march 22nd
Ok, a few stories around this morning. Patrick Vieira reckons finishing in second place and winning the FA Cup would represent a successful season for Arsenal. I suppose given the circumstances we’re in now you’d have to agree but as defending champions it wouldn’t have been anyone’s idea of success in August. He also spoke about a couple of the young players in our squad:
Vieira on van Persie – “He is learning a lot, and is still really young – but he is a boy with a lot of talent and you could see that in the goal he scored.”
Vieira on Senderos – “I think Philippe has played really well since he came into the first team. He has shown how strong he is and the quality he has on the ball.”
And it’s with those youngsters in mind that Arsene Wenger will make his summer signings. While he accepts the need for new players he’s got to be careful about who he signs. “To put (new) players in front of Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos just because they have a name would be a mistake. We must be wise and not destroy what we have built up with our intense work.”
Some people might see that as an indication that we’re not going to make the superstar signings we’ve been linked with. To me though it makes sense. The boss has said all along he’s got to go down a different road to the Chelseas and Man Uniteds of this world, for whom money is no object. That road was youth and it’s going to be interesting to see how he strengthens the squad with the signings he will make and continue to develop the young talent. Meanwhile Thierry Henry has said the only way he’d leave Arsenal is if the club went backwards and even though this season’s title defence hasn’t gone quite according to plan he’s confident for the future, saying “We can do a lot of things here. A huge number of things.”
The reserves got beaten 2-1 last night by Southampton’s reserves, Italian Arturo Lupoli getting his 945th goal of the season. QPR are hoping to sign youngster Dominic Shimmin. Finally, don’t forget the Football Manager 2005 competition. See yesterday’s blog for more details.
