Mad Jens has conceded two goals and people are calling for his head. We have to keep in mind that these two goals were mistakes. We’ve not seen Lehmann do these mistakes before. To drop Lehmann would be sad as I think it might be the end for him at Arsenal. That would be a shame because despite his mistakes he’s still a better keeper than Almunia.
I remember before the World Cup last year I was comparing Friedel to Keller. They’re both good shot stoppers but the difference is Friedel, and even Tim Howard, regularly makes saves they’re not really supposed to make whereas Keller rarely does.
That too is the difference between Lehmann and Almunia. Lehmann has the ability to make that unbelievable save that Almunia and most other keepers simply can’t. We’ve never seen Lehmann let a ball go through his hands like he did against Blackburn and we probably never will again. Unfortunately for Lehmann is it’s two mistakes in 2 consecutive league matches.
Fortunately for us Wenger won’t make a decision based on media hype, ignorant pundits, or impatient fans screaming for Jens to be dropped. It will come down to who’s the best keeper. All players make mistakes so it comes down to who’s more likely to make a mistake and is Jens becoming “mistake prone”.
The biggest difference between Lehmann and Almunia is Almunia repeatedly makes the same error; he consistently concedes goals at the near post. All keepers know that this a major no-go. We’ve seen players like Ashley Cole and Kolo Toure save beaten keepers by clearing a back post goal-bound effort off the line but no one can help the keeper at the near post. In the Barcelona game, Eto’o equalized near post. When Manuel was in the team, he got beat by Bolton near post. All of Almunia’s goals in pre-season were down to him getting beaten near post.
To make a mistake in judgment is one thing but to continually make the same mistake match after match, and season after season with no improvement makes him potentially a bad professional and a poor goal keeper. But I don’t pay his salary so that’s not for me to decide.
46 Responses to “Will the real #1 please stand up!”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
August 22nd, 2007 at 9:55 am
Agree josh. I saw some pundits suggesting Jens’ “mistakes” as POOR FORM. Made me doubt that whether they had actually watched the game before making their comments.
The two Premiership matches, Lehmann made two crucial, and extremely stupid mistakes. But it had nothing to do with POOR FORM.
“Poor form” means failed to catch a cross, responsed slowly to a shot etc. As far as I am concerned, Jens did well in two games, particular the Blackburn match, had it not been his bravelry to come out attacking cross again and again, we would not have to wait until that MISTAKE Blackburn would have probaby already equalized.
I am very confident Jens will bounce back the next game. And if anything, I think those two schoolboy mistakes will spur him on for the rest of the season. ‘Cos now he has a point to prove to the world once again. A proud man like him probably will play better with a point to prove than living in a comfort zone.
August 22nd, 2007 at 9:57 am
Lehmann will start on Sat. With Gilberto missing and Gallas now injured, Wenger will need his experience in the side.
Lehmann is better than Almunia. There is no doubt about that. But he is getting old and we will be needing a new GK soon.
Is that Almunia? Getting beaten at the near post time and again is definitely not the way to stake your claim.
August 22nd, 2007 at 9:59 am
Here are some quites from Jens himself presented in an on-line Telegraph article as a lead up to tonight’g Germany - England match:
“I am not concerned,” he said. “I have committed two mistakes in three games - I admit that. Those blunders apart I think I have played regularly and fairly well. The first mistake was the first contact [with the ball] all season,” he said. “Sunday was something I have not committed in my life. There was a reason I didn’t catch the ball. It never happened before in training or in a game.
“I know why but I don’t want to explain too much as I don’t want to give too much away. After the first minute against Fulham I have had good games against Fulham and Sparta Prague - even in the last game I felt very good.
“I can only judge myself - the mistakes I made were so simple I am not concerned. I don’t have any fundamental doubts about my basic ability as a keeper. It hasn’t thrown me off balance. I don’t feel under pressure - life goes on.”
