asajoseph wrote:
I'm pretty sure we'll start next season with pretty much the same 1st XI as we finished the last one, provided Samir and Cesc don't go, and with the obvious exception of Gibbs or Traore at LB.
From a personnel perspective that's not a disaster (though we don't need to discuss our polar-opposite opinions of Gibbs again), but the team very much need to feel that something's different, or psychologically I can't see them getting even the first hurdle.
As for Gervinho, barring injuries and departures, he'll start next season on the bench, with Theo up the right. If and when that changes will largely be down to injuries and form - Arshavin is in the mix too, and when (if) he's motivated he's a more than capable player.
As of right now, our Best XI:
---------------Szczesny
Sagna--Kos/JD--Vermaelen--Gibbs
-----------Song--Wilshere
Walcott------Fabregas-------Nasri
--------------van Persie
It's short on top level experience, especially at GK, CB and CM; the defensive spine of the team. There are also doubts over the quality of Szczesny, Kos/JD, Gibbs, Song and Theo at the highest level, the other 6 are proven, top class payers, in my view.
It's a good XI though, and we all remember the devastating brilliance of the "Super Six" in attack during our hot spell last season - the potential to give any team around a good hiding.
To really take us up another level I would add a top class, experienced centreback, and a holding midfielder and forward of similar quality and experience.
For me, adding Gervinho to the attack is similar to adding Cahill to the defence, both have obvious ability and quality, but they are at a stage in their careers where they have to make another step up if they want to become top class footballers. So it's a gamble and not a certainty. The fact is we will struggle to sign anyone who is a certainty, who has actually proven themselves as a top class footballer and with experience at the highest level. We just aren't able to shop in those stores.
The encouraging part is that the likes of Szczesny, Kos/JD, Gibbs, Song and Theo have every chance of becoming top class players. So even without further signings our team can improve.
Sorry, bit of a mess of a post!
