For a long time now I’ve been disillusioned by the overt and glittery presentation of our beautiful game on the nations TV channels. From the brash appearance to the distinctly unnecessary taglines (Grand Slam Sunday?! Honestly?!) the game itself has almost become an after thought.

Big games are built up to such an extent that you often feel cheated, sold down the river by the abundance of OTT advertising and hype that dwarf the match it was publicising in the first place.

Sky Sports are obviously the biggest offenders in the case of football vs. theatrical nonsense but that’s not to say the BBC, ITV and Setanta Sports are cleared of any wrong doings either.

All compete to create the biggest showpiece events and in doing so add, ironically, to the disenchantment of fans who feel their game is becoming tainted by ridiculous amounts of money.

And the stars of these over hyped, bloated showpiece events are the players of yesteryear, former professionals paid to analyse games using their wealth of experience in the game.

These puppets unfortunately only serve to add to the pantomime that is modern day football television.

Any sort of experience in the game takes priority over having two brain cells to rub together, though of course this isn’t true in all cases. There are some very good ex pros who lend their understanding and personality very well to punditry.

There are though unfortunately pundits who in many respects have no greater perspective than that of the armchair fan at home.

Moreso than ever, pundits are trying to embrace celebrity as opposed to focusing on the job at hand, for example Alan Hansen and those horrific Morrisons adverts. Alan Hansen himself had a hugely successful career at Liverpool and carries a lot of respect amongst fans for his honest and forthright views but the supermarket ads do remove a level of credibility from his work.

Roy Keane has blasted television pundits for the way they impact the game as a whole, referring specifically to the treatment of Arsene Wenger over the past week:

“Because of the industry now and the way it is, there are knee-jerk reactions and there seems to be a crisis at some sort of club every week. It’s crazy.

“A lot of punters are being brainwashed by what’s real and what’s not real and that gets to the players sometimes.”

A great deal is blown out of proportion by pundits when they second guess situations (and are often wrong), undermine player and managerial positions with their comments and add to fan hysteria at clubs in difficulty.

“There was a debate this week about Arsene Wenger. How crazy is that? What that man’s done for the game – and we’re giving these people air time. I wouldn’t listen to these people in the pub, and yet they’re on television constantly, ex-players, ex-referees getting interviewed giving out their opinions. I wouldn’t trust these people to walk my dog.

“You’re sitting there with people like Richard Keys and they’re trying to sell something that’s not there. I tell people any time they watch a game to switch the commentators off, don’t listen to experts, gather your own opinion.”

Roy has hit the nail on the head with his comments this past week.

Arsene Wenger’s position has never been under threat and despite the teams inconsistency the club are still in a great position to press on for honours this season.

The backlash against Wenger following the Stoke game was really unjustified when you consider, as Keane did, the input the Frenchman has had on our game. As such, pundits are happy to stick the knife in when things aren’t going so well but are more than happy to praise the same man/team struggling not long before.

Since the defeats of Manchester United and Wigan, Arsene and Arsenal are the highlight of Sky Sports News and this only a week after his future in the job and title credentials were being dismissed.

All quite illogical and hence why the majority of pundits and their opinions only pass me by.

Here then, in my opinion, are the biggest offending football pundits on TV today and why:

1. Jamie Redknapp: Former floppy haired spice boy Redknapp was poached by Sky Sports not long into the start of his punditry career at the BBC. Whilst you cannot fault the enthusiasm of the ex Liverpool and Spurs midfielder, his drawn out tirades often serve only to portray him as over excited and rather directionless. Add a chronic misunderstanding of the word ‘literally’ and you have a recipe for frustration. Literally.

2. Paul Merson: Now, don’t get me wrong Paul Merson the player I adored. Somebody who has overcome adversity in the form of his addictive gambling and drug habits and continued playing at the highest level deserves a lot of credit. That said, great pundit this man will never be. A bumbling and ungainly presence in front of the TV cameras, Merson provides laughs, albeit often for the wrong reasons:

“The big oxygen thing is out for Benni McCarthy … he’s got a lot of medical round him.”

