re: Arsenal's "Things Are Gonna Change, I Can Feel It! (lol, nope)" Summer Thread

Clichy hasn't been the same since Birmingham 08. Before then he was in great form.

Gibbs has more upside than Clichy because Gibbs is a naturally left footed player, as well has having way better attacking instincts. He can actually cross, and has a shimmy to him as well.

His attacking instincts will actually aid him defensively, as wide players tend to be pinned back when there is the threat of an effective overlap from the wingbacks. Clichy was never that effective attacking-wise, having only 9 assists in his whole career in comparison to Sagna's 15 in the last four years. And Gibbs has had four assists in far fewer games.

Clichy was often left on the back foot, which is why Nani and Ashley Young had good games against him in the past, and why he was continually targeted. I'd much prefer a wingback that blazed up and down the wide areas than one who is reluctant to go 15 yards past the half-way line. Because he was pinned back so often, he was able to make plenty of interceptions, but I'd argue that sort of back-foot defending is part of the problem with our back-line. As long as we play a inverted winger on the left, it's paramount we have left-sided width, which Gibbs will give us more naturally. That in turn will help defending by pinning back the opposing teams wide players.

Gibbs form the last two years has been down to injuries, which is something that is still a worry for him. But the talent is so obviously there that given Wenger's track record of producing LB's, there's a good chance that Gibbs will pan out.

I feel Wenger has a sort of pedigree when it comes to LB's, because of Cole and Clichy, neither of whom were natural LB's. This is one area I'm willing to leave up to him, as we have a more pressing needs at other positions.

It would be nice if everything wrapped up by the end of this week. I'm hoping if Cesc leaves we will have the Ewing effect akin to the Henry leaving and the next season where we were, frankly, awesome until the Birmingham game and Eduardo's injury. I really think that was a turning point for Wenger's philosophy. We were so good that year, but it really blew up at the end. It started a trend. Heartbreak in some way to Birmingham City, lose all hope for silverware. Thank god B-ham was relegated.

Aly Cissokho would be one damn good signing at left back

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Aly Cissokho

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We would have to break our transfer record just to match the price Lyon paid for him. I doubt we will be able to get him. I'd rather try to get Hazard and Mata.

frick Yeah we signed Run DaMarcus Beasley.



:championship:

Gervinho needs to see the same hair specialist that Rooney saw.

I don't necessarily understand the correlation, as Eto'o is a striker, Drogba is a center forward, and Gervinho seems to be a wide player, other than they are all African. Despite this, I hope that it means Gervinho will score 20 to 30 goals next season.

So when does Run DMBinho's fresh diamond line hit London's posh shoppes?

Walcott and Miyachi had a race. They tied.

Wish England didn't have its stupid work permit rules. Also, Wenger said he's comfortable with Gibbs, Traore, and TV5 at LB. Doesn't look like they'll be any signing there.

I'm hoping the lengthy wait for a CB means that we're getting someone very good instead of settling for Samba or Cahill.

LINK

Maybe. A player of his quality would be immense. I hope we can get him.