Arsene Wenger opted to field a strong team tonight, perhaps rather unnecessarily, especially considering the margin of victory and the apparent closeness of Jack Wilshere to suffering an injury, as he was continuously targeted by the inferior Fenerbahce midfield.
It would have been nice to see some of Arsenal’s up and coming players started among more experienced players, perhaps Gedion Zelalem or even Emmanuel Frimpong occupying the centre of Arsenal’s midfield.
This would allow the priceless duo of Ramsey and Wilshere to have a rest before the colossal game against Tottenham on Sunday, while benefiting from playing alongside our only genuinely world-class player, Santi Cazorla.
Perhaps the strength of the team fielded could suggest how badly Arsene Wenger wanted to make sure of Champions League qualification for the 16th year in a row.
Injuries and suspensions were seemingly avoided for the team tonight, with the possible exception of Lukas Podolski, who seemed to injury his hamstring while running. It didn’t seem too serious, however with Arsenal’s luck it could turn into a longer-term layoff, hopefully not.
In the end it was a comfortable victory for Arsenal, outclassing Fenerbahce to provide the relatively empty Emirates with good entertainment. You can only beat what’s in front of you in football, and while Fenerbahce may not be Premiership quality, it was a thoroughly convincing display.
What now for Wenger?
It’s going to be a critical few days between now and the transfer window closing for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger has reassured fans that quality will be brought in to the threadbare squad, despite there not being much available talent left for a club like Arsenal to bring in.
Considering the physical nature of the Premier League, I cant believe Marouane Fellaini remains at Everton. If I were manager of Arsenal (something I dream about on an almost minutely basis), the first move I’d have made this transfer window would have been to activate his £22m release clause.
Fellaini is an absolute monster in the midfield, and about as big a presence in front of the defence as you are likely to see in world football. Arsenal are often accused of being too soft, with teams able to bully them in midfield. Fellaini would provide a much-needed strength to the midfield, while also possessing the necessary technical ability.
Maybe this Champions League qualification was what Wenger was waiting for before dipping into the sizeable pot of money at the Emirates. But in my opinion that’s not good enough, waiting until the last 4 days of the transfer window to become active.
A salvage operation
He’s had an entire summer watching players who would fit our system fantastically move to other clubs, a prime example being Gonzalo Higuain moving to Napoli.
I just hope he can salvage what has been one of the worst summers this decade with a few decent signings. Otherwise, this current squad is very unlikely to achieve Champions League qualification next season, let alone challenge for silverware.
I also feel his incredible legacy at this club also hangs in the balance. After all the talk about Arsenal’s new financial prowess, if he doesn’t bring in significant quality in these last few days even his most extreme supporters won’t have a leg to stand on in defending him.
Has there ever been a more important end to a transfer window in Arsenal’s recent history? I think not.
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