3. Garth Crooks: A Football Focus regular for the BBC, Crooks takes the crown for being the most conceited, narcissistic and uptight of the punditry world today. A former Spurs, Charlton and West Brom striker, Crooks holds his own opinion in far greater regard than anyone else. His mannerisms serve only to attract more derision, with a holier than thou attitude and delivery befitting someone who once was rumoured to be running for a seat in parliament. I personally wish he had gone for it – would’ve made Final Score a lot more bearable on Saturday evenings.

4. Andy Gray: Andy Gray is probably the best analyst in the country. Always concise, wonderfully eloquent and with passion to spare, he and Tyler provide the best commentary pairing in the country. So why is he so annoying? Andy Gray has started to believe his own hype. From the cringe worthy repetition of “take a boo son” and his vociferous defence of Javier Mascherano at Old Trafford last season, proclaiming the referee had bottled it, when the world and his wife could see what the Liverpool man had done wrong. Andy Gray has perfected the art of second guessing the referee and in doing so has cheapened his image and blunted his opinion.

5. David Pleat: – I hope for ITV’s sake that this man isn’t being paid. If they are I imagine its in crowns and shillings, as a reflection of the era in which Pleat was last of any use. Constantly mispronouncing names or getting them wrong all together and using archaic terminologies are all staple features of Pleats. In fact its safe to say there isn’t a more infuriating commentator in the game:

“We are now in the middle of the centre of the first half.”

There is however a solution to the nonsensical mumblings of the old man of punditry. Its called the mute button.

This is the tip of what is a large iceberg but who do you consider to be the worst pundit in the game? Is it a pair or a team? A presenter (Colin Murray??!!!) or a specific program’s format

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The majority of us have one. A personal vendetta with a man you’ve never met. A man who could not have done much worse had he slept with your wife.

These are the players that rinse your club for every last penny. The players that see your club as a stepping stone or proclaim their undying love one week only to sulk and talk themselves into a move the next.

For Spurs see Dimitar Berbatov, Arsenal; Ashley Cole, Liverpool had Michael Owen and I think some would even put Chelsea’s Frank Lampard in that category.

Now I’m sure many Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea fans are nodding their heads in agreement with me here, but the question I’d like to ask is to what extent do you empathise with the men after the money?

As an Arsenal supporter myself I lend only complete and utter disdain towards Ashley Cole and his character, irrespective of whether there is 3 lions on his chest or a solitary blue one.

I boo his very appearance upon my television, cheer any tackle on him and rejoice in sordid tales surrounding his troubled personal life (though I think that has more to do with my hope Cheryl will come knocking on my door one day) .

As for the controversy surrounding his booing at Wembley against Kazakhstan, I could only laugh. Far from worrying about the effect this could have on a fickle England sides confidence, I instead saw it as confirmation of his status as England’s most hated player.

For, whatever your affinity with Arsenal, be it good or bad, you can empathise with us based purely on the way Cole set about his dirty business.

Whilst in a Waterstones book outlet yesterday I faced the dilemma of picking up his autobiography, purely out of curiosity. As it was I settled with leaving it, knowing I wouldn’t be wasting my time on a figure I so loath. As it is I have selected a couple of quotes that depict a pretty desperate defence:

‘I’m not asking for sympathy — just an awareness of what’s gone on, how I didn’t want to leave and how I feel the board messed things up. Not me. This situation couldn’t have just been my fault. I’m not disloyal. I’m a loyal and honest person and I’ve got principles. I can wake up in the morning and look at myself in the mirror, knowing that I’ve done no wrong. I tried to be fair. I tried to be decent. I wonder if the Arsenal board could say the same?’

‘The deal he offered was a £10,000-a-week increase to £35,000. A hell of a lot of money. But, when taken in the context of football wages and his own estimated value of me of £20 million, and when placed next to those other Arsenal wages of between £80,000 and £100,000 a week, his offer was a p*ss-take. It was a slap in the face, not a pat on the back.’

