Given the other teams all seem to beating each other, I don't see anyone being consistant enough to get 4th place from Arsenal. But Wengers current crop of talented players do seem rather limp.
Their youngsters were superb last week, in the Carling Cup. Ramsey, Vela, Wilshere and Merida will all be good players. Denilson and Bendtner should be dropped for Ramsey and Vela, already.
Nasri was a good buy, even at nearly �20mill, but why does Wenger consistently pass over buying ball winners and tougher, experienced players ? Denilson and Fabregas, if they are to play together, needing a holding player behind them and much more movement ahead of them than Bendtner provides. They need a new keeper, tall strong centre back and a Vieira/Mascherano. Big mistake them not buying Alonso.
Interesting article here, though the writer is a numpty, generally :
Arsenal News Review
Be very surprised if Fabregas stays beyond next summer and, probably, time for a new manager. They're in a bit of a mess financially, too. On top of that Gallas and Adebayor are causing a lot of unrest in the dressing room - get rid.
Whether there is some dressing room issues I've heard no more than the rumours you have but attitude seemed to be the main problem on Saturday and if anything the problem lies with Gallas.
We need a new captain is about the only sense I've read this week.
Gallas is trouble - Wenger should get rid. Arsenal have needed a decent centre back for ages and ages along with a holding midfielder or two that can get stuck in. Other than that, I don't see much wrong.
NFC why Wenger won't buy these guys tho. He can be a stubborn so and so. No way should you change manager though - thats crazy talk.
3-0, oh dear .......
They need the three players you mention, plus a goalkeeper. Thats not the extent of the problem. Tree compared Benitez to Wenger, but the difference is year by year Benitez has improved the first team with solid dependable players. Nearly everyone would make a good captain and has captained their previous teams or their country.
With the players Wenger will, almost certainly, lose next summer he would have to change his philosophy to return Arsenal to the force they were three or four years ago.
On top of that, the problem now is that Wenger and Arsenal don't have a spare year or two to rebuild their team. City will spend big and be top four next year. Arsenal without Champions League for a year or two would be in serious trouble. (We would as well, without new owners). Its a time for players and teams with strong attitudes and solid foundation. I don't see that in Wengers philosophy or his team.
Chelsea away for Arsenal next week.
Shush, you've got Man City next week. I'd have waited at least until after that game .....