Make no mistake, this has been one of the best weeks for Arsenal fans in a long time. From securing a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, following it up with wins to Norwich and Wolverhampton, to Saka and Martinelli’s contract extensions. Arteta’s tactical nous was there for all to see, as we managed to grab 2 away victories against sides that were ahead of us in the league.
Saka has been one of our standout performers since the restart and has showcased his versatility by slotting at a plethora of roles – from winger (left and right), to left back and to attacking midfield. His extension brought a lot of joy to us and proved to be a huge relief.
But what is his preferred position? How well has Arteta done for Arsenal? Does Lucas Torreira he have a future at Arsenal? To discuss these questions and more, I have with me 5 “Top 6” rival fans who will share their view. Their twitter accounts are linked to their names so go ahead and shout them out.
Q1) Who is your favourite player in your current team and what do you like about him?
FergusonCode:- My current favourite United player is Marcus Rashford. I’ve always had this unique connection with Marcus, and ever since I have felt that he is everything what Man United player should be. Class on and off the pitch, engaging with fans, grounded, extremely hard working, fights for the badge, runs non stop till 90th minute, put the club ahead of himself. He may not be as insanely talented as Paul Pogba or Mason Greenwood, but the heart and effort he puts into his work makes him such a likeable person.
Karthik:- It will be James Milner. He came when club was at crisis and when Gerrard left, a leader figure was absolutely necessary at that time and he kind of managed to fill in that void by some margin.
Sagar:- My fav player at city currently is Kevin De Bruyne. I love KDB’s vision and that weight in his passes, but what I mainly like about him is his leadership skill, the drive to win every single match and his workrate (usually gets unnoticed). He always steps up when city need him. After Aguero I’d say he is our best big game player currently.
Alok:- It has to be Harry Kane. The man is a true professional. No drama outside the pitch, no controversies. He gets his head down and works hard every single day. He is not one of the most gifted players, whatever he has achieved is through sheer hardwork and a strong mentality. He has a high Football IQ and he reads the game pretty well. His passing range is second to none. But what I like the most about him is that he is Tottenham through and through. He is hungry for success but with Tottenham. I’m sure he will do wonders with Mourinho. I think he is the only current player who can break Shearer’s record.
Juan:- Favorite player from the current Chelsea squad is Christian Pulisic. He is currently our best player. Not the Hazard type but he’s of his own kind. He can be decisive at times and that’s what’s expected for those who are the best ahead of the rest. Hope he stays injury free because we will really need him in the matches that are left.
Q2) Which player made you fall in love with your team ?
FergusonCode:- I will have to say David Beckham. I started following football extensively in the 2002/03 season which was his last season at the club. But the way in which he used to ping the ball from one end of the pitch to another with such perfection and with such little effort was beyond world class. He made football look easy.
Karthik:- Steven Gerrard.Many Liverpool fans would have the same answer.He might’ve won more somewhere else but he gave an identity Liverpool, when times weren’t as good for the club.
Sagar:- Nicky Weaver was my childhood hero, absolutely adored him to bits. Although I never got to see the City-Birmingham final but I still have still memories of it. Nicky was the spark and happiness of that city squad, his shenanigans and crazy celebrations always caught my eye. Top bloke and one of the best keepers we had at city.
Alok:- Berbatov and Keane. That 2007-08 season made me fall in love with the club. They both were phenomenal. These two players attracted me to Tottenham. I never really forgave Levy for selling Berba. It hurt me more than Bale leaving. Then Modric came the next season and he just made me fall in love with the club all over again.
Juan:- There is more than one player. There’s the Old Guard, makes it better that way. Cech, Terry, Lampard & Drogba. They made me fall in love with football that’s why I am who I am today. My favorite of them all without a doubt is Drogba.
Q3) What is the one thing your team is doing that you think Arsenal aren’t and should do/implement going forward ?
FergusonCode:- Play recruitment and squad harmony. Ever since Solskjaer came into the club, his recruitment of players has been more about who are willing to give everything for the club rather than who are here for the money. Yes, it may look like that’s not what will win you trophies in the short-term but I think it will be successful in the long term if we plan to stick with him.
Karthik:- Believe Arsenal are on track when it comes to transfer strategies with appointment of Raul and co. However they should be looking at low profile players within midtable PL clubs or lesser known clubs outside England.
Liverpool managed to get some players from midtable PL clubs for a pretty decent price- Wijnaldum, Robertson, Shaqiri to name a few. Arsenal can look forward to certain names like Schar, Godfrey, Tarkowski etc. to name a few of them. Smart transfer policies with less strain on wage bill and more impact on field
Sagar:- I have seen many Arsenal games where they just don’t give it their all in games. Not every team can have a KDB or David Silva but collectively every team can give their all in a match which Arsenal don’t usually do. Fighting for every ball and win or die attitude is one of the major difference between Arsenal and City.