And people are surprised as to why he gets booed.

Now, I know that some of you will be reading this and thinking 1) get over it and 2) how childishly my opinion manifests itself. However, my passion for Arsenal far outweighs my sense of logic in this instance.

And that’s what makes it so hard to understand where Ashley was coming from when stating his reasons behind wanting to leave.

‘When I heard Jonathan (Barnett) repeat the figure of £55k, I nearly swerved off the road. “He is taking the p*ss, Jonathan!” I yelled down the phone. I was so incensed. I was trembling with anger. I couldn’t believe what I’d heard. I suppose it all started to fall apart for me from then on. I’d trusted Mr Dein to push the deal through.’

As a lifelong Arsenal fan, surely £10,000 a week (on top of £55,000 I might add) would come second in priority to playing for the club you so adore?

I know that for some money is priority, that some of the footballers from the poorer parts of Africa for example have a responsibility to provide for families that have to contend with serious poverty and famine. So of course an extra £10,000 will be a lot more beneficial. Of course £10,000 is relative to your own upbringing and wealth so to begrudge players (of a poor background) a move on the basis they only need the money may be slightly unethical, compared to someone who in all honesty may not need nearly as much.

In the case of Cole, the fact that he prioritised his bank account ahead of the club he loved (not to mention the way he went about it) resonates badly with fans of all clubs and it was perhaps the most contentious transfer in Premier League history.

Similarly the circumstances surrounding Michael Owen’s transfer to Real Madrid caused a lot of contempt from Liverpool fans after he was accused of holding the club to ransom over his own high wage demands. Not only that, he was sold at a cut price £8 million, costing the club the difference in his market value.

Despite growing up an Everton fan, Owen was nonetheless a fan favourite at Anfield, thus causing all the more confusion when he eventually departed. His comeuppance would come in the form of the Champions League arriving at Liverpool not even a year since his exit.

Frank Lampard is someone I’m surprised is still so popular at Stamford Bridge after his summer exploits at the hands of Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho.

Despite committing to Chelsea for another 5 years, Frank’s flirtation with Inter Milan over the summer surely had a part to play in his astronomical wage rise.

Quotes from Lampard admitting his admiration for the Milan club coupled with Jose Mourinho’s public coveting of the England midfielder served to force Chelsea’s hand further than it appeared they’d like.

Surprising, given Lampard’s incessant badge kissing at the Bridge.

As an Arsenal supporter I dream only of having the red and white shirt on, not the white of Madrid nor the red and blue of Barcelona. Despite my acknowledgement that these are perhaps in some respects bigger than Arsenal but I know that where I in the shoes of some of today’s footballers I would do my utmost to move to Arsenal and stay there.

I know in the cases of some players Barcelona or AC Milan might well be the clubs they supported as a child, as we have seen in the protracted Cristiano Ronaldo to Madrid saga (one I doubt is any where near over). But in his instance they were his boyhood club so I think a lot of people empathise with his longing for a move, especially when you consider that he has won all major trophies at Manchester United.

The massive wages on offer may have clouded some peoples views regarding the Ronaldo matter but I would maintain his desire to play in the royal white of Madrid outweighs that of filling his wallet.

This summer alone the term ‘dream club’ has become commonplace, though for different reasons.

Robbie Keane moved to Liverpool, a club he supported as a boy.

Dimitar Berbatov moved to Manchester United, the English and European Champions.

David Bentley moved to Spurs to have a chance of playing in the Champions League.

So of all these cases what would you consider concurrent with your own ideas of a dream move?

Would you prioritise the dream of playing for your boyhood club?

Does success take precedence over the club you play for?

Or do you think the chance of an extra £30,000 would be enough to take you away from your beloved team?

