GoonerClaude is a life long Arsenal fan, born on Holloway Road and has appeared multiple times on ArsenalFan TV. A strong, opinionated supporter of the club and we caught up with him recently to speak about all things Arsenal.
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1. A position every Arsenal fan would love to be in, if you could choose two more players to sign (realistic signings!) this summer, who would they be and why?
Karim Benzema as we need a striker who doesn’t need multiple chances to score especially in big matches where chances are limited. I also think we need a defensive midfield player, either William Carvalho or Morgan Schneiderlin (who has joined Manchester United) as I expect a dip in form from Francis Coquelin and in certain games you can play both.
2. Francis Coquelin was fantastic last season as I’m sure you’ll agree, do you think he is the long-term answer to Arsenal’s midfield stability?
Coquelin had a great season, it’s difficult to judge if he will be great long-term. You only need to look over the road at Sandro and Spurs to see what happened to him and that’s why we need another player, otherwise it’s a big gamble to rely on Coquelin despite all the promise he holds.
3. In terms of being able to put in a substantial title bid, how close do you think Arsenal now are?
The title is not just about 2 signings, it is about the mentality of the team and the tactical nature of our manager. We have made a great start by bringing in Petr Cech, who will add presence and organise the back four and is another leader, whom you can’t have enough of and with two further additions, there is no excuse not to mount a big title challenge.
4. You’re an Arsenal fan who has seen it all, what is your best memory since you started watching the North London side?
You might find it strange, but for me it was a night in North London, the League Cup semi final replay and Spurs had the better players but we had a young, promising team and as I was crushed against a bar on the terraces with 15 minutes to go by Spurs fans, who were 1-0 up through Clive Allen and were singing as if already on their way to Wembley, Ian Allison came to life and the late great David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle scored the winner. It was a night to remember, as was Anfield 89.
5. Calum Chambers is a great young talent, who signed as a right back last season, but Arsene Wenger says his future is at the heart of the defence, where do you think he’ll play in the long-term and what are his best attributes?
Chambers is without doubt a centre half in the making. He doesn’t really have any weaknesses, except for the fact he lacks pace and that is the reason why he will end up in the middle of the pitch.
6. How far do you think Arsenal will go next season across all four competitions?
We can go very far, but it all depends on keeping our top players fit, our mentality in the squad has to improve and the manager has to tactically change in Europe. Last season we should have shown patience and even settle for a draw against Monaco in the first leg, as I believe we’d have won at their ground. As long as we do all of the above, I’m confident we will challenge on all fronts.
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Thanks very much to GoonerClaude for taking part and make sure you follow him on Twitter @goonerclaude.
