The Perfect Pitch

The new season is upon us, and now it’s a good time to have a look at the long season ahead and see how we might do. Actually, this post doesn’t do this at all, since I can’t be bothered and there are much better analyses elsewhere.

Instead, I’ll keep this post relatively short and talk about various things that ought to be said before the season starts.

Signings. There will definitely be one more. Could we get another one. We probably need it (and probably another one to boot), but I don’t think we will get it. I think we need another right sided winger even if just to make sure Eboue doesn’t play there ever again. Although Vela, Nasri are all capable of playing in that position, but with Rosicky out for what seems like eternity, both might be needed on the left. Of course, a central midfield Flamini replacement is the most likely to come in, as I don’t think Diaby and Denilson (with Song, when he’s back from the Olympics) is strong enough, not if Diaby is always injured and we’re already resorting to 17 year old Aaron Ramsey to start games. Everyone says we need another defender, and that’s probably true in terms of the lack of a quality partnership in the center of defence. But I don’t think one will come, as it’s impossible to pick between dropping Gallas or Toure at the moment. So a CM signing it is then.

Surprises. I think Carlos Vela will surprise everyone this season. Not just because most of the season previews done by the NewsNow headling grabbing sites don’t even mention Vela as a new player joining our squad, just because his name didn’t come up when they did a search for “Arsenal transfers 08/09″. Despite having joined up years ago, this is the first time Vela will be playing in the red and white of Arsenal, so he’s a new signing. He certainly has impressed during pre-season, more so than any of our other new signings. But now is not the time to put too much pressure on the 19 year old – he will add something to our squad, but we shouldn’t blame him if he takes a bit of time to adjust. The other player that I think might surprise is Djourou. As long as he plays in his best position (IMO, anyway) of CB, then I think it’s a lot better than relying on Gilberto to play there like we did last season. Being tall, relatively quick and with good range of passing, Djourou has the attributes to make it as a top defender, but he will need experience.

Predictions. Don’t really want to do it as it will jinx the season one way or another. I think we’ll finish in the top 4 easily, despite what the media are saying (they said the same thing last season remember?). We have kept our team together Flamini apart, the kids have all got an extra season worth of experience, and we’ve strengthened in the attacking areas with Nasri and Vela. If Van Persie and Rosicky can come back to fitness and stay fit (heh), then that’s two extra players we didn’t have for most of last season.

Can’t wait for tomorrow. Proper football is back!