The Arsene Wenger revival?

[Kjetil Osvold's Cat]

Is it too early to say?

If it happens, is he benefitting from other clubs struggles?

Have Arsenal got a decent chance to go very close or win the Champions League even?

Is Ozil going to be the difference that means they don't drop off in the second half of the season like a few years ago (the last good start since their trophy days; then they lost to Chelsea and Man Utd a few times and fell behind if I remember correctly)?

Has he found a great balance between freedom of movement and solid defending now?

Are they still not great in defence and are the striking options not great enough to win trophies in the end?

Have I missed any relevant questions?

Discuss.

 

[tropix]

I've got to say, I'd love to see Arsenal and Wenger win the league his year. I've had a soft spot for them since the Bergkamp/Henry days when I was growing up. The way that Wenger conducts himself has always been top class

...and yes, Ozil is the difference. Not only through ability, but team confidence

 

[Kjetil Osvold's Cat]

I've got to say, I'd love to see Arsenal and Wenger win the league his year. I've had a soft spot for them since the Bergkamp/Henry days when I was growing up. The way that Wenger conducts himself has always been top class

...and yes, Ozil is the difference. Not only through ability, but team confidence

Yeah I think I'd prefer them to win it, or funnily enough Tottenham (which would be Arsenal fans' least preferred option, apart from a few who would like a pleasant change and a big top of the league rivalry maybe).

I didn't think either North London club would win it this year but after the Ozil sigining (and Eriksen arriving at Spurs too) and then the fact that they still sit at the top and the other 3 main contenders (Liverpool are more equivalent to the North London clubs probably) dropping points and looking capable of dropping plenty more....I think they have a decent chance. Less likely in the CL I would think but it's possible - would like to see them beat Barca over two legs but wouldn't expect it so they'd need them and possibly Real and others to be knocked out by lesser teams I think (who ride their luck and nick goals on the break, or from set pieces etc).

 

[Gary]

I think if Ozil and Giroud stay fit then I don't see any reason.

I do think luck is on their side though:

- United's "bedding in" process with Moyes is a tough one and is to be expected
- Same with City, although I expect they'll pick up pace quicker than their rivals
- Spurs have a title winning team on paper, although it is a brand new team
- Liverpool have made an impressive start but I don't expect it to last

Leaving only Chelsea as the team who could realistically beat them to the punch.

However I do believe that Arsenal have familiarity on their side which would push them over the finish line. There's been no drastic changes in management or squad, only the addition of Ozil and Flamini (who obviously had played before). There's even some good youth coming through too, with Ramsey and Gnabry looking awesome.

Nope, I don't see any reason why they can't do it this year.

 

[Senior Flange Technician]

I still think they need a world class forward . Giroud has done really well but you could see why he went in for other forwards.

 

[Fitzcarraldo]

Ozil has certainly helped bring the funk back to Arsenal. His vision, touch and movement last night was sublime, and he allows the entire midfield to operate at a different level, none moreso than Ramsey who appears to have tuned in to Ozil from the get go. Flamini's steel and experience in front of the back four is also giving them something they've lacked since...well, Flamini left. However, their defence wasn't too bad, contrary to belief - they had the second best defensive record in the Prem last year, and Merts and Kos are growing into quite a formidable partnership. Giroud is the real deal too.

 

[Kieran]

I said it from the start, one big signing won't be enough for Arsenal, regardless of who it was. It was their overall team play that is the problem, they never replaced key exits such as Fabregas, Henry, Van Persie etc..however, Ozil is looking like a perfect addition.

 

[Fitzcarraldo]

I said it from the start, one big signing won't be enough for Arsenal, regardless of who it was. It was their overall team play that is the problem, they never replaced key exits such as Fabregas, Henry, Van Persie etc..however, Ozil is looking like a perfect addition.

What do you mean by overall team play being the problem?

 

[tropix]

I said it from the start, one big signing won't be enough for Arsenal, regardless of who it was.

Well... you were wrong

Ramsey is playing like a new world-class signing as well though, so that's two additions.

 

[tropix]

Yeah I think I'd prefer them to win it, or funnily enough Tottenham (which would be Arsenal fans' least preferred option, apart from a few who would like a pleasant change and a big top of the league rivalry maybe).

I didn't think either North London club would win it this year but after the Ozil sigining (and Eriksen arriving at Spurs too) and then the fact that they still sit at the top and the other 3 main contenders (Liverpool are more equivalent to the North London clubs probably) dropping points and looking capable of dropping plenty more....I think they have a decent chance. Less likely in the CL I would think but it's possible - would like to see them beat Barca over two legs but wouldn't expect it so they'd need them and possibly Real and others to be knocked out by lesser teams I think (who ride their luck and nick goals on the break, or from set pieces etc).

A Spurs vs Arsenal title race would be very enjoyable to watch. I think that Champions League talk is a little premature but if they keep their league form going, anything could happen. They were unlucky not to beat Barcelona over two legs a couple of years ago, when the corrupt ref sent off Van Persie at Camp Nou for nothing at all

 

[Fitzcarraldo]

Careful Tropix, your obvious love for Arsenal could see you being the next Teflon.

 

[tropix]

Hi, Arsenal fan here

 

[Strummer]

BURN HIM!!!!!

(Oh and for the Premier League this season all I'm going to say is "up the Arse").

 

[Kieran]

What do you mean by overall team play being the problem?

Pretty much like how Man United are playing at the moment, they just don't seem to be clicking together, they seem like they've only just started playing together.

And tropix, yeah a few games doesn't win you a title, we'll see where Arsenal are at the end of the season

 

[Black Rose]

I'm not sure Arsenal have got the depth in squad to win it, though if there's ever a time to win the Prem it's now.

