The silly period is over. The deals have been done and it's time to do the talking on the pitch. Personally, I live for the silly period every summer. I wish it will never go away because it's one of the safest places to be. If you lose any game in pre-season, you can always rest on the consolation that it's not a competitive game. Then there's always the speculations - the demeaning, the ridiculous and the outright-raving-mad! But that's the excitement of the transfer window. And most especially when a club manager lets on weeks before the end of the season that there'll be £70million to spend in the summer - especially for a club like Arsenal - you've got to be excited about that as a fan or start scheming and bickering as an opposition.
For almost 6 seasons, Arsenal Football Club has always been at the centre of controversy every summer transfer window because of the players the club sells to opposition clubs locally or internationally. This season was supposed to put an end to that with the absence of any stand-out performer who could attract a fee the Arsenal board won't be able to say no to as usual. But this wasn't the case. The Gunners still found a way to hijack Gareth Bale's moment in the spotlight in a move that has been debated by national team managers, players, fathers and my neighbour's dobberman.
There's also been talk about the Gunners shipping out about 17 players and bringing in just 4.
Let's look back at some of last season's performance of some of the players Arsenal sold, released and sent on loan in the summer as we also look ahead to what to expect from the new comers.
THE "OUTs"
GERVINHO
Last Season's stats: 24 appearances, 5 goals, 2 assists
Like previous signings by Le Professeur, Arsenal
fans woke to the announcement of this 4-named Ivorian who, thanks to the Brazilian nicknaming format, was announced simply as Gervinho after being
acquired for about £10.8m from Lille. With 2 goals in his first pre-season
game, the Ivorian got Arsenal fans moving from the deep end of their chairs to
the edge of their seats. He would be sent off in the season opener against
Newcastle. The next couple of games would see Arsenal fans move up, down and
around their seats in agitation as they watched The Gervinho Show. Sometimes, he could be
absolutely electric and other times -- totally frustrating.
His opportunity to impress came last season when
the centre forward position became open after new-comer Olivier Giroud failed
to replicate the Montpelier form which brought him to the Emirates. But
Gervinho failed to convince the manager he could do a preferable job despite a
mis-firing Giroud. By mid-season, the Frenchman had discovered some of his
Montpelier form with assists supplied by a free-scoring Theo Walcott, an
in-form Tomas Rosicky, an enigmatic Santi Cazorla and a Lukas Podolski who was
scoring from the wings despite being substituted in every game. And so,
Gervinho's starting chances were limited. Still, he could have added some
needed depth to the squad from the bench but in the manager's wisdom, the
Ivorien was traded to Roma for £8m - an anomaly in Wengerdom where players are usually sold above the cost for which
they were acquired.
ANDREY ARSHAVIN
Last Season's Stats: 7 apps, 0 goals, 0 assists
This rose-cheeked Russian's biggest undoing was
arguably scoring 4 goals in a game and doing so against Liverpool FC. Ever
since that feat, Arsenal fans have been holding him to his personal best. He
even somewhat complicated things when he indicated during a pre-season
promotional video that his next target was to score 5 goals in a game. He never even came close.
Arshavin suffered long spells on the bench from the
manager when he began to fail in stamina. This led to him being substituted a
lot or coming from the bench to be an impact player -- a feat he pulled off
well in the 2-1 win against Barcelona at the Emirates in 2011. But on one of
such occasions of high expectations against Manchester United in 2012,
Arshavin was pulled out for a 19 year old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who had been
very busy on the left side of Arsenal's attack, providing the assist for Robin
van Persie's equaliser. Arshavin failed to be as effective as the young Ox,
especially in defensive duties when he allowed Valencia an easy passage to
pull-back a cross that resulted in United's winner.
Arsene Wenger would go on to defend the Russian in
the post-match interview, saying he substituted a teenager for an experienced
international. But several impressive
performances by Oxlade-Chamberlain in subsequent games put the Russian out of
favour. Even though Arshavin showed quality in the European Nations Cup, he
failed to command a starting spot for the Gunners anymore.
However, it doesn't take anything away from Andrey,
who so far has 1 goal from 5 appearances since returning to his homeland on a
free transfer.
Sébastien SQUILLACI
Last Season's Stats: 0 apps, 0 goals, 0 assists
There's virtually not much to say about Sebastien's qualities but there's a lot to say about his failings. For some reasons best
known to the Winning Eleven assessment team, this former Sevilla defensive guardian
is full of defensive abilities in the popular football video game. But that's
where his defensive qualities end. He fell so down the pecking order that
Ignasi Miquel and Johan Djourou were preferred over him despite his years of
experience and superior aerial presence.
MAROUANE CHAMAKH
Last Season's Stats: 3 appearances (League Cup), 2
goals, 0 assists
This Moroccan striker started his account with a
goal against AC Milan in Arsenal's traditional pre-season curtain raiser – The
Emirates Cup. The goal came from his right foot, #JustSaying. He would go on to
score in 2 vital goals in another pre-season thriller against an Austrian side.
