An Arsenal Fan Has His Say on Us and Saturday!

As you know we get opposing fans to answer questions for us from time to time. Well ahead of the Arsenal game, I asked one of my twitter followers @BazAFC if he would like to do it for us. He kindly said yes and here are his responses.

1. As an Arsenal fan you are used to expecting your side to be competing for at least a Champions League place, with the hope of winning the league. What is your evaluation of the present side in regards to those goals?

I think as ever we are cautiously optimistic.  Obviously we still have major issues, especially with the goalkeeping situation, and we are still a little lightweight in midfield, but the emergence of players like Wilshere is helping. I think we have to be realistic, in that we have not won a trophy since 2005. Most Arsenal fans would be happy to finish the season with some silverware of some description. As for the Champions league, that is too big an ask I fear, especially with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and the big Italian sides.

 
2. I think recently there have been more grumblings from Arsenal fans regarding Mr Wenger. Has he begun to lose his way? Or is it just a “blip?”

I think this is an issue which has split Arsenal fans. I have to say the majority I know still support the job Arsene is doing. Not many managers could spend very little each season and still be challenging for a top 4 place let alone the title. The guy is trying to do things the ‘right way’ if you will, and i for one am pleased, especially when you consider the debt incurred by the likes of Liverpool and Man Utd. That said, it can be frustrating at times, but we are still paying off the stadium so we can’t really complain too much.
 
 
3. Which goalkeeper really IS the best keeper at Arsenal? (It seems that no one really knows!)

Another topic that has split Arsenal fans. Despite his recent performance against Chelsea, the general consensus is that Fabianski is not good enough. Almunia seems like a shadow of the keeper who kept Jens Lehmann out of the side a few seasons ago, that leaves our third choice Wojciech Szczesny. Apparently he was fantastic for Brentford last year, but Wenger doesn’t feel he’s ready. It makes you wonder why this wasn’t addressed in the summer. We kind of put all our eggs in one basket waiting for Schwarzer. Still there’s always January…
 
4. Regarding the Blues. I know we’ve discussed it on Twitter, but I think the Blues fans would like to hear your evaluation of last year’s performance.

I have to say as with most people I was surprised. To come back up and finish as high as you did, is a rarity these days to say the least. I think, and forgive me, it wasn’t always pretty, but you were solid and  I think having Joe Hart in goal helped a lot. That being said you weren’t a bunch of cloggers like Stoke either. I was particularly impressed with Liam Ridgewell and James McFadden. You don’t get to ninth place without having quality, I think that says it all really.

 
5. Which player on either side would you consider to be key?

I think you will not be surprised to hear me say that Cesc Fabregas is most definitely the key man for us. His ability to bring others into play, and link defence and attack was SORELY missed against WBA. For you guys I have been very impressed by Craig Gardner, and I’m sure you will agree he will be a big miss come the Arsenal game. I think the man to watch could in fact be our former player Alex Hleb. I’m sure he will want to impress and his dribbling skills could cause a defence without Vermaelan and now Sagna, real problems.

 
6. Where do you think we will finish in the league and why?

You have had a reasonably quiet start this season. I know you have drawn most of your games thus far anyway. I think it will be hard to replicate your finish of last year, but you have a decent side, definitely far too good to get embroiled in a relegation fight. If you can turn those draws to wins I think mid table again is a real prospect, a couple more players in January and who knows?

 
7. I know I probably should avoid this, but as time has gone on. What was your take on the Eudardo tackle? I know one of Martin’s friends and he genuinely went for the ball. But I would be interested in your thoughts and also do you think that the dust has really settled now?

For a lot of Arsenal fans it still leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Although time has passed, and I’m sure Taylor is not that sort of player, you need to look at this from an Arsenal point of view. At the time, we were challenging for the title, and Eduardo was one of our star players, signed to replace Thierry Henry. Both he and Adebayor had formed a fantastic partnership and things were looking great. Then that happens and things just fell to pieces. I think that is why it is still an issue for most Gooners, add to that Eduardo’s popularity and the treatment that some sides have dished out on our players in the past. Personally for me its water under the bridge, for others, especially with regards to the recent press on such things its a sore point.

 
8. What is your opinion of Alex McLeish and why?

Alex Mcleish for me is a top manager. I know he’s had a bit of a rough time from the fans in recent weeks, especially after the Everton game, but managers like him are a rare breed. To turn a side who were relegated into a top ten EPL side, is not done without talent. I seem to remember you went 12 games unbeaten last year too. He has been a success wherever he has been and learned a lot from Sir Alex whilst captain of Aberdeen.

 
9. IF Arsenal aren’t going to win the league, (and I’m not saying they aren’t! (ish!!), who will and why and who will be relegated in your opinion.

I would say one of three. Obviously Chelsea, Man Utd but I think now, after their start you would be silly to rule out Man City. Their squad alone is absolutely amazing and have gelled really well. If I had to pick one i would go Chelsea though. Unless they have a major injury crisis to Didier Drogba lol. Relegated in my opinion will be Wolves, Blackpool and possibly Bolton.

 
10. What will be the score this weekend?

It will be a close game, but at home I’d expect an Arsenal win. 1-0

 
Bonus question – what should I have asked you and what is the answer?

How close are the Blues to being as good as Villa?

The answer? Not far but need a bit of flair in there.