who is a prolific scorer and also has the technique to provide for others.
It is the free-scoring and creative focal point Wenger's 4-2-3-1 structure is supposed to feature. Hence the consistent links to Liverpool's Luis Suarez, such as this one from Sky Sports.
The Uruguayan is an exceptional talent. His range of movement rivals any other top player at his position, while his finishing is clever and decisive.
Suarez is also adept at dropping into space between the midfield and forward lines and creating space and chances for others. His elusive skill and scrappy determination manufacture opportunities both for himself and teammates.Luis Suarez is the ideal free-roaming forward for Wenger's fluid style of play.
The 26-year-old is versatile enough to play through the middle, out wide or even behind a main striker. With Suarez in the fold, Wenger would practically be giddy about the number of variations he could deploy up front.
However, Wenger's principles about spending could put him off buying Suarez. Given Liverpool's increasing valuations of the player, there is every reason why they would.
If he is put off by the fee, Wenger could choose to play the numbers game another way. Instead of boosting firepower with a greater talent, he could simply ease the pressure on his current contingent, Giroud in particular, by adding another option to the mix.
Given Giroud's role as a force in the air, this new arrival could be a more mobile, technically assured forward. This would also ensure Arsenal boast greater versatility in attack and could be achieved for a fraction of the price needed for Suarez.
Adding a lesser known but still capable forward would give Arsenal greater versatility in attack. Wenger would need to use his scouting acumen to locate the right kind of intelligent frontman. A striker able to play through the middle, but also with experience operating from the flanks in a front three.
Arsene Wenger needs to scour the market for an extra striker.
With said player added to the mix, the Gunners would have more proven options up front. They would also not be forced to rely on Giroud even when he is misfiring.
That problem committed Wenger to several botched experiments last season. Walcott, Podolski and even Gervinho spent time in the middle. Think back to the 2009/10 season, when Andrei Arshavin was forced to play as a striker to cover injuries and loss of form.
Wenger cannot afford to risk any more half-measures like these this season. Recapturing the right formula up front has been the biggest problem for the Arsenal boss during the trophyless years.
Whether is it greater quality, or more suitable numbers, Wenger needs to add more firepower to his attack. It has always worked for him in the past, and it could prove to be the key to an unlikely title push from this season's Arsenal.
By
James Dudko
(Featured Columnist) on August 5, 2013
The formula to make Arsenal champions again is a simple one. It is a matter of adding greater firepower.
This has become a familiar narrative this summer, as the Gunners have been linked with almost every marquee striker on the market.
The reason for the consistent links is clear. Arsenal will win nothing without more proficiency in attack. More proficiency in putting the ball in the net and in creating scoring opportunities.
An example of the need for more ruthless quality in front of goal was provided in Arsenal's Emirates Cup matches against Napoli and Galatasaray.
Against the Italians, Arsene Wenger's team produced some effective combination play and crafted some positive openings, but it was Napoli who waltzed into a two-goal advantage.
Didier Drogba reminded Arsenal why they need a match-winning striker.
Against the Turkish outfit, the difference a quality striker can make was even more ruthlessly exposed. Despite Arsenal again hogging possession, Galatasaray had the class in attack in the form of playmaker Wesley Sneijder and ageing hit man Didier Drogba.
Two goals from arch Gunners nemesis Drogba pinched the game for Galatasaray. Arsenal's inability to be as efficient up front had cost them.
When their Emirates Cup opponents had their chances, they took them. Despite all of his bravado, Wenger can not have the confidence that his current strike force will do the same.
Even with the brash spin Wenger is putting on the 2013/14 version of Arsenal, the Frenchman knows titles are won with greater potency in attack. His best Arsenal teams proved the point.
When he captured a double in 1997/98, Wenger could rely on the complementary talents of Dennis Bergkamp and Nicolas Anleka. Bergkamp provided the flair and guile, while Anelka's physical gifts stretched defenses to breaking point.
Bergkamp's fellow Dutchman, Marc Overmars, added his own brand of smarts and quickness to the mix. This trio's cunning and speed was augmented at crucial times by the contributions of clutch substitute Christopher Wreh.
Christoper Wreh scored some vital goals in 1997/98, including this winner at Bolton.
Wenger's first double-winning team was held scoreless only five times in 38 English Premier League games, according to ESPN.co.uk. And four of those came when the team was still playing with arch-poacher Ian Wright, who did not ideally suit Wenger's version of passing football.
Fast forward to the 2001/02 season, Wenger's second double-winning campaign, and a similar dynamic exists in attack. Bergkamp is still in place as the creative heartbeat of the forward line.
He has been joined by Thierry Henry, Anelka's equal in pace, but possessing greater physical power and a more versatile overall game. The two are supported by the mercurial talents of N****wo Kanu, along with Sylvain Wiltord, who took Wreh's knack for clutch goals to new heights.
This attacking quartet made Arsenal the best team in the land from 2001-04. Yes, the midfield and defence were strong, but it was scoring potential that made the Gunners feared during Wenger's golden years.