His league debut was against Liverpool where his header was fumbled by Pepe
Reina and Arsenal opened the season at Anfield with a vital away point. He also
got a debut goal in his Champions League opener. By October 2010, he would
become the first player in UEFA Champions League history to score in six
consecutive matches.
All this while, Gunners faithful were unimpressed and eagerly awaiting the
return of a Robin van Persie who - though he has a seasonal bout with injury which could be frustrating - the Dutchman was always given the benefit of doubt due to his
undoubted goal scoring abilities. The eventual return of the Dutchman meant the Moroccan - who now averaged a goal a game by November - would share the goal
scoring duties with Robin. But there was only one space for a main striker in
Arsene Wenger's 4-5-1 formation. Marouane had to return to the bench. His
season ended as early as December.
His aerial prowess was his notable strength even
though he could also finish on the ground. With Robin sold to Manchester United at
the end of the season, Chamakh still had to wait his chance as Wenger put his
faith in new acquisitions Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski. A loan spell at
West Ham United did little to convince the manager to renew his faith in the 29 year
old Moroccan who was also used sparingly by the Hammers. At that point it was
almost certain that the striker - who joined the Gunners on a free transfer from Bourdeaux - will probably leave the same way he came.
NEVES DENILSON
He was on loan throughout last season and eventually
allowed to join the loaning club Sao Paulo for free. Prior to that time, Denilson had become Arsenal's most
capped player in the 2008-2009 season and felt this earned him senior team member
status. By the following season, the manager had considered rotating the defensive midfield role between the Brazilian and a certain Cameroonian who had spent some time at Charlton honing his defensive skills without much conviction. His season appearance quotient fell to 28 that season, spurring Denilson to allegedly make some disturbing comments about the team's lack of
ambition.
The next season, he was sent on loan, allowing Alex Song to have the
defensive midfield role all to himself. The Cameroonian would go on to do a
better job than the Brazilian, creating goal-scoring chances and scoring
goals as well: 2 things Denilson was not synonymous with.
Sometime, it was almost
impossible to believe he was Brazilian.
ANDRE SANTOS
Last Season's Stats: 12 appearances, 0 goals, 0
assists
Andre was a product of a panic buy after Arsenal
were humiliated 8-2 at Old Trafford in a season which the Gunners lost Cesc
Fabregas and Samir Nasri in one transfer window. Andre was an unusual left
full-back who was better at attacking than defending. Arsene noticed this and
used the Brazilian as a LMF substitute at times. But when he was needed to
deputise for the frequently injury-hit Kieran Gibbs, Mr. Santos always
fell-short of his primary duties.
Santos might have angered some Arsenal fans when he
accepted Robin van Persie's jersey at half time. The Dutchman and ex-Arsenal
captain had just made a controversial move to Old Trafford and had been
unanimously deemed persona non grata by the global Gooner community. How dare you, Andre?!
At 30 years old and age no longer on his side, it
was best that he be released to ply his trade elsewhere rather than sit on the
bench as an understudy to a young Kieran Gibbs. Perhaps the Brazilian will be
able to convince his new employers in his homeland than he can defend -- but I'm not sure for just how long he can keep up
with that deception.
JOHAN DJOUROU (Loan)
I bet you didn't know Djourou had been with the
Arsenal since. 2002? Gotcha! He's had the opportunity of learning the art of
defence under Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Ashely Cole and all the other members of the
Invincibles who practically made up England's back-4 at the time. Even though he was mostly
with the youth team, Djourou would proceed to graduate to the senior team by
2004. Since then, he's been on loan to Birmingham (2007) and Hannover 96 (2012). Apparently not satisfied with his development and
desperate to make a solid defender out of him, Arsene Wenger has sent the 26
year old on another loan spell to Hamburger SV. This was needful rather than have Johan sit on
the bench while he waits his turn against Koscielny, Mertesacker and a returning
Vermaeleen. Wenger also must have decided to send the Ivory Coast born Swiss
International to the Bundesliga to be toughen him up. Plus, it's best that someone else will be
in charge of his wages.
FRANCIS COQUELIN (Loan)
This 22 year old midfielder has failed to get his
chance in a talented Arsenal midfield which is the core of the North London
club. His versatility has led to him being employed in the full-back positions
on occasion to great effect. But with his core being the midfield role and a
lack of first team space, Francis would do well to remain relevant in football
by going on loan. And this the manager has done by sending the young Frenchman
to FC Freiburg. However, with an Arsenal squad wanting in depth, Francis could
have made up the numbers for the league and FA Cup competitions. He could also
be cover in the event of freak injuries to Arsenal's more preferred defensive midfielders: Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini, and Abou Diaby.
