The point made below about Arteta being targeted in possession

[Monty91]

I think Wilshere's absence is key here as, more than anyone else, he is the most naturally inclined to come deep.

Ramsey will do it too, by virtue of his frankly freakish energy levels, but he lacks Wilshere's ability to move away from opponents, so it is really Jack that is the big miss here.

[Rich]

Nice bloke.

[Classic Jorge]

I'm not so sure Wilshere works that well deep, or that he wouldnt have been on a booking from about 5 minutes in.

[mutley]

Mikel Arteta. LOL You what ?

Just doesn't have that ring to it mate

YOU KNOW WHAT, DO ME A FAVOUR WENGER....

NO ACTUALLY DO US ALL A FAVOUR AND...

[Rich]

[mutley]

f**k OFF WENGER. EVERYTIME I SEE HIS FACE I THINK f**k OFF WENGER

[Classic Jorge]

Is this another of your inexplicable vendettas against a player based solely on a very limited knowledge?

[Monty91]

his instinct and willingness to drive us forward at every opportunity (oh and the small matter of ending up on the receiving end of the move he started with superb control and finish).

So, so, SO important and immeasurably missed for four c**ting months :-(

[zimgunner]

it's not easy to find good holding midfielders, especially ones who are also good on the ball.

i really think we should spend whatever is necessary to bring lars bender in over the summer. to me that is more important even than signing a main striker.

[PSRB]

[Rich]

and plenatys are the only good things about him.

And his hair, of course.

[Classic Jorge]

I for one quite appreciate his measured conservatism and sensible use of the ball. I'd still play him in there over Jack every day of the week.

[mutley]

Hold on a second mate, are you off your nut. Not having a go at you but Luiz Gustavo ? Here is a midfielder that wanted to come to Arsenal. We we're close to getting him but wenger couldnt guarantee he'll start every game.

He couldn't guarantee a Champions league and treble winner a starting sport over Mikel f**kING Arteta.

Do us a favour wenger....

f**k OFF

[Ben.]

I don't think it is Arteta's fault, the other diminutive very slow deep lying playmakers (Xavi and Pirlo) both have 2 other centre midfielders to help/compensate.
Pirlo has Pogba and Vidal to do his running , he has very limited defensive responsibility, Arteta should really only play with Flamini and Ramsey.

[Classic Jorge]

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

There is a reason why he spent most of his career in mid table mediocrity, had he been a player of the highest level his exit from Everton would have happened a lot earlier.

Having said that, he has been nothing but a success for us, a near perfect signing at the time he came to us and a player that many of our younger bucks will have learned from.

[zimgunner]

unfortunate. although giving guarantees of a starting place is surely reckless transfer policy.

[mutley]

So why Arsenal. Cos we're lead by a past it Coach who lets be honest was never a great coach, just inherited a bunch of menatlly strong players. We used to have players that would walk into any top side so why are we settling for less.

He has money, doesn't spend it then moans about loaning players and fixture list. You what ?

In todays game its all about geeing up your players mentally and unfortunately Wenger can't do that. Fergie left cos he hated how young players we're so disrespectful and outspoken(Rooney,Morrison,Pogba)couldn't control them so bowed out

Do us a favour weneger...

[Classic Jorge]

[Brentwood]

before he rejuvenated every one of their careers

[Classic Jorge]

(criticises wenger for overusing the term 'mental strength')