Adebayor this summer talked himself into a hole regarding wages, arguing last years 30 goal haul should give him parity with what Thierry Henry was earning whilst at the club. Now I’d imagine Adebayor’s agent was the main offender in this case, although it was very naive of Adebayor to believe his one good season was proof of his replacing of Henry. Seven more years like the last one and maybe you’ll have a point. Unfortunately I think it might be a bit longer before we forgive him – badge kissing and all. Yet for all the Togolese’ unsavoury conduct he was soon treated to a new £80,000 a week contract. Incredible.

The fact clubs are willing to pay such obscene amounts of money to these characters only accelerates the problem.

The idea of playing for Arsenal is a dream to me, let alone being paid to do so. I would have to say that the pride of having the cannon on my chest would far prevail over a few extra zeroes on the wage slip at the end of the week (How the hell do you spend £100,000 a week anyway?!), and I imagine the majority of you would agree with me (well not the cannon part but you get the gist).

That said, everyone has their price. Can you imagine what yours would be?

I know there are many variables involved in making such decisions, I.e. family etc but when eliminating such factors and making a decision based purely on money, success or club what would you choose?

A lot of questions but can you answer them all and honestly say you’d put your club over money?

A final thought comes from a question I asked a fellow Gooner not too long ago.

I posed a dilemma.

He was to take the penalty which would keep Barcelona alive in the Champions League final against Arsenal – to miss of course would mean

Barca would lose.

Champions League glory on the one hand.

Disdain and derision on the other.

His answer?

“I’d sky it”.

I could only smile in agreement.

This article is a submission for the Soccerlens 2008 Writing Competition; to participate, please read the details here. The competition is sponsored by Subside Sports (premier online store for football shirts) and Icons (official signed football jerseys).

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

A club’s colours and kit are a fundamental part of their tradition and heritage; indeed many would recognise a team because of their uniform before their badge.

Take my side, Arsenal, and the introduction of their famous white sleeves back n the 1930′s. Manager Herbert Chapman introduced white sleeves to the previously all-red Arsenal shirts in 1934 but how this idea came about depends on which source you believe. One version of events has Chapman spotting someone in the Highbury crowd wearing a red sleeveless sweater over a white shirt. A look that he felt it would help the players identify each other on the pitch.

Alternatively, some credit the look to famous cartoonist Tom Webster, who wore a striking blue pullover over a white shirt whilst enjoying a round of golf with the then Chelsea chairman, Claude Kirby. Kirby himself was taken with the idea of adding white sleeves to Chelsea’s shirt, though Chapman upon being told of the look made sure his cherished Arsenal adorned the new style.

Furthermore, it was Chapman who incorporated the badge on to the left hand side of the new shirt and added stripes to the teams socks, reasoning that the distinctive pattern and colours would make team mates more visible and thus, easier to pass to.

Last season a new white away kit was released by Arsenal and Nike incorporating Chapman’s striped socks and having his name adorning the shirt. Furthermore, Chapman was the driving focus of the advertising campaign for the shirt.

This came in for heavy criticism by a lot of Arsenal fans, firstly for having a kit the same colour as Spurs and secondly for what was seen as a pretty shameless campaign by Nike.

It now seems somewhat ironic that ideas that were seen as so innovative back then are now so trivial and more often than not implemented solely for commercial gain.

This year many more Gooners are in uproar over the removal of the traditional white sleeves by Nike. Why they have decided to remove one of the club’ss most identifiable characteristics is beyond me, for surely someone at Nike must’ve realised that it’s an integral part of the clubs identity – they’ve been doing our kits for over 10 years. Take away the sponsor and the badge and you have a Manchester United shirt. Or a Liverpool shirt. Or a Middlesbrough shirt. Or a ….

Similarly the new yellow away shirt, whilst adhering to traditional colours is again the victim of the money men at the head of Nike, associating the strip with the 89′ title winning side. This photo released to promote the new kit ropes in some of the winners on the night of that famous night in Anfield and even features the Division 1 title in the background.