VITO MANONE
It was 2009 and Arsenal's goal keeping department
had been hit by an injury flu. Fabiansky was out and Almunia was also
unavailable to cause errors that had suddenly become too frequent. The club's
goal tending duties rested on a square jawed 21 year old Italian whose name and
appearance could produce shivers, especially if you were alone with him in
an alley and he was wearing a trench coat and a hat. Arsenal were playing
against Fulham at Craven Cottage - a place my colleague says sounds like
the title to a horror movie. It was early in the season and the Gunners were
taking a lot of pressure from the Cottagers who were trying to claw their way
back into the game after a Robin van Persie strike. Mannone kept Arsenal in the
game, making a double point blank save to guarantee Arsenal a much need 3 points. And that was the highlight of the young man's Arsenal career.
With The Gunners' goalies fit again, Mannone would return to the bench,
waiting for his chance. Soon after, Manuel Almunia was finally let lose, but instead the torch was passed on to
a young Pole: Wojciech Szczesny. There seemed no point having three young goal keepers without adult supervision, so it was time for one to leave to make room for an experienced hand. Mannone was the man who seemed to pick the short stick. And so, when Sunderland probably came calling with £2million, Arsene Wenger could not deny the ambitious Italian the opportunity to go and be
relevant elsewhere.
Other notable mentions that were sent on loan or
released by the club include:
Ignasi Miquel (Loan: Leicester), Joel Campbell
(Loan: Olympiakos), Chuks Aneke (Loan: Crewe), Sanchez Watts (Free:
Colchester), Jernade Meade (Free: Swansea), Connor Henderson (Released), Martin
Angha (Nuremburg: Undisclosed)
THE "INs"
YAYA SANOGO
Young. Lanky. Physical. Green. Eager for success…it
would seem. This young import from Lique 2's Auxerre played a pivotal role in
France's U-20 success at Israel this summer.
Unlike some senior players in
the Arsenal set-up, one could say 20 year old Sanogo has a winning mentality and the medal to
prove it.
The young lad, however, has a history of injuries.
At some point, he almost quit football to be a postman but for the
encouragement of his countrymen Hatem Ben Arfa and Abou Diaby who had both also
suffered career threatening injuries…well, Diaby still goes in and out of the
West Wing of an orthopaedic hospital having been there more than he has seen the
green pitches of a football field.
Sanogo comes across as a player who will still needs to learn the ropes in the traditional Arsenal way which is by being more
engaged in the league and FA cup competitions before being gently eased into
the main fray. However, he may need to overcome the 4-goal-a-game expectation
which undid a certain Russian to whom much was also given.
MATHIEU FLAMINI
 |
| Mathieu Flamini - the second coming |
The return of the versatile midfielder was met with
some disapproval in some quarters especially considering the manner in which he
sort of left Arsenal and Arsene high and dry. Mathieu had refused to sign a new
contract after the last 2 years of his contract which was filled with superb
performances and raw passion. Flamini left London for AC Milan, doing to
Arsenal what he did to Marseilles from whence he came to join the North
Londoners, a move which made Marseilles former manager, José Anigo, say, "This is
a beautiful treason. He used me."
But beyond the deception, Mathieu is a professional
and he is good at what he does. So, when his contract ran out at Milan, he
returned to London to train with Arsenal and get some fitness ahead of who
might be in need of his services. It was almost expected that he would be
re-joining The Arsenal.
At 29 and a Scudetto under his belt, the raw
passion and versatility of Monsieur Flamini -- who can also play as a full-back --
might just be what Arsenal need at the moment.
EMILIANO VIVIANO (LOAN)
Honestly, there was little known about this pair of safe-hands beyond that fact that his name is easier to spell and pronounce than Wojciech Szczesny (hope I got it right?). An Italian International and 27 years of age, Emiliano will probably play big brother to Wojciech - a role which fellow Pole and 28 year old Lukas Fabianski seems to be unconcerned about.
Although his sojourn at the Emirates will be on loan, Emiliano's presence is expected to put the pair of Fabianski and Szczesny on their toes, as well as prevent a repeat of 2011 when all of Arsenal's goal tenders were unavailable , leading to the recall of the club's former erratic German goal keeper- Jens Lehmann.
MESUT OZIL
Unselfish and labeled as one of the best No. 10s in
the world, Arsenal's acquisition of Mesut was a steal -- whether he is what the
club needs at the moment or not. But beyond the talents of the 24 year old is
the subtle statement that comes with his acquisition: £42.4m. For Arsenal, whose current record transfer
fee was in the region of £23m,
this is a statement of intent. Arsenal fans will still question why it took
Arsene Wenger till transfer deadline day to make such a statement after declaring
before the end of last season that there was a £70million
war-chest.
Without a doubt, Arsenal still need reinforcements
in the striking department but with Olivier Giroud in good scoring form, the
Frenchman might just be over-fed with opportunities with the arrival of Ozil.
Giroud already has 3 goals from 3 league matches as assisted by the supply
chain of the Walcott-Cazorla-Ramsey Corporation. With the arrival of Ozil, a
midfield conglomerate might just be formed, turning Giroud into the envy of
strikers and Arsenal into title contenders once again.
