In the latest of our series of interviews with professional journalists, Read Arsenal caught up with Press Association journalist Simon Peach to find out his views on how Arsenal’s season has gone so far.
1) How would you rate Arsenal’s season so far? Is there anything that could have gone better?
Given how the campaign began against Villa, there can be few complaints at the Emirates. The squad remains light in certain key areas but you cannot argue with the way the starting players have performed. Aaron Ramsey, in particular, has been a joy to watch.
2) Mesut Ozil has come in for a bit of criticism in recent weeks for some unspectacular performances. What is your take on the matter; are we expecting too much from the German?
Sometimes it is easy to overlook the difficulty in not only adapting to a new style of football but a country as a whole. Yes, there are a number of German players at the club, but things are rarely black and white. Ozil has not reached the heights scaled in the early weeks and much of that may well be down to him playing through Christmas for the first time.
3) Who are the players that have really surprised you this season, outside of the more obvious performers?
Well, I know it’s obvious but I have to go with Ramsey. I never expected him to get back to his old self, never-mind kick on. Hopefully he can get back fit sooner rather than later.
4) Arsenal are still in the F.A Cup and the Champions League, as well as competing in a fierce title race. Which of the three provides the best chance of a trophy?
FA Cup. I am impressed by the manner in which Arsenal have performed in the league, but maintaining it against the behemoth that is Manchester City and Jose’s boys will require luck on the injury front. We all know how tough Bayern Munich will be in the Champions League so, while Liverpool is hardly an ideal draw, the FA Cup looks the most likely chance.
5) Much has been made of Arsenal’s lack of striking options. Can the Gunners realistically win the title with Giroud as their first choice striker and little behind that?
What about little old Nicklas? In all seriousness, that is a worry. The defence has been impressively sturdy this term, but unless you can get goals to kill off tight games you will have to settle for draws now and again.
6) Julian Draxler’s arrival seems plausible in the Summer. Is he the long-term answer to Arsenal’s striking problems and can he be the next Robin van Persie?
Ummm, in a word: no. He would be another attacking midfielder and one that could bring goals, but not the next RVP. His dribbling and through balls are impressive, but his goal ratio is not.
7) Arsene Wenger was lambasted over the summer and after the Aston Villa. Has he proved why calls for him to go were wide of the mark with Arsenal’s start to the season?
I think he has done a pretty darn good job in showing just why Arsenal have been such a success during his tenure. A trophy this season would go some way to quietening those remaining naysayers.
8) And finally, is it finally the season that Arsenal break their trophy drought?
Yes.