I think the insight to be gained in this whole thing is that the mistakes he made were “simple.”
This mirrors Andez’s point here as well as well a joshuad’s post.
1. I’m in Jens’ corner.
2. I’m not worrked.
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:01 am
Off Topic:
Rumor or truth, I just love reading all the transfer rumor mills, give me a good laugh everyday! here is another one - KAKA TO ARSENAL!! ……. Sources:Daily Star
“Some astounding news, which on deeper examination turns out to be very much less exciting. But, hey, why don’t you decide on the Daily Star’s claim that ‘£40million Kaka drops Arsenal hint’? Apparently the Brazilian, regarded by many as the best player on the planet right now, is a big fan of the Gunners and has been quoted as saying: “I’d only ever join Arsenal in England. I love the way Arsenal play football. If I were to come to England I would like to play for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger because of their style of football.”
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:04 am
I’m not worried about Jens either. I’m just wondering when Fabianski is going to get some time in there. Maybe he’ll start in the Carling Cup. Almunia in the FA Cup? Jens in the CL?
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:23 am
Nipuna,
“Getting beaten at the near post time and again is definitely not the way to stake your claim.”
But getting eaten alive by Drogba time and again, is………….”Senderos.”
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:35 am
Biggun, thankfully, we face Drogba only twice a year, maybe three times.
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:42 am
yeah, and everytime Senderos plays Arsenal’s title challenge is docked 6 pts
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I think Jens will be fine, but because of his age, I think Fabio needs to get as much time this year as we can give him. You never know how much longer Jens will stay around, and we need Fabio to be ready to carry the load. I like Almunia, but not as my #1 keeper. I feel comfortable that he can come in and give you a steady performance for a few games if an injury hits your #1.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I bet Senderos is on Drogba’s Christmas card list for all the wonderful times Drogba has had with him.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Everyone see Blackburn was fined for rough play last season.. only 100,000…?? and a threat of a 50,000 fine if they don’t clean it up… you’ve got to be kidding me..
John Williams is carrying that in his wallett.. probably went ahead and paid the and extra 200,000 for the next few seasons ahead…
really a 100,000 fine is a big deal?
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:51 pm
when does drogba and have the che$ki team start playing in the africans cup?… that’s when we lose Kolo, Edboue, and Adye
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:35 pm
guys, give Senderos a break. I know he got few fans here, but there is really no need to mock him on a DAILY base. What has he done wrong lately anyway?
Even if he’s really a Donkey, he doesn’t deserve that. The boy never dived, never complained, never moan, never sulk of anything. And overally have been a good professional u can see he always wanna try his best.
i am not saying he will definitely be a great player, but what’s the harm to give him a chance? Even if u guys don’t wanna even give him a chance, what else possible can we do? Is it really necessary to mock a young player that much, and that often?
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Necessary to mock Sendy? No, but discussing footy on a message board isn’t necessary, either. It’s a good, healthy release of tension and frustration (fortunately, not necessary to read, if one doesn’t want to).
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:06 pm
of cos we can discuss anything we want. but if u ever followed this board regularly, the same Sendy is rubbish, crap, joke stuffs almost appears EVERYDAY. On EVERY POST. doesn’t matter we are talking about Lehmann, Papa Diop, or anything else.
What i am asking is - is it necessary to mock that kid as often? besides, it’s not like Senderos has scored an own goal, or be responsible for a defeat or draw or something. Why picked him to release your TENSION AND FRUSTRATION. FRUSTRATOIN of WAHT???
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:59 pm
I do follow the board regularly (though rarely post). I read what you read.
The fact that Sendy hasn’t scored an OG is hardly the point (I’m trying to remember the match last season when he ran on in the last 5 minutes and the opposition scored a minute later. He almost provided the same the other day.) If you want to wait until he specifically costs us something before you criticize him, it’s obviously your right.