As much as I appreciate the sentiment involved in having Rocastle’s shirt above the trophy it still smacks of shameless corporate advertising. If the trend of basing a shirt on historic events continues (something also seen with Liverpool’s grey and red update of their 80′s away kit) then by 2020 we will be having shirts commemorating last seasons 1-1 draw with Wigan at the JJB.

In this time of rising ticket prices, corporate-named stadiums and excessive foreign investment it feels to me we the fans, Arsenal or otherwise, are again being taken for a ride. Last season Arsenal released a red and blue striped third shirt, a shirt I invested £45 in, only to see the team play in it around about 8/9 times and be scrapped for next season. The purpose? And yet they keep the unfavourable white shirt for the coming campaign.

The sting of several years ago upon Umbro, Manchester United and JJB Sports over the retail prices of football shirts seems to have been cunningly overcome by simply releasing more shirts.

Chelsea last season released the much publicised electric yellow shirt, only to replace this season with a mundane black affair. Surely a purely financial move? They too released a third shirt, though like Arsenal’s it appeared a scarce number of times.

Liverpool this season have released a new home and away kit, with another to be confirmed. Last season they released 2 away shirts, as well as a new home and 2 away shirts the season before.

Ditto Spurs.

Serial offenders Manchester United aren’t even on a par with the likes of these 2 clubs.

I could go on (be thankful you aren’t a Real Madrid fan – a new, practically unchanged kit every season!) but I shan’t bore/offend you(r) club.

I know you could argue that there’s no compulsory need to buy any shirts, that it’s a contribution to the club and that people do get excited by new kits and technological advances. But what of the parents now spending up to £120 a season on replica shirts (before you mention shorts, socks, numbering etc), of those who get fed up with seeing their shirt on the sales rack in JJB for under £20, having spent more than double that mere months earlier? And what of a club’s identity?

Liverpool have in the past 3 seasons had a:

Yellow and red trim away kit
White and green chequered kit
White, red and green trimmed kit
Black and red trim kit
Grey and red trim kit
And a yet to be confirmed aqua blue/green kit

How many more can and will they have? And this isn’t a slight on Liverpool F.C and so on, but on the multi-million pound suppliers like Nike and Adidas who are neglecting fans and club ideals in favour of profit margins and in addition vindicating doing so with tawdry historic references.

The ‘technological advances’ that arrive every year are nothing more than jargon to concur with the elitist image companies are trying to promote within domestic football and on a broader, global scale.

Nike advertise new national kits on their website, describing Brazil’s as:

‘Brazil’s love affair with the World Cup began 50 years ago with the first of their record five victories. The new home shirt reflects that heritage in classic yellow with Brazilian green on the collar, cuffs and a new flash on the side. Made from DRI – FIT to keep you cooler, drier and lighter’.

Essentially the same as nigh on every Nike kit at the moment, bar colouration. And none to different from the one preceding it and more than likely than the next . In many cases the shirt will vary very little, again detracting from the price – why pay another £40 for what is nigh on the same shirt with some minor alterations.

In all seriousness, this may seem a somewhat insignificant matter in the current climate of greedy agents, mercenaries (no names mentioned) and Game 39, but I write this knowing full well that not only will this trend continue and worsen in the coming years but that it represents another victory for big business and money when it comes to football – however negligible it may seem right now.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Manchester United returned to the Premiership summit midweek with a comfortable 2 — 0 victory over Harry Redknapp’s Pompey side.

Whilst many would argue that United could have gone on to score six or seven, such was their dominance and quality of play, I’m sure the Old Trafford faithful would have settled for two and the spectacle that was Ronaldo’s free kick.

We’ve seen him score several free kicks before, the majority coming this season yet none have captured the footballing publics imagination like last nights.

At around 25 yards out and more or less central to the goal, Ronaldo struck with an awesome blend of power and accuracy, the ball sailing over the wall and passing within two — three inches of the post and crossbar. David James, heralded this week as the league’s best keeper by Redknapp stood grounded, simply shaking his head in disbelief.

