At the time of writing, Manchester United sit pretty at the top of the Premier League. Three games, 10 goals scored and none conceded.
United look the real deal. Jose Mourinho has assembled a fine squad capable of challenging for the very league title we so crave.
In stark contrast, sit our beloved Arsenal. Hours after a dismal and spineless performance to direct rivals Liverpool, Arsenal are a mess.
Top players entering their final years of contracts with no indication of future commitment, several other fringe players been shown the door with no improved replacements earmarked. Defensive frailties continue to halt any title charge. So much for that “catalyst of change” PR ploy by Ivan Gazidis.
Mourinho needed a striker, a proven goal scorer, he got one. He needed a defensive midfielder, he got one. Mourinho needed a centre back, he got one.
In contrast, Arsenal needed a striker and fair play to them, we got our man, fairly early on in the window too. As well as Sead Kolasinac who looks like a shrewd buy. However, with three days left until the close of the window, we have been left short again.
Arsenal are one injury or suspension away from fielding a midfield base of Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny.
With the utmost respect, both those players are capable squad players but nothing more. Our defensive struggles that have existed for a better part of a decade still have not been addressed.
Currently; Gabriel has been sold, Laurent Koscielny – who returned for the game against Liverpool – has a recurrent and persistent achilles problem that needs monitoring, Mertesacker is in his final season before hanging up his boots.
Rob Holding is far too young and inexperienced to be thrown in at the deep end and Shkodran Mustafi – who was purchased a mere 12 months ago – seems keen on a move away from Arsenal. The situation is dire.
Players are slowly exiting so that should not hamper any incoming now. Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST) just this week have confirmed that there are funds available, so there is no excuse as to why we are delaying this long before we strengthen.
It’s not to say that there are no players available who would “add quality to our squad” as Wenger always claims.
Virgil van Dijk is available and is seeking a move away from Southampton having requested a transfer. A considerable fee would be required to attain his services, but nothing like the magnitude of fees being thrown around today for the likes of Neymar or Ousmane Dembele.
Jean Michael Seri – a currently applying his trade in Ligue 1 outfit Nice, is another player who could easily improve our midfield and add steel as well as creativity. He is available.
Why are Arsenal not making these moves that are required? The funds are there, deadwood is being cleared. We are just two players away from parting from a vicious cycle that has kept us from challenging for the title.