Why pick on him? I don’t think he’s Arsenal quality, flat out. Right now, he’s symbolic of a general frustration that there are significant holes on the team that AW seems reluctant to fill. He’s size and aerial ability are unique on the squad, as currently constructed, so I wouldn’t mind him as a second or thir option off the bench, but…
Let me ask you, Andez. William Gallas is out. Phillipe Senderos is in. Does that seem that a good trade-off to you? Can you think of a bigger drop-off in quality anywhere else on the squad? (If your answer is No and No, then you have the answer to your larger question, as well. If your answer is Yes, well, we see things very differently.)
Fair enough for you to express your contrary view. But for me, he’s had plenty of time to improve, and, if anything, has regressed. As long as every time he runs onto the pitch my heart is in my throat, treating him as a running joke is the only way I can cope.
August 22nd, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Andez, get a grip - Senderos has made more mistakes in 3 years than Adams did in 20 - and I’m including the donkey years. Every time he steps on that pitch he makes errors, some get punished, some don’t - depends on the opposition. He made two wretched mistakes within 10 minutes of coming on against Blackburn, but because they weren’t punished you ignore them. Well I watch carefully and see the mistakes, every time.
So he doesn’t moan, dive or sulk - big deal, 95% of players don’t, that should be expected - what’s he got to moan or sulk about? The fact is he’s a proven liability and has cost the team many times, you can say who knows in the future how good he will be, but the fact is you’re best placed to predict the future by examining the past and his track record stinks. Wenger has to buy a top class centre-back, and if it puts noses out of joint, tough shit. Lehmann is looking dodgy, Toure can’t defend set pieces and Clichy is not the best defender in the world, the last thing the team needs is a certified donkey coming in and making matters even worse.
August 22nd, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Danny, u don’t seriously believe I can’t tell how good Senderos really is do u?
No, I don’t really need to take 3 years to figure out how good a player really is like Mazza suggested. In fact, I remember the first season when he impressed the media with a run of good performance, I already saw the things the media didn’t mention - he looked shaky and panic at times, and but got away with them with lot of luck.
The only reason I haven’t given up on him yet is because I like his attitude. Another reason is I do recall Adams’ early years.
But most importantly, he’s WHAT WE GOT. What can we do about it?
You know u will be seeing Senderos in action for at least another 10 months. no matter how u think of him he will still be here. might as well hope for the best, and hope that he will be able to make it.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:05 pm
I will be hoping for the best, I’m also hoping Wenger buys someone in the next 9 days. Senderos’ attitude is no different to any other player, again I’m not sure why you think his attitude will make any difference to anything, it hasn’t before.
Remember, Senderos is six months from his 23rd birthday, he’s not a baby anymore, not one of the kids. As far as I’m concerned there’s no future for him at Arsenal and the sooner Wenger realises it the better. The situation is perilous, what if Toure pulls his hamstring on Saturday? Where’s the foresight? Wenger seems to enjoy playing Russian Roulette with a small squad, I’m I the only one worried about this?
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Senderos had a poor season last year - but the last 3 years? I don’t think so.
Wenger won’t buy another quality proven CB. We have Gallas and Toure and we have to grow the other 1 or 2. When you think about it we were incredibly fortunate that circumstances contrived in our favour and we got Gallas.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:44 pm
On topic - Jens.
Before watching the England-Germany game tonight I was agreeing with the post here. However, Jens looked like a keeper without confidence. He came when he shouldn’t and didn’t when he should have. He should have saved their goal as well.
The only thing saving him was that the goalie at the other end was worse.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I actually like Senderos from the snippets I’ve seen from him, and would like him to step up to the plate. In a recent Arsenal Mastermind feature involving a few of our players he seemed like the only one who gave a toss about our history, correctly naming Bertie Mee as manager between 1960 something and 1976?). See, I don’t even know ;^)
However, football is a harsh and unforgiving world and his qualities as a person and his attitude will mean zilch when he’s hoofing a harmless ball two miles in the air or letting crosses go through his legs.