The goal led Sir Alex Ferguson to reserve special praise for the goal, saying:

“It was a marvellous hit and there is no keeper in the world that is going to save that.”

“Without doubt that has to be the best (free-kick in the Premier League’s history).”

Now, whilst the goal truly was stunning and quite unique, I’m not sure Ferguson’s claims of it being the best in the Premiership’s history ring true.

Now, what I consider THE best free kick ever (maybe the best goal ever) is Roberto Carlos’ blast against France at Le Tournoi in 1998. Stunning beyond belief though I’m sure you don’t need reminding.

Unfortunately, that goal was not scored in the Premiership so doesn’t come into consideration when deciding on my favourites.

After a quick scrambling of my thoughts, several informed opinions and a lengthy scouring of YouTube, I have concluded these are my top 5 Premiership free kicks ever….

5. Matt Le Tissier
Southampton Vs Wimbledon 26/02/1994

Always one for the wonder strike, Le Tissier scored a goal that had schoolboys all over the country copying him. Instead of trying to get the ball up and over the wall direct, the ball was laid of and with a neat flick up he emphatically volleyed into the top right hand corner of the Don’s net. An oh so simple execution of such difficult technique that was to become the hallmark of Le Tissier’s footballing career.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Sunderland Vs Manchester United 26/12/2007

Similar to the one scored against Pompey but instead Ronaldo decides to whip it across the goal, instead of firing clean through the ball. Again incredible pace and accuracy combine to create the magic moment. The result is a ball nestling in the top corner of the net and a £9 million goalkeeper rooted to the spot, no doubt feeling a little helpless.

3. John Arne Riise
Liverpool Vs Manchester United 04/11/2001

John Arne Riise stamped his name in Anfield folklore with this goal alone. A player whose shot struck fear into the opposition keeper and fans behind the goal alike, Riise outdid even himself on this occasion. A set piece placed slightly too far right proved little problem for the Norwegian powerhouse as he slammed home the teed off shot, cannoning in off of the underside of the bar en route. That the goal was scored against bitter rivals Manchester United only served to endear him further into the hearts of scouse reds everywhere.

2. Cristano Ronaldo
Manchester United Vs Portsmouth 30/01/2008

Truly unique in his execution, Ronaldo has scored an abundance of outstanding free kicks this term — as Sunderland, Sporting Lisbon and Inter Milan will testify. Last year it appeared that Ronaldo was actually aiming for the wall at some points, such was the frequency he would hit it — this is no longer the case. The precise placements of the ball, the odd stance and prolonged stare prior to the strike no longer seem like the pantomime pieces they once did. For now he actually provides and provides and provides….

1. David Beckham
Everton Vs Manchester United 11/05/2003

Maybe not the most popular choice but for me, the best Premier League free kick ever. This man made a name for himself with his pinpoint crossing and deadly free kicks. Throughout his whole career Beckham scored several brilliant free kicks (he could probably have his own top 50) and he has done it where he has gone, be it at Manchester United, Real Madrid, for England and now at L.A Galaxy. This particular goal at Goodison Park epitomised what Beckham was about. Despite the ball being in a position where a cross would seem the better option, Beckham with his unlimited confidence and set piece ability saw otherwise and produced an outstanding strike to end his time at Manchester United on a real high. Whipped across the goal into the far top corner of the net, it seems astonishing now that he managed to find that spot especially with his right foot — a leftie may have struggled. Maybe because United had already wrapped up the title and the game was essentially a friendly for them people don’t remember that goal as well as some of his others but for me it was truly outstanding.

Other honourable mentions go to Robin Van Persie for his attempt at breaking the crossbar at Ashburton Grove against Sunderland earlier this season, Elano’s netbuster against Newcastle in October and Steven Gerrard for his thunderbolt at St James Park.

What are your opinions on mine and what are your own top five? Best free kick in Premiership history? And excuses for any brilliant strikes I may have forgotten!

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Mid transfer window, what could/should your team do to improve?

