[新聞] Sky Sports 08/09 Preview
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Arsenal 2008/09 Preview
Predictions of doom and gloom are somewhat premature
By James Dall Last updated: 11th August 2008
[FACTBOX]
Star Man: Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal's orchestrator and creative linchpin; trophies are a reality so long
as Fabregas is in the side.
One to Watch: Carlos Vela
Will probably get less playing time than Samir Nasri, but could prove to be
a thrilling impact player.
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Aware that this season could be the cliched make-or-break campaign, Wenger
must deliver substance as well as style.
INS:
Carlos Vela (granted work permit),
Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff City, ￡5million),
Samir Nasri (Marseille, undisclosed),
Amaury Bischoff (Werder Bremen, undisclosed).
OUTS:
Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan, free transfer),
Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart, free transfer),
Alexander Hleb (Barcelona, ￡11.8million),
Kerrea Gilbert (Leicester City, season-loan loan),
Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos, ￡1million).
Best signing: Samir Nasri
Sky Bet Odds: 5/1
Likely top scorer: Emmanuel Adebayor.
Possible best XI
Almunia,
Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy,
Walcott, Fabregas, Diaby, Nasri,
Van Persie, Adebayor
Predicted finish: 4th
Talk of a crisis at Arsenal football club beggars belief. Force-fed by the
hacks of Fleet Street, the scaremongering is an overreaction that would flush
even the cheeks of William Gallas in the wake of his St Andrew sit-in.
A similar sequence of events took place around this time last summer. The
curtain fell on Thierry Henry's illustrious career as he completed his
￡16million transfer to Barcelona. Lashings of misery and despair were
predicted for Emirates Stadium.
Onlookers are now witnessing a comparable deja vu with Mathieu Flamini,
Jens Lehmann, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva's exits met by 2007's
provocation - provocation that served only to rattle Arsene Wenger's squad
into action a year ago.
Expectations had been pounded so low that Wenger's legion bit back with
vitriol before frontrunner unfamiliarity saw their campaign melt away.
The press escaped without eating their own tainted words.
However, on closer inspection, the current pre-season similarity appears
unfounded. Henry's loss warranted a tightening in the chest, for his 226
goals in 370 appearances left a gaping hole that offered questions but,
initially, few answers.
Yet apprehension is misplaced this time around. Lehmann and Gilberto's
times had come, Flamini's loss was unfortunate, but he had shone for just
a single season, while Hleb's crescendo lasted for three years without
ever really delivering the grand finale.
Trepidation
Deep down, the majority of Gunners fans know that all this doom-mongering
is premature. Fears over further arrivals, with three weeks of the transfer
window remaining, are irrational. Wenger has already revealed he is in the
market for another addition.
The Frenchman's record and charm in North London have so far afforded him
the absence of pressure. How many other top European club managers could go
three seasons without silverware and not have their positions called into
question?
There are, however, whispers circulating that the time has come for
deliverance. Whether it be a Carling or European Cup, the shelves of the
trophy cabinet at Ashburton Grove yearn to feel the welcome weight of glory.
At his disposal, Wenger's squad has genuine talent but is parched of
experience. His first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, neither spectacular
nor dire, is left in the shadows when mentioned in the same breath as the
likes of Edwin van der Sar or Petr Cech.
Lukasz Fabianski, 23, will provide youthful cover and ultimately play his
role in the domestic cups, meaning an addition between the sticks is unlikely
and unnecessary when taking into account the other areas of greater weakness.
Arsenal boast quality at both left and right-back following the astute
acquisition of Bacary Sagna last July and the growing stature of Gael Clichy.
Their defensive spine, however, could be cause for concern, with Gallas
looking increasingly out-of-sorts.
The Frenchman's role as captain is the subject of heated debate. An
eyeing-opening demonstration of petulance at Birmingham City has led to
unsettling questions over whether the responsibility is too heavy a burden
for the former Chelsea man to bear.
Too often in 2007/08, Kolo Toure's relationship with defensive partner
Gallas resembled more Kerry Katona and the artist formerly known as Brian
from Westlife than Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, while Philippe Senderos'
bus-like turning circle, Johan Djourou's rawness and Alexandre Song's
uncertain positional sense spell out an easily identifiable fragility for
an opponent.
Spanish linchpin
Cesc Fabregas is the jewel in the crown, and Wenger's primary task should be
to identify a new and worthy partner in crime (Amaury Bischoff does not seem
to fit the bill). Abou Diaby has been tipped to make the step up after
injuries hampered his development, while Denilson and new boy Aaron Ramsey
offer cultured complements.
Recent seasons have seen the Gunners struggle for width, although the
proposition of Theo Walcott, instead of the infuriatingly unproductive
Emmanuel Eboue, and summer signing Samir Nasri occupying the flanks casts a
refreshing glow on Arsenal's attacking prowess.
Up front, Carlos Vela, with work permit now in hand, is an exciting talent and
could be this term's surprise package, Nicklas Bendtner will have learned much
over the past 12 months and Robin van Persie, like midfielder Tomas Rosicky,
will have everything crossed (but not too tightly) for an injury-free season.
Emmanuel Adebayor has it all to do again with regards to winning over the
supporters following his absurd public U-turn on his future in June, while
clinical striker Eduardo's return later this year will hand the club a
welcome boost.
All in all, if Wenger gets it right in the transfer market, and he
invariably does, Arsenal should push for the Premier League title.
However, failure to do so would see sceptical scribes hit the keyboard to
paint yet another picture of underachievement at Emirates Stadium, and, this
time round, their words may hold shards of truth.
盼有熱心網友翻譯 Orange我實在有點懶惰 XDDD
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