The reason I keep mentioning Senderos and droning on about players like Denilson is that when you don’t air your thoughts beforehand and they actually make a mistake and play badly, people accuse you of being knee jerk and reactionary. I like people to know constantly where I stand on certain players so I can say “I told you so” further on down the line. Not in a ego-centric way( well, maybe a little), but in concern for Arsenal.
I just get the impression Andez that if we didn’t keep re-affirming our opinion on Senderos, and say Senderos made a mistake against City on Saturday, you would treat it like it was his one of his first and shrug your shoulders and say “better luck next time.”
Also agree with what Vibe4Arsenal said in regards to it being one way to cope with having a player like that consistently as first choice back-up after all that the mistakes that he has made.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:36 pm
There are probably three positions on the field where your mistakes feel more critical - where the nature of your role is clearly defined and measurable.
1. Striker - failing to convert chances
2. GK - conceding goals
3. CB - failing to deal with threats
It’s the clear relationship that these positions have with the objective of the game - scoring goals - that makes them so critical and subject to direct criticism.
I think being a backup player in any of these roles is a bigger ask than in other positions - for the simple reason you are under the pump to deliver a good performance - and if you don’t it’s more obvious.
CB is not an easy position to learn and develop in. Your errors and weaknesses are exposed immediately, often subject to numerous tv replays, often result in goals, penalties, send-off’s. It’s the panic area - you need composure, you can be up against pace - so you need the right combo of pace/positioning, you can be up against strenght/aggression - so you need strenght and control.
Critically you also need to work as a unit - you must have a sense of where your fellow defenders will be and what they are capable of. So you need time to develop this.
CB is not easy. CB’s tend to develop in the role more slowly and the really good ones play for longer despite reductions in their pace and creaking bones.
Class CB’s are invaluable and in my opinion are what winning teams are built on.
So for this reason I feel for guys like Senderos & Djourou who are still developing and for Wenger who is trying to develop them. There are no easy answers, if you loan them they get game time but they arsen’t knitting together with the team.
Last season must have been a confidence downer for Senderos - he’ll know that. He needs to play and have a run of games, if he plays he has the chance to show progress, if he flits in and out I think his performances will be up and down and the overal impression will be that he is regressing.
I think he likes playing alongside Toure - they’re a natural combo - so that’s in his favour.
August 22nd, 2007 at 9:28 pm
I agree with irishgunner — prior to seeing England v. Germany I was concerned about Jens but still hopeful. But I thought he looked terrible against England. He gifted Owen a goal that he didn’t bother picking up, got beat near post by Lamps, and was indecisive on at least one cross. This is getting scary, I think it might be time for change.
Also — not to beat a dead horse, but I have to side with those who have little confidence in Senderos.
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:43 pm
I agree with you Andez. I don’t understand why there is this never ending Herd Mentality to slate certain players. I frankly don’t understand everyone mocking Senderos all the time. Fact: he has a hard time with Drogba. So what? Don’t most defenders in the prem? Fact: he’s probably our best (only?) truly solid arial defender. I just don’t understand all the vitriol. Last year it seemed to be Hleb as well. Well hasn’t Hleb been our best player this year? All of a sudden the anti-Hleb mob has moved on from him to attack Senderos (who’s been solid so far this year) and now Jens (two howlers to be sure, but he’s also bailed us out on numerous occasions in the past). Can’t we just support the team? Can’t we laugh at or mock an individual screw up or howler, without all of a sudden saying a player is rubbish? That’s not intelligent comment or debate, it’s a lynch mob.
August 23rd, 2007 at 12:06 am
Dude you said vitriol!!
August 23rd, 2007 at 1:49 am
It’s interesting to see how the discussions develop. Last one started with Diop and ended with Denilson. This one started with Jens and is now centered on Senderos.
