When fans say the team has declined since 2005 that is not entirely true, the team of 2007 - 8 was a real step up, until things went very wrong at Birmingham. But the point is not to go over the old ground of why did we fail, but rather why did we do so well.

 

The answer is not that difficult, everyone would agree that Flamini made a big difference to the defence and midfield. By constantly breaking up attacks he got the ball back to our own midfield and thus sparked new attacks. He was not particularly skilful, but he had loads of energy that allowed the team to push up without putting the back four under pressure.

So was this an act of genius by Wenger, and if so why didn't Wenger rush to replace him? The answer was given by Wenger when he explained why he didn't replace Flamini.  His reasoning was that he had actually intended to play Diaby, but the player had got injured. As we know Diaby barely managed to remain fit two matches in a row all that season.

So we can only assume that injury undermined Wenger's original plans. The conclusion is breathtaking, Flamini would have played a minor role, and he might have left by the January. Of course nobody can say how the season would have turned out. So what is the point of this mental gymnastics? Well I think it proves last season was a mistake, if Wenger had his wish the team would have flopped earlier.

No Engine

As for Diaby he has not played in the Flamini position at any stage, and he hasn't played regularly. Now it would seem that Denilson is the replacement for Diaby. However he is too similar to Cesc and between them they are, for the most part, an ineffective engine that leaves the defence unshielded. It is this fact that makes Arsenal fans most nervous.

If Wenger's improvements were just luck last season, it makes me fear for this one. If he thinks he has the right solution this time I think he is wrong, but I will be happy to see him proved right.

Comeback?

Wenger insisted at the pre Fenerbahce press conference that the team will make its comeback over the next three weeks. I hope he is right, however, whatever the result against Fener, the Turks are no real test. The real test awaits with Man U, Villa, and Chelsea in the next few weeks.  

If Arsenal fails that test the transfer window will still be a long way off, with many more tough games to follow. Fasten your seat belts.

However for the CL the squad will have a Carling Cup look to it, that is not Wenger's wish, but a whole series of injuries has left Wenger with only 15 senior players. I would like to see Fabianski play, plus Vela; RvP should be benched so that Wenger can see what alternatives we have up front.

Possible Squad:

Almunia, Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Djourou, Clichy, Diaby, Fabregas, Nasri, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, van Persie, Vela, Bendtner, Wilshere, Gibbs, Randall.

For a large selection of Arsenal Books, DVDs, PC games AND MORE at Bargain Prices visit the Arsenal Times Store CLICK HERE

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• A Lack of Desire to Head the Ball - no bounce
• Can Wenger get the Team Back on Track?

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

• Think you know your sport? Click here to try the Sportnetwork Prize Quizzes

Indian Cricket Poll