Already we are over midway through the January transfer market and despite this being the priciest ever window on record (an estimated £96M spent already) much of the pre-window speculation has failed to materialise (Berbatov to United anyone?).

Of course the media will do their utmost to recycle last summers rubbish or invent some audacious move. The likelihood is though many of the reports will go unsubstantiated.

As an Arsenal supporter I’m used to the window passing by with the minority of commotion, the exception being Reyes a few years ago. Its Wenger’s policy and us Gooners all trust Wenger don’t we….?

Far from this being a slight on Le Prof, I struggle to see how we can be in a position to win the league come the end of May without some valuable reinforcements.

Defensively we are in a bit of a predicament right now – with Toure at the African Nations Cup and Gallas far from Mr Reliable injuries wise, a centre back or two wouldn’t go amiss.

Wenger’s youth policy has no doubt been a roaring success with the Arsenal playing some of the most sublime football around and now getting results with it. However there is a time when experience has to come to the fore and as many a Man Utd supporter would tell you, if there is a time for bottle its now.

And that is something I don’t see in Senderos and Djorou, not yet anyway. This is our best chance in 3 years to win the title and the excuse that we are a young team doesn’t really cut the mustard anymore.

Names I wouldn’t mind donning our colours, be it permanently or on loan include Aston Villa’s Olof Mellberg and Boro’s Jonathan Woodgate. Mellberg is out of contract in the summer and so can be bought in on the cheap and has a wealth of experience at centre and right back. As for Woodgate, he hasn’t had the best luck with injuries but he is a very capable defender and a loan deal to prove he could stay fit would be just the ticket. He is reputedly unsettled on Teeside and would jump at the chance to play for a big club – hence why he probably won’t join Spurs as speculated! 

These guys could do a job coming in to the side if need be and provide us with some of the defensive rigidity lacking on occasions this season.

Offensively we have been absolutely fantastic. The goals have been flowing, as opposed to the penalty box passing sessions that were so frequent last season and the way we have put teams to the sword has been as pleasing as any other season I remember. The downside is again not who is in the first eleven but who comes in when the going gets really tough, come March onwards.

Big plusses this season come in the form of Adebayor who, has confounded his critics this year, currently second in the goal scoring charts to a certain winker and, Eduardo, despite a slow start is beginning to become that ‘fox in the box’ Wenger has so yearned for (to the extent Franny Jeffers was worth a punt!).

Fabregas and Hleb can also be regarded in that category, the young Spaniard becoming our driving force in Thierry’s departure and Hleb now adding the final product his deft dribbling skills deserve.

Unfortunately for Robin Van Persie and to a lesser extent Tomas Rosicky, their seasons haven’t really taken off. To be fair, its only because of injury but its hard to rely on RVP right now – he seems to be in one week, out the next 3. We know what he can do but he’s not often doing it right now.

2 years since Theo Walcott’s £12M move from Southampton and we’re still waiting. Still waiting for a prolonged run in the side, still waiting for a real boom in form, still waiting to see that promise turn into performance. Its been rumoured this week that he will be allowed out on loan, with Stoke and Liverpool alleged to be interested, though Wenger has slammed the door shut on that one. With only 17 squad members available right now and the games coming thick and fast, why deplete our numbers further? And where better to learn his football education than The Grove, under Wenger’s tutelage. It’ll come – he is only 18 after all – but you feel it needs to come soon, for his and Arsenal’s sake.

Its harder bringing players in in January as we are already in the middle of the season and performances are needed immediately – which doesn’t always happen.

I’d like to see Rafaael Van Der Vaart come in, to take some of the pressure off of Fabregas in that attacking midfield position, and also taking Van Persie’s place as a second striker.

Similarly, I think Luka Modric or Damien Duff would be great acquisitions – we need a natural winger and the Irishman is as good as any when in form, just ask Barca.

What do you all think with regards to who and what your team needs this transfer window?

And do you fellow Gooners agree with what I have said?

Remember these are just my ideas, take with a bucketful of salt.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News