Despite two good results, I see a lot more frustration among the fans. For me, that’s a sign of increased expectations. Of course, it depends from person to person. But often, in a comment, it’s difficult to decipher what expectations the person has. Some are happy with another 4th place. Some others (like me) want at least 3rd place. Maybe some want top two or better.
Another interesting point I see is how different fans see different things improving the team. Danny says that without a CB, we are screwed. I feel that if we get a goal scoring left-winger, our defensive problems will matter less. Mazza feels that unless Cesc clicks, we are screwed in midfield. Some others feel that Lehmann has to go and Almunia must get a chance.
For me, that’s the joy of the discussion board. See different view points and enjoy them.
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:34 am
Thats a very good point nipuna. Perception — every fan has a different perception of things and hence different expectation levels. Thats all it is in the end - a discussion board. Absolutely nothing else. A sharing of views, opinions and a few energized debates…nothing more than that. Coz in the end whoever is proved right or wrong if Arsenal go on to win I dont think too many people will be moaning at all.
Yes if tomorrow Mazza is proved wrong on Denilson he will will feel bad that he was of the mark, his ego will take a beating for a minute or so, but I dont think they’ll be too unhappy if Arsenal win in the end. Same goes with me , if Denilson flunk but Arsenal win..I’ll feel stupid for a minute and move on.
So just enjoy the fact that we can discuss Arsenal with fans sitting 10,000 miles away and connect on a simple bulletin board. Cheers
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:49 am
@Devvil: That is very true. There is a lot of herd mentality among fans. Its very less on this website..here it is usually relatively very intelligent debate most of the time with less ranting IMO.
But yes..I back Senderos to the hilt. The gaffes he made against Drogba…people say. Tell me one defender who kept Drogba quiet last season. ONE… ONE…ONE.
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:46 am
Excellent points Kiwi. CB IMO is the most critical.. coz if CB is a problem its a direct effect on the goalie as well. And eventually even Petr Cech can do ONLY THAT MUCH.
And YES I still stand by the fact that if you give Senderos 10 consecutive games he will do absolutely fine. So instead of thinking about the Benni Mccarthy right wing wonder shot , which was an AW gaffe for putting PS at right back just lets wait and see how he does now that he has a guranteed spot for a few games.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:28 am
It’s easy to say I understand football better than you, but anyone who cannot see that Senderos is a liability is out of their mind. I’m not even talking about Drogba, or being slaughtered by Benni McCarthy, but those who back Senderos obviously have very selective viewing when watching him play or simply understand nothing about football.
It’s not a matter of making him scapegoat, Arsenal are doing ok so I don’t need one, but Gallas is out 4-6 weeks so the onus now falls on a player that is not anywhere near a trustworthy replacement.
I hope by some miracle Senderos does well in his 10 games, that doesn’t mean I was wrong about him - the damage has been done already, but I’m willing to revise my opinion. Unlikely though that seems.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:36 am
LDE your right. Occassionally Wenger does things that are imbecilic - such as playing Senderos (and Cygan) at fullback.
Neither guy has quick recovery speed, so playing fullback is a great way to undermine their confidence. I honestly think it finished Cygan’s AFC career.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:47 am
Danny you may well understand football a 1000 times better than me. Thats not the point. The point is “when has Senderos been given a run of games??” He has always got the occasional game or two where he fills in and yes…he does make my heartbeat go up when he comes on on 80″ or so…I agree. But if he plays the whole game I’m fairly comfortable with the big guy. Yes he makes mistakes but if you’re willing to overlook a crappy performance by say Cesc and give him more chances..why not give Sendy the same number of chances?? Yes CB is much more unforgiving but talking of liabilities is too strong a word. Surely AW isn’t such an idiot to send Djourou out instead of Sendy?? Surely he must think Senderos has qualities (not pace or quick feet) which are essential for a CB??
“that doesn’t mean I was wrong about him” — no one is interested in the blame game here or the “I told you so” thing…atleast I’m not…if ur right then well done…if ur wrong so what??? Football is speculative enough as it is…
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:54 am
Danny good point about selective viewing - but it works both ways.