Alok:- I don’t think Arsenal are well managed financially as compared to Tottenham. Ridiculously high wages to players who are now on their way down. I had mentioned this in 2017 when Ozil and Sanchez were asking for high wages that the board shouldn’t accept those demands. But they did. Look at the way we have managed the finances. A shining new stadium, the only club apart from United that was eligible for the Bank Of England loan at 0.5% interest rate, wages which are more incentive based unlike Arsenal where the basic wages high. I’m quite happy with the way Levy has made us self sustaining.
Juan:- One thing Lampard has done this season that’s recommendable is giving the young players playing time. Arteta is doing the same but it hasn’t worked for him (exception of Saka/Gabi) as it has for Lampard but at some point it will since most of Chelsea’s youngsters have experience from loan spells.
Q4) What are your thoughts on Lucas Torreira?
FergusonCode:- The signing of Lucas Torreira felt like it was another player that most people haven’t heard of; a typical Arsenal signing, in a way they capture some of the best talents in and around Europe. I still feel he is a very good defensive minded midfielder albeit not the one who Arsenal should be willing to gamble on week in week out, if you want to be in a title race. He is a solid midfielder will give you 25 games a season, but should be nothing more than a player that is used for squad rotation, if the ultimate aim is to get back to competing for the best among Europe.
Karthik:- Lucas Torreira showed promise at the start of 2018-19 season in heart of Arsenal’s midfield. Was possibly looked up as “Bargain of the Year” in first half of the season.
However injuries halted his progress and also playing him as AM under Emery was kinda surprising, considering his tackling and ball winning abilities. It now looks like as he wants a move back to Italy and if Arsenal are getting an appropriate replacement, they should cash out on him. His output after the first half of 2018-19 hasn’t been up-to the standards and requirement of a club of Arsenal’s stature.
Sagar:- I was there at the Emirates in 2018 when I saw Torreira for the first time. Thought he was alright that day, tried to win every tackle and also had a bit of vision as well. I’d still say he is the heart of that arsenal mid. He is someone who can tackle, win every ball and move it forward.
Alok:- I wanted him at Spurs after the kind of world cup he had had. I think in the first season he was phenomenal for Arsenal. He could break the opposition’s attack, he had an ability to win the ball deep and start a counter. But Emery’s decision to make him play higher up the pitch almost like a number 10 harmed him. He clearly out of his depth there. He wasn’t being used to his strengths and then the injuries happened. He has clearly fallen down the pecking order now under Arteta.
Juan:- Lucas Torreira had a brilliant start in the Premier League. In recent days he’s been a little off but that’s expected of every footballer. Torreira if given enough playing time can be the future of Arsenal’s midfield.
Q5) A player from the Arsenal squad you would love to have in your team?
FergusonCode:- If you ask me this question a year back, I would have told you it was Aaron Ramsey. But now it has to be Bukayo Saka. He is insanely talented, is versatile, hard working and is going straight to the top.
Karthik:- Arsenal have pretty impressive youngsters coming through the ranks. Bukayo Saka showing versatility, that too in his teens, speaks volumes about the lad.
Sagar:- Definitely Aubameyang. He can be both a target man and someone who can take the ball from the deep to the final third. His versatility of playing as a winger is something that can be used at City. But in general he has been great for arsenal and would love to see him at City
Alok:- To be really honest, none. When our squad is fully fit there is not a single Arsenal player who can walk into our playing 11. We have a well balanced first team.
Juan:- Saka definitely. He is a top LB according to me. We never replaced Ashley Cole and Saka would be an ideal replacement. Saka will be England’s number one LB in two/three seasons from now according to me.
Q6) Saka, a future winger, left back or midfielder ?
FergusonCode:– The role of Saka in a team largely depends on what kind of system you play. If you have a manager like Pep Guardiola, he can easily play the role of a Left Back or a midfielder. Modern fullbacks, as we have seen, have to be willing to move forward, aid in attack and be comfortable on the ball, which Saka is. For me his ideal position would be a left sided midfielder, much like the role David Silva is playing in Manchester City.
Karthik:- Bukayo Saka’s versatility as LB and LW for his age is worth admiring.Unpopular opinion here, as I can see him thriving as LCM. He can even coverup the left flank as well as left back position
Sagar:- Another player who I’d love to see at city. Saka will definitely be a better player if played as a winger. His pace and skills is something he thrives on, which is perfect for a winger. Honestly his potential is being wasted by putting him at LB, can provide Arsenal a different dimension if played regularly at wings.
Alok:- I see him in a similar role as Walker for us. He is brilliant going forward but I have not been impressed with his defensive work. Walker was similar for us. But his ability to go forward is critical to the way Arsenal attacks. This also suits Aubameyang, I reckon. Could Arteta do something similar with Saka as Redknapp with Bale? Too early to say.
