flobaba wrote:
The transfer window is still open so I’m open to revising my thoughts as time goes by.
I was reflecting on our summer activities so far. Honestly I’m far from satisfied, even if it’s clear we have made some signings who are improvements on their predecessors (Jesus > Laca/Eddie, Zinchenko will be versatile and hopefully much more robust than Tierney, Saliba is back). Won’t even talk about Vieira - anything he gives us will be a bonus.
But our biggest problems from last season were:
1) creating consistent high quality chances along the forward line.
2) Xhaka/Partey partner.
We do not have the squad yet for a top four push in my opinion. Bringing in a Tielemans (if we do) isn’t an assurance of anything. I feel like we need a game changer in that midfield, preferably along with another top player upfront. We also need to sign insurance for Partey.
So far I will give our window a 5/10. I think we have done the bare minimum to keep us treading the Europa league waters.
Still so much to do to get us into contention. I hope we don’t waste another season by leaving ourselves short of quality in the positions highlighted. Let’s continue to see how it goes.
Okay, so coming back to this.
I now expect top 4. I underestimated the quality and multiplier effect that Jesus seems to have on the front line. Also, Saliba has adapted much faster than I anticipated. I expect some fluctuations in form here and there, but we have some quality depth that can lift the load when others are in a slump. Eg Saka and Odegaard. We are looking good, but we have the potential to be absolutely sparkling if we keep this up, and everyone is on song.
I still want my Partey partner/replacement though. I don’t see us moving for a wing/forward player any longer, and that’s the position where I feel we can make the most significant impact with a player more suited to the role than Xhaka. We also need the security, especially if we lose the alleged rapist due to injury or incarceration.
Top four, and a trophy or two shouldn’t be beyond us this term*.
*if Arteta is everything Ricky says he is.