If you like a guy you tend to see the good and overlook the bad and if your fed-up with a guy you do the reverse.
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:12 am
Off all topics…..
The Spurs Boards actions over recent days just highlights again what an outstanding job the Arsenal Board have done and continue to do for our club.
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:13 am
Wenger has put paid to Hleb’s hope by clarifying that he will play 2 strikers unless injuries force him otherwise. It will be interesting to see how many goals Hleb can score from the wings.
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:48 am
“I just get the impression Andez that if we didn’t keep re-affirming our opinion on Senderos, and say Senderos made a mistake against City on Saturday, you would treat it like it was his one of his first and shrug your shoulders and say “better luck next time.”
No, Mazza, you gotta be fair to me on this one. When Senderos played well on a game, I don’t recall I came out and said what a great player he is.
My points are not particularly aiming on ANY particular player. I support Arsenal. I don’t follow any player who has left the club. But I do try to give my best support and faith on the players who’s CURRENTLY playing for us.
I have my doubt on a list of players as well - Such as Alumania and Hoyte. But I don’t write about how useless I think they are in a regular base.
My own attitude is - I would feel DISAPPOINTED if one of our players play poorly. But I always, always hope for an improvement from them. If Hoyte and Almunia, Song, Flamini, Senderos the likes play well in a game, it please more than seeing Fabregas playing well.
Cos we all knew Fabregas, van Persie the likes already got what it take. It’s the lesser players, when u see them improved, that’s what please me most.
I don’t mind we come out and criticise our own men, particular after they had a poor game. But as my original post stated - I just don’t think it’s NECESSARY to mock them too OFTEN.
Afterall, they are the GUNNERS. It looks bad when seeing our own fans jumping on our own players. Say, I love to give a lot of sticks on ppl like Martin Jol, Mourinho, Drogoba the likes, but it’s only because I am an Arsenal fan. That’s what makes it fun in football. But when I see a Spur fan calling for Martin Jol’s head, or Chelsea fan booing Drogba, that makes me feel a bit sick.
Perhaps, I am from the old school. I always love the motto - WE AGAINST THE WORLD. Not we against ourselves.
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:21 am
“It’s easy to say I understand football better than you, but anyone who cannot see that Senderos is a liability is out of their mind.”
Danny, there is a DIFFERENCE between “knowing nothing about football” and keeping FAITH on a player or the team.
I do believe, for a few who have come out and defended Senderos, they saw the SAME thing as u saw - that Senderos have not been playing well.
Only difference is we opted to give him some benefit of doubt. Afterall, if we are talking about Thierry Henry, nobody needs to keep FAITH in him, everybody knew he’s good.
It’s the same with our team during 2003-04, we didn’t really need any FAITH or SUPPORT. ‘Cos that team was great with or without our faith.
It’s often when the team is struggling, or when a individual player is struggling, that’s the moment when the support and faith really counts.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:06 am
Sendy played 87 min for the Swiss who beat Holland 2-1. Holland had a pretty strong team including RvP, RvN, Babel, Kuyt, Sneijder and van der Vaart.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:15 am
But faith means jack shit on an Internet forum. If I was at the ground I’d support Senderos no matter what, I’d never boo a player, but here you can tell some home truths.
I don’t think Senderos has hardly ever played well - maybe by his standards but not by Arsenal standards. The only time was that Champions League run, when Wenger played defensive 5-4-1, but the team played so deep and negative that it didn’t expose Senderos’ flaws - unfortunately for Senderos, Arsenal is an attacking team - so he gets exposed.
I have nothing against the person, he tries his best and seems to care, but it’s not enough. I care a lot too, does that mean I should play for Arsenal?
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:18 am
“It’s often when the team is struggling, or when a individual player is struggling, that’s the moment when the support and faith really counts.”