In 2001/02, Arsenal scored in every single league game. In the unbeaten year of 2003/04, it had become more of the Thierry Henry show, but Wiltord, Bergkamp and Kanu still played their parts.
Sylvain Wiltord proved how vital quality depth in attack is to a title-winning team.
This foursome could also count on the efforts of attacking midfielders Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg. At their best, this vital duo could both be relied on to score double-digit goals.
Spanish prodigy Jose Antonio Reyes was even added in January 2004 to freshen up the rotation. The next season it was Henry, Reyes, Bergkamp and Robin van Persie who helped fire Arsenal to FA Cup glory.
All of Wenger's title-winning teams captured the prizes chiefly because of the firepower they possessed.
A look at today's squad reveals the pieces of a similar Arsenal coming together, but without the picture being complete. In midfield, Santi Cazorla has proven his credentials as a goal threat, but where is his support?
Step forward Jack Wilshere, who has to add goals to his game. Any player who glides past tacklers the way he can and possesses such a powerful left foot has to be aiming for double-digit goals.
Of course, even if the Wilshere and Cazorla double act gave Arsenal 20 goals from midfield, their efforts would be wasted without more consistency in front of them.
Only Theo Walcott offers the kind of pace and threat Wenger craves. He belongs in wide areas, darting all across the forward line.
Putting him in the middle where he is naturally bracketed by two central defenders and easier to mark is beyond ridiculous. The same is true for Lukas Podolski, who should stay on the left.
The Germany international can be more of a force this season. But only if he varies his movement and makes more of an effort to consistently keep up with the pace of play.
There may be some doubts on the flanks, but they are nothing compared to the questions asked of the man in the middle, Olivier Giroud. The towering Frenchman is a true battler, and his height and instinctive play around the box are important to the Gunners.
But the ex-Montpellier man is never likely to stretch a defensive line. More concerning is that Giroud rarely inspires confidence that he will convert any scoring chance he is presented with.
He is not a natural, assured finisher. The problem is that he is Arsenal's only true centre-forward. There is little in the way of depth, at least until youngster Yaya Sanogo proves his credentials.
The free-transfer signing from Auxerre has the mobility and technique Wenger loves. But asking the France U-20 star to lead the line for a title challenge is stretching the limits of reality at this point.
Yaya Sanogo needs to contribute right away.
The issue of depth is compounded by the imminent departures of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh, as reported by BBC Sport. The idea of Nicklas Bendtner getting back into the team is a bone-chilling thought.
So how does Wenger solve the problem of firepower and make Arsenal champions again? The embattled tactician has two options.
First, he can spend big to acquire the marquee frontman his fluid brand of football relies on. This is the striker who is a prolific scorer and also has the technique to provide for others.
It is the free-scoring and creative focal point Wenger's 4-2-3-1 structure is supposed to feature. Hence the consistent links to Liverpool's Luis Suarez, such as this one from Sky Sports.
The Uruguayan is an exceptional talent. His range of movement rivals any other top player at his position, while his finishing is clever and decisive.
Suarez is also adept at dropping into space between the midfield and forward lines and creating space and chances for others. His elusive skill and scrappy determination manufacture opportunities both for himself and teammates.Luis Suarez is the ideal free-roaming forward for Wenger's fluid style of play.
The 26-year-old is versatile enough to play through the middle, out wide or even behind a main striker. With Suarez in the fold, Wenger would practically be giddy about the number of variations he could deploy up front.
However, Wenger's principles about spending could put him off buying Suarez. Given Liverpool's increasing valuations of the player, there is every reason why they would.
If he is put off by the fee, Wenger could choose to play the numbers game another way. Instead of boosting firepower with a greater talent, he could simply ease the pressure on his current contingent, Giroud in particular, by adding another option to the mix.
Given Giroud's role as a force in the air, this new arrival could be a more mobile, technically assured forward. This would also ensure Arsenal boast greater versatility in attack and could be achieved for a fraction of the price needed for Suarez.
Adding a lesser known but still capable forward would give Arsenal greater versatility in attack. Wenger would need to use his scouting acumen to locate the right kind of intelligent frontman. A striker able to play through the middle, but also with experience operating from the flanks in a front three.
Arsene Wenger needs to scour the market for an extra striker.
With said player added to the mix, the Gunners would have more proven options up front. They would also not be forced to rely on Giroud even when he is misfiring.
That problem committed Wenger to several botched experiments last season. Walcott, Podolski and even Gervinho spent time in the middle. Think back to the 2009/10 season, when Andrei Arshavin was forced to play as a striker to cover injuries and loss of form.
Wenger cannot afford to risk any more half-measures like these this season. Recapturing the right formula up front has been the biggest problem for the Arsenal boss during the trophyless years.
Whether is it greater quality, or more suitable numbers, Wenger needs to add more firepower to his attack. It has always worked for him in the past, and it could prove to be the key to an unlikely title push from this season's Arsenal.