As for the CL? Watching Bayern systematically take City to pieces I can't see it.

 

[Trickie Trees]

Hi, Arsenal fan here

You need to extend your post length at least a 100 fold my friend to get to Tefmeister standard.

 

[matt1988]

I've got to say, I'd love to see Arsenal and Wenger win the league his year. I've had a soft spot for them since the Bergkamp/Henry days when I was growing up. The way that Wenger conducts himself has always been top class

...and yes, Ozil is the difference. Not only through ability, but team confidence

Agreed, would be delighted for Wenger if they won it.

The way he has managed the club over the years has been remarkable. Unprecedented in this country.

Initial success: League titles, cup triumphs, "Invincibles" etc, playing fantastic, free-flowing football.

Financial prudence: Years of overseeing the club's move to the Emirates, the necessary restrictions on spending and sale of top players (Heenry, Fabregas, van Persie) whilst continually qualifying for the Champions League through a keen eye for talent, fantastic coaching and loyalty to his players.

The future: The club have now paid off the stadium debts and enjoy revenues far exceeding figures from the Highbury days. Able to spend big money on the likes of Ozil, loyalty in the likes of Ramsey being repaid.

The club has been run correctly, admirably, and they look set to see the benefits over the next few seasons. Really hope they win it rather than the likes of City or Chelsea buying the title.

 

[matt1988]

I'm not sure Arsenal have got the depth in squad to win it, though if there's ever a time to win the Prem it's now.

As for the CL? Watching Bayern systematically take City to pieces I can't see it.

But yeah, don't think any of the English sides stand a chance in the Champions League this year!

 

[Project Zeus]

They've been impressive, but I don't expect to see them challenging in May for anything higher than third. Ozil is a fantastic buy and has started very well, but these big signings are often like this for a few months before falling behind slightly as getting used to English football takes hold. Not having a Christmas break, playing in minus temperatures in January, and having cloggers like Robert Huth flatten you every week may well hit Ozil's form, and when it does I expect Arsenal to fall behind in the title race as City, Chelsea and United take control. However, with Spurs and Liverpool also looking strong, it's hopefully going to be a great season to be a neutral fan. Something's gotta give.

Also, I don't think any of those six teams are anywhere near the top teams in Europe. Even the average Champions League sides are regularly getting it over the English sides in the last few years - look at F.C. Basel beating United and Chelsea, for instance. They're no flukes. I'd be surprised to see any of our sides make it past the quarters in the Champions League, though I wouldn't bet against Spurs winning the Europa League.

 

[Zeus]

Seem to have sorted out their British contingent as well. My criticism of Arsenal in past years had been their reliance on foreign players. They seem to have changed that these days though and are bringing through more British talent as well as having some in the starting line up.

I think they'd be my favorites for the title, personal favorites not odds favorites.

 

[Kjetil Osvold's Cat]

On the subject of Wenger's Arsenal which team was his best do we think?

97/98 - League winners, FA Cup winners
Typical line-up: Seaman, Dixon, Keown, Adams, Winterburn, Parlour, Vieira, Petit, Overmars, Bergkamp, Anelka, subs: Manninger, Bould, Grimandi, Hughes, Platt, Boa Morte, Wright.

01/02 - League winners, FA Cup winners
Typical line-up: Seaman, Lauren, Keown, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Parlour, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, subs: Wright, Upson, Luzhny, Van Bronkhorst, Edu, Wiltord, Kanu.

03/04 - League winners, invincibles (completed in 04/05)
Typical line-up: Lehmann, Lauren, Toure, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Gilberto, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, subs: Taylor, Cygan, Clichy, Edu, Parlour, Wiltord, Reyes.

 

[Barry]

On the subject of Wenger's Arsenal which team was his best do we think?

97/98 - League winners, FA Cup winners
Typical line-up: Seaman, Dixon, Keown, Adams, Winterburn, Parlour, Vieira, Petit, Overmars, Bergkamp, Anelka, subs: Manninger, Bould, Grimandi, Hughes, Platt, Boa Morte, Wright.

01/02 - League winners, FA Cup winners
Typical line-up: Seaman, Lauren, Keown, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Parlour, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, subs: Wright, Upson, Luzhny, Van Bronkhorst, Edu, Wiltord, Kanu.

03/04 - League winners, invincibles (completed in 04/05)
Typical line-up: Lehmann, Lauren, Toure, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Gilberto, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, subs: Taylor, Cygan, Clichy, Edu, Parlour, Wiltord, Reyes.

Got to be the invincibles although the last two were both easy on the eye

 

[Kieran]

Yeah his best team was the invincibles, that was a fantastic line-up. But as I've said before, has he managed to replace that team? No, and it's over 10 years later..although if this season they won the title it'd be quite fitting seeing as it was 10 years previously since his last triumph.

 

[Jimboreds]

Yeah his best team was the invincibles, that was a fantastic line-up. But as I've said before, has he managed to replace that team? No, and it's over 10 years later..although if this season they won the title it'd be quite fitting seeing as it was 10 years previously since his last triumph.

Ramsey looks unstoppable this year. In fact the whole team does. As do, dare I say, Liverpool. I think the pressure is off them both this year as the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City have had drastic changes at their clubs.

 

[Kieran]

Ramsey looks unstoppable this year. In fact the whole team does. As do, dare I say, Liverpool. I think the pressure is off them both this year as the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City have had drastic changes at their clubs.

That might be a good thing for both Arsenal and Liverpool, as every year it's tipped to be "their year" piling the pressure on and every year they crumble. This year all eyes are on as you said United, Chelsea and City, so Arsenal and Liverpool and just getting on with things and doing a good job so far.