Very true. See the thing is Danny that obviously Senderos has made blunders..no one is denying it but as long as the manager sees him to be fit enough to play for AFC who are we to say he is not? Surely AW is not such an idiot..surely he knows better than us and he sees Sendy more than us. Plus Sendy has always been excellent for Switzerland and is one of the first names on the teamsheet so he cant be all bad.
Forget it we’ve discussed his faults n good points loads of times here..not again
.. I’m just saying why slate him so much as if he was the only guy to screw up all the time.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:27 am
“But faith means jack shit on an Internet forum.”
If u come down to this, then all those saying we should buy a defender always means jack shit ain’t it?
Then what’s wrong with Stag moaning all the way that the club need to buy this and that and WIN trophy instantly?
basically nothing we wrote here means anything isn’t it?
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:05 am
Senderos is a better player than he gets credit for, but we defnitely don’t play the right football for him and different styles suit different players - you only have see how well Cygan was meant to have done in Spanish football last season to get the picture. Senderos is good for Switzerland because they play deep and organised, while we tend to play fast and loose. I honestly believe that Senderos would be good in the Chelsea set up.
Unlikely, but Thuram on a 1 year contract?
Longer term, it’s difficult to see a solution out there - a CB who’s great in the air, quick on the deck and brilliant in the many one on one situations he’ll face playing for Arsenal…I’ve not seen much of Curtis Davies but he didn’t remotely look the answer, the only player I can think of spends most of his time on the treatment table at WHL.
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:30 am
Pirate you hit the nail on the head. I think there are a lot of top level teams that Senderos would play very well for, we just are not one of them due to our style of play. Our style exposes all of his weaknesses and does not play to any of his strengths. Any team that plays defensively and does not hold a high line up the pitch would be happy to have his services, hence some of the preseason rumours (Juve) etc…
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:42 am
You’re right Andez, nothing written in here means jack shit. If I went to Highbury and started booing Senderos that would mean something. But that doesn’t mean views can’t be discussed, argued here.
@live_don’t_exist
Managers do make bad errors, idiotic errors sometimes. They have blind spots, they are stubborn, they have weaknesses. Even the greatest managers. Arsene Wenger is not perfect - tactically he’s very weak. Other managers would have dumped Senderos ages ago and built a proper defence at Arsenal, not this flimsy thing that will collapse after two injuries.
I’m not saying Senderos is useless and shouldn’t be playing football - I’m saying he is not good enough for Arsenal - he cannot handle the mental pressure. As the above post remarks, he would profit at a championship team or a defensive team. With Switzerland he is not expected to win anything, it’s completely different. At the very top level, when you are expected to be a winnner, psychology comes into play more and more. You can be super talented, but if you can’t hack the pressure you’re redundant. This is Senderos biggest weakness, he doesn’t think about what he’s doing, everything affects him except the game.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:14 am
Joshuad - I think Jens got beat at the near post yesterday.
I think William Glass..er..Gallas will be out for more than 3 weeks AW has spoken of. In fact, I see him having a very similar situation as last season. We may not see him again until it is way too late. Which is disappointing because I thought he looked motivated to play well this year.
That being said, we have no cover at center back. Djourou’s loan might allow him to be called back. I am not sure. But he doesn’t inspire confidence. I also think Birmingham is good situation for him to be in. Let him take his lumps there, rather than here. Senderos is a nightmare every time he steps on the field. As soon as the whistle blows, it is a count down until he makes a mistake. Toure goes away for a month during a crucial stretch in the season. I have my doubts as to whether Gallas will be back by then.
In every other position, we have cover. It may not be natural cover or an understudy. But we have versatile players who can step in and play different positions. This is a credit to AW. However, we have no cover at center back. I think we should put in a bid for Vincent Kompany of Hamburg. I think he would fit the bill for the present and the future. I am guessing he can’t cost more than Curtis Davies. We have 8 more days. Please Arsene, I know you read Arsenal America all the time. Please listen to me.