|
Are They Gunner Perform: Five Arsenal Players Who Could
Struggle This Season
By Callum D'Souz
| |
|
|
Фото: Getty Images
|
2010/2011 could arguably be one of the toughest seasons
in Arsenal history. Having gone five years without a trophy the Gunners
are desperate to reinstate their dominance on the footballing world be
securing at least one piece of silverware. Arsene Wenger and his men are
also fighting a battle to stay in the highly respected "Big Four".
With so many teams coming into hefty amounts of money the Gunners could
soon see themselves struggling to compete with the likes of Manchester
City and Tottenham who are slowly building up formidable line ups.
But none the less with Wenger at the helm Arsenal will always be a stupendous
outfit to defeat. Not only do they boast a world class manager, the North
London side are also blessed with some of the most talented footballers
in the world.
However it is whether Arsenal can come out and perform strongly in 2010/11
and work solidly as a unit. Fitness, as always, will also be a problem
for the Gunners. Each season their young roster is decimated by injury
and it is likely this season will be no different.
But if there big names maintain consistency and the Arsenal style is continued
throughout the campaign then Wenger's side will undoubtedly be a feature
this season. However there is a chance some players may struggle.
5. Andrei Arshavin
When the Russian arrived at the Emirates in the later stages of 2008/2009,
Andrei Arshavin made a huge impact. Most notably his historic four goals
against Liverpool in the Anfield thriller.
Last campaign the Russian captain was a solid contributor and one of the
few who wasn't constantly barraged with injury. Notching a handy 12 goals
the dynamo was strong at times but now approaching 30 the 29 year old
may struggle.
The physicality and strength of English team's defences is certain to
increase and with more teams reacting to play "rough" football
when encountering Arsenal, the little magician could find it hard to thrive
and ultimately end up getting bogged down and injured.
Also Arshavin has a tendency to speak out, often using Russian papers
as his spokesman. There is always a chance the Russian starlet will say
something silly about Wenger or Arsenal which could result in turmoil.
4. Armand Traore
The Frenchman enjoyed a solid loan spell with Portsmouth in 2008/2009
before returning to the Emirates for 2009/2010. Injuries to Gael Clichy
and Kieran Gibbs saw the left back receive a window of opportunity in
the Arsenal first XI.
The 21 year old showed glimpses of strong attacking prowess as well as
a lethal cross but was a little frail on the defensive side often getting
caught out of position. With both Clichy and Gibbs now back to full fitness
the former Auxerre defender is going to struggle to get a consistent amount
of playing time and may be forced to be utilized as a winger which could
see him struggle further.
3. Lukasz Fabianski
The Polish deputy keeper has had a torrid time since joining Arsenal from
Polish side Legia Warsaw in 2007. Fabianski has made a host of errors
of a number of season that has ensured fans do not speak highly of their
Polish shot stopper.
Although the 25 year old has shown moments of potential it appears each
time he is given an opportunity the Polish international makes an untimely
mistake. Many Arsenal supporters demanded the departure of Fabianski,
but Wenger has kept faith which is usually a good sign for any player.
However despite other calls for "Flappianski" to receive a loan
spell, it seems likely the Polish shot blocker will stay at the Emirates
this season and with current number one, Manuel Almunia, no better than
Fabianski, the Polish could be elevated to the top job where it could
be increasingly likely he will fail.
2. Robin van Persie
The stand out performer in 2008/2009 endured an injury stricken 2009/2010
which was shaping up to be another dominant one. The Duthchman was the
most notable absentee from Arsenal most recent season, absent from November
to March.
Although considered one of the most lethal strikers in the world, van
Persie was a major disappointment in the Netherlands successful World
Cup campaign in which the Oranje finished runners up. Van Persie managed
to find the net once and was often missing on the field when the Dutch
played the big names.
Now with a injury cloud over his head it is worrying signs for the Arsenal
sharpshooter. Can his body hold up and does he still have that lethal
eye for goal?
1. Cesc Fabregas
The majority of the Arsenal news this season has been dominated by captain
and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard has made it no secret
that one day he longs to return to his childhood club Barcelona. But reports
came out suggesting the 23 year old was eager to return to the Camp Nou
this season.
These reports caused a whirlwind of rumours and allegations which have
now cooled down. It is almost certain Fabregas will play with Arsenal
this season but does he want to be there?
Fabregas's uncertainty could ensure his mind and heart are not fully focused
on Arsenal.
However there five are all tremendously talented and play for Arsenal,
it is likely they will be stand outs this season for the mighty red and
white.
Bleacherreport.com,
July 29, 2010
|
|