Juan:- According to me Saka’s best position is that of a leftback. Currently he’s being played in different positions because he has the talent plus Arsenal just signed another equally talented LB.
Q7) Who do you think is Arsenal’s best(or crucial) player currently? Why do you think so?
FergusonCode:- At the moment, I would say it is Aubameyang. His constant goal threat is extremely impressive and is your most important player by a mile. But a case can be made for Pepe as well, because he is the one you should be building a team around.
Karthik:- Bernd Leno. Tremendous improvement since he came from Leverkusen. He’s kept them in games, and with better defence in front of him, he’ll keep more cleansheets surely.
Sagar:- Best player has been auba but leno has been more crucial. With the kind of defence Arsenal has he’s someone who has helped Arsenal a lot, with respects to keeping clean sheets, making crucial saves, saving arsenal from losses. His improvement has been unreal.
Alok:- I think Bernd Leno. Without him, Arsenal will be worse off. That Defense looks leaky and Leno has made so many critical saves this season.
Juan:- For me, it’s Aubameyang. If not for him Arsenal would be way low on the log. Aubameyang has been crucial of Arsenal in so many matches and he’s still without a doubt Arsenal’s best player with Leno being right behind him.
Q8) Do you see Arsenal qualifying for the Champions League next season?
FergusonCode:- I genuinely wish to see Arsenal qualifying for the Champions League places but it also largely depends on the players that you are getting in the transfer window. William Saliba on his own will not be able to do that. Thomas Partey will be a valuable addition but I think you need a midfielder who is the constant goal threat, someone like Kevin de Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes.
Karthik:- Champions League qualification depends largely on upcoming transfer window, crucial one perhaps for Mikel Arteta. With pandemic, we don’t expect teams to madly spend cash, but Arsenal surely need to get few players in who instantly improve the squad and also balance the books and maintain wage bill. Another aspect which would probably help Arsenal in long term is to avoid Europa League football next season, so that they can aim for Top 4 next season.
Sagar:- I have to say other teams like Leicester, Liverpool, City, Wolves have been recruiting way better than Arsenal. Major problem for Arsenal is attracting big players in current market, which is very important for going forward both in PL and CL. Until they do that i don’t see them qualifying for CL.
Alok:- It appears to be extremely tough as things stand. Every other team around Arsenal is improving. City and Liverpool are there to stay at 1 and 2. At least 4 teams fighting for the other two positions, of which Arsenal look the weakest. Let’s not also forget the rise of Leicester and Wolves.
Juan:- Unless Arsenal reinforce their squad, honestly it won’t be a walk in the park. Chelsea and Manchester United are already making a statement for next season. Liverpool and Manchester City are still without a doubt the best clubs in the country. That’s makes four really good clubs in England and then there’s always the Leicesters and Wolves. Arsenal will have to bring on board something unique otherwise top 4 will be dreams.
Q9) Unbiased views on Arteta ?
FergusonCode:- From what I’ve seen of Arteta, I think he has what it takes to get Arsenal back to the top. But it is a question of whether the board and the fans are willing to back him even if the results are a bit poor every now and then. He needs through a massive rebuild and if it takes two years of no European football then I think the sacrifice will be worth it in the long run.
Karthik:- Arteta’s appointment came as fresh breath to Arsenal and fans. Although a few people have doubts because he’s young and inexperienced in managerial role, being an understudy to Pep Guardiola, surely tells us the guy is not a pushover. He walked in at very tough position at Arsenal, but so far he’s shown promise.
Results would or won’t do justice to his impact for the first few months but looks like they are picking up. However board needs to back him, else sadly he will be on the same path as Unai Emery.
Sagar:- Arteta is the man for arsenal. I personally regard him very highly, his attention to detail is brilliant and can also help certain players to grow individually (like Sterling, Sane). He’s both a good manager and a coach. Also working under one of the greatest managers of all time would have helped him grow. He can be one of the best managers IF Arsenal’s board back him.
Alok:- He looks promising. He has learnt from the best in the business. But it’s going to be a while before he can actually win something. He has clearly improved the defense. He is so playing the players to their strengths. We can see some structure in this squad now. The players are pressing instead of chasing the ball aimlessly. Will the board give him enough time though? We saw what happens in a club right after a legacy ends, that is Manchester United. The board may not be patient with him and will demand success in the next 2-3 years.
Juan:- Arteta has been ok so far. I expect a lot from him in the future, considering he’s been Wenger and Pep’s student; managers who are without a doubt one of the best, football has ever seen. He’ll come good with time but I don’t think he will work out at Arsenal.
As usual I would like to thank all the panelists for giving me their time and sharing their thoughts. Hope you all have a great week.
