Arsenal Transfer Rumours And General Chat

He sticks him at left midfield for the same reason he stick Walcott at right midfield. To give him experience in a position where he thinks he can't do much damage. Its all down to him not trusting him in the middle of the park. Which is fair because he just doesn't work hard enough for central midfield.

Heres the thing about Diaby, he is a capable player. He has had good games for us. Earlier in the season when he filled for Rosicky in the league he looked decent enough.

The problem with him has nothing to do with ability, he has good control and can pass and he can shoot. He has all the qualities you need to be a good attacking midfielder. What he lacks at the moment are mental attributes. His problems as a player are that he hogs the ball, he doesn't like playing the simple passes, he shoots when he could pass and he doesn't track back or genereally work hard enough. These flaws are all fixable. They aren't about to be fixed on the left wing though.

If ever I've seen a player who needs a loan spell it Abou Diaby. He needs regular football, he needs to learn from his mistakes, he needs to grow as a player generally.

The amount of Premiership teams who would benefit hugely from taking Diaby on loan must be easily into the teens. Every club in the bottom half would take him and start him week in week out.

I think Wenger should give Steve Bruce, Roy Hodgson or even Kevin Keegan a call and let them know he's available for the rest of the season.

yahoo_moe wrote: »

I agree with most of what you say but I think his problems can be fixed on the wing.

Diaby reminds me so much of Hleb last season - bags of talent, shown in flashes but often undermined by poor/"un-Arsenal" decisions (I also think they've very similar styles of play)... experience with this group of players and this style of play is what I think he needs and is slowly getting. And while it sometimes sucks that he's learning in a title-chasing side (which Hleb certainly wasn't), I think it's what's best for him and Arsenal - because I think he could contribute a hell of a lot if he comes good for an extended period of time (and bear in mind, he's only 21 so he could be making an impression for a long time).

Surely you dont think his best position is on the wing though???

its being reported we've had an offer accepted for Woodgate

Yer apparently we've agreed a fee with Boro for Woodgate. Can't understand this tbh, where's he gonna fit in when Toure comes back?

PHB wrote: »

I think if he signs thats an excellent move from Wenger. Woodgate is pretty technically gifted, and has the ability to step up his passing game. He is also an excellent defensive organiser, which means if Toure isn't there, there is cover. Also it means that in games where Arsenal have to be really defensive, Gallas can be pushed to left back, and Woodgate goes in the centre, making a very solid (and huge) defensive back four.

Well I don't think Wenger would drop Clichy to make us more solid. Just seen the opta stats today and he's 3rd in tackles(NRC and MAscherano ahead of him) and 4th in passing(Behind Fab, Flamini and Hamann) in the league. He's a vital part of our game both in attack and defence. I do however think Gallas at left back should Clichy suffer an injury is a major part of Wengers thinking here and possibly the same with Toure on the right. Woodgates 6ft 2 as well which would be great for us as our defence is quite small, he'd also help us sort out our dodgy set piece defending.

The question is would Woodgate be prepared to sit on our bench when he'd be first team every week for the Spuds.

United away, sh*t

PHB wrote: »

The game will be played on the 16th or 17th of Feburary, will Toure be back by then?

And is Woodgate cup tied!

4 days later in fact. Ahh well at least it'll be an exciting week for us.

So Kolos groin strain is an 8-10 thing according to Wenger, hopefully Cote d'Ivorie don't rush him back.

Rosicky is a matter of "days not weeks" and van Persie will return to training tomorrow but wont play for another couple of weeks yet.

I think its time to drop the Woodgate thing. I'm not quaking in my boots at the thought of playing Utd. We should have Kolo and RvP back for the game and its a good 2 years (I think) since they've beaten us. Before you say it, I know it means little.

Jeez Adebayor has really taking over the striking mantle from Henry, for such a big man he has great skill oh he can head the ball also. Thankfully Togo didn't qualify, with fab gone abit quiet tis nice Adebayor is taking over the reins as he takes a breather.