I am currently sat here watching highlights of Leeds United v Arsenal from 2004. Theirry Henry has just scored his fourth, yes that's right fourth goal, to make it five nil to the Arsenal. The performance is classical of the invincibles era; Arsenal's speed, power and strength have seen them obliterate the visitors within the hour. Watching Bayern Munich the other night I was reminded of this great Arsenal side. Like the Gunners, the Germans played at a blistering pace and with a directness no longer fancied by many of Europe's elite - with many preferring to try and emulate the tika tika of Barcelona. Well, Bayern certainly showed that the days of fast, direct and counter attacking football are by no means numbered.
Such was the pace of that Arsenal side from 2004 that they had the ability to simply blow the opposition away within the first 15 minutes. As soon as the match had begun Arsenal would be knocking on the opposition's door, hoping to make an early break through. Now it is as though we start a game by politely knocking on our opponents door, almost like a child who he has kicked his ball next door and is timidly tapping on the neighbour's front door.
So where has this Arsenal side gone? Why have we abandoned that blistering 4-4-2 that was so effective?
I admit that football has moved on. Indeed it is very difficult to begin any match with just two central midfielders, as more often than not you will find yourself out numbered. But Manchester United have shown this season that it is possible to still have success with 4-4-2, I mean they won the title with it! Yes from time to time Fergie would change the system, especially for European nights, but the majority of Manchester United's victories were achieved while playing 4-4-2.
So why have we abandoned it?
Following the dismantling of the invincibles (something which occurred far to early in my opinion, but that's for another post), surely Wenger should have looked to replicate his new side in a similar mould?
Fergie, who has proven himself a genuis at creating new sides, has predominately kept the same ethos and looked to rebuild similar teams. Look throughout Fergie's sides and you will see he uses similar methods to rebuild his side.
1. He looks to create an unstoppable front two with a telepathic like understanding; such as Yorke & Cole, Rooney & Van Persie.
2. He looks to have two out and out wingers; Giggs & Beckham, Giggs & Ronaldo, Young & Valencia.
3. He will play with two central midfielders, one ball winner and one playmaker; Scholes & Keane, Keane & Veron, Fletcher & Carrick.
As you can see the whole idea is to simply replace the original mould with players who fit that criteria, rather than create a new tactic and playing style.
I just feel that with Wenger he has tried to almost reinvent the whole team, rather than simply replacing those ex-player's roles with candidates who fit the bill. A similar thing has happened with Mancini, who after winning the league playing 4-2-3-1, completely abandoned that tactic and began playing three at the back. Why? You have just won the title playing a certain way, why completely go against what has just worked?! It really does baffle me sometimes.
Take the case of replacing Henry as an example for Wenger. Now I know the great man is essentially irreplaceable, but why did we never go after a play of a vaguely similar mould. All of a sudden we saw a shift by Wenger to buying poachers and target man, a la Eduardo and Chamakh. Would it not have made more sense to go for someone of a similar mould to Theirry, say someone like Samuel Eto'o (an ambitious target but you see what I mean).
I know I am being a tad harsh on Wenger here as it is very difficult to replace some of those stars who previously graced Highbury, but I just feel that we were so good playing 4-4-2 I can't understand why we abandoned it.
To finish, this is the team I would pick if we had a game today. Let me know your thoughts.
GK: Szczesny
RB: Sagna
CB: Per
CB: Koscielny
LB: Gibbs
RM: Walcott
CM: Arteta
CM: Wilshere
LM: Santi
ST: Giroud
ST: Podolski
Thoughts and views appreciated as always,
Come on the Gooners!
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