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[Yen]

I don't see why they should sell Aquilani to be honest. If there is one thing that Liverpool had cruelly exposed in the last 2 years, it's that they lack the depth of Tottenham, City, United, Gunners and Chelsea.

Poulsen, gah, seems like a nice enough player. Just hopelessly out of depth in England. There should be a Dutch or German team who'd take him though.

Or perhaps Olympiakos?

Yeah we actually have squad depth now, meaning we don't have to put El Zhar or Poulsen on the bench or play Aurelio or Kuyt in CM if someone is injured, and all I hear is, "lololol central midfielders"
Aqualani would play really well under Kenny's pass and move system. He'd played well in that 6 month spell in 2010.

 

[Kermit The Dog]

I don't think Modric would want to play for Manchester City. If he goes anywhere, which looks incredibly unlikely, it will be to Chelsea.

And your reasoning? I think he'll go wherever he can play CL football, and he sure as hell can't do that at Tottenham.

 

[Tim the Wiz]

Could watch this goal forever. Miss this team.

Also, Brown's performance against Barcelona that year was immense. One of the best defensive displays I've ever seen. No choking that night.

There is no way we are getting Sneijder and Nasri lol. Even if we could afford it. And no team we can compile will be better than Barca.

Not saying it's likely or that Barca are anything except the best side in the world right now, but with time, good tactics and the right players, a lot is possible. Early half of last decade, even up until 2007 with that loss against AC Milan (ignoring the 7-1 demolition of Roma!), most of the Italian sides were unbeatable for Utd going into the knockout phase of the CL. Things can change.

Don't disagree with the rest of your post, though. Getting both Nasri and Sneijder is unlikely and playing both at the same time could be counterproductive.

 

[Mastadon]

why no, seems a pretty good team, didn't say we'd beat them but would have a better chance than we have previously.

Looks to me like Barca would stroll through the centre of your midfield without breaking a sweat

Spoiler

again

. Nasri and Sneijder would both want to get forward and aren't strong defensively. Fletcher alone wouldn't protect your defenders.

 

[WJD]

why no, seems a pretty good team, didn't say we'd beat them but would have a better chance than we have previously.

Because that's about as open as a midfield as you could have with Fletcher being played out of position (if you want someone to shield the back 4, use Carrick) and Nasri and Sneijder both wanting to be in attacking positions while leaving huge gaps. I'm no manager, but it's a tactical mess.

edit: ^^ also what he said.

 

[Vivalaraza]

Not saying it's likely or that Barca are anything except the best side in the world right now, but with time, good tactics and the right players, a lot is possible. Early half of last decade, even up until 2007 with that loss against AC Milan (ignoring the 7-1 demolition of Roma!), most of the Italian sides were unbeatable for Utd going into the knockout phase of the CL. Things can change.

It's certainly possible to beat them and that team posted would have as good a chance as any. Just at this moment in time, having a team better or even as good as Barca seems unlikely. They have 3 of the 5 best players in the world, a perfect system and tactical set up which currently looks difficult to overcome.

I reckon we can beat them, but I don't think we can be a better team than them, not until their level drops.

 

[omgkitty]

I don't think any team is unbeatable. While Barca is probably the best team in the world, they are certainly beatable. I think you can also look at past teams and see that there have been teams who skill wise were not the best ever, but they played very well together and beat better teams. There is something about the way Barca is put together and the team they have that just works. I truly believe that it will end soon however. All it takes for one or two players to get crocked for too long and your team is screwed (look at Arsenal for the past 4 or 5 seasons).

 

[Joel Was Right]

To beat Barca, you need three things.

1. To be at your best
2. For them to be at play under par
3. A lot of luck

Using that logic, any decent side can beat them but you'll never beat them at their best no matter what. They are imperious

 

[doicare]

Similar to barca's system, feltcher playing the same role of busquets (minus the diving)
wouldn't be too far of from barca with this team. no hernandez?

Well with that team you'd have to pick between Rooney and Hernandez and Rooney wins everytime. The only other option would be to play Rooney on the left wing like Villa does for Barcalona but then you'd have Valencia, Nani, Park and Young all fighting for the other wing, lol.

 

[omgkitty]

To beat Barca, you need three things.

1. To be at your best
2. For them to be at play under par
3. A lot of luck

Using that logic, any decent side can beat them but you'll never beat them at their best no matter what. They are imperious

Sounds familiar.....and to lose you need a tall idiot who misses open goals and for your best player to get sent off for made up fouls. You also need your captain to make back passes to the other team 20 yards in front of goal.

 

[Sqrt_minus_one]

Not saying it's likely or that Barca are anything except the best side in the world right now, but with time, good tactics and the right players, a lot is possible. Early half of last decade, even up until 2007 with that loss against AC Milan (ignoring the 7-1 demolition of Roma!), most of the Italian sides were unbeatable for Utd going into the knockout phase of the CL. Things can change.

Don't disagree with the rest of your post, though. Getting both Nasri and Sneijder is unlikely and playing both at the same time could be counterproductive.

I assume the Barca that was being spoken about was the current Barca team not some future form of the team which no one has any idea of yet. They could be mismanaged and relegated in 10 years such is life. At the end of the day with time anything can happen with time arthritis, rheumatism and dementia might set in and the United team quoted above could beat the current Barca team.

The current Barcelona team are world beaters as a result of many factors one of which is the length of time which they have played together. Recruiting 4 world class players who are not elite players into United is not going to carry you lot past them. Madrid did it on a grander scale last year and only won 1 of 4 meetings.

 

[Ashes]

To beat Barca, you need three things.

1. To be at your best
2. For them to be at play under par
3. A lot of luck

Using that logic, any decent side can beat them but you'll never beat them at their best no matter what. They are imperious

You have to somehow wrestle back possession. That should be the first part in breaking them down, not what you are doing: putting them on a pedestal.

 

[doicare]

Looks to me like Barca would stroll through the centre of your midfield without breaking a sweat

Spoiler

again

. Nasri and Sneijder would both want to get forward and aren't strong defensively. Fletcher alone wouldn't protect your defenders.

Because that's about as open as a midfield as you could have with Fletcher being played out of position (if you want someone to shield the back 4, use Carrick) and Nasri and Sneijder both wanting to be in attacking positions while leaving huge gaps. I'm no manager, but it's a tactical mess.

edit: ^^ also what he said.

Well thing is Manchester United won't be playing Barcalona every week so comparing that potential team to Barca's really isn't an issue, against most teams in the world that line up would be world class.

I'm supprised WJD that you don't think Fletcher is a defensive midfielder? Most people classify him as one who can also play as a traditional central midfielder as well.

If Man U were playing Barcalona again (next years champions league final *crosses fingers*) then they could just swap out either Nasri or Sneijder and replace him with Carrick or Park.

 

[K1LLER7]

Because that's about as open as a midfield as you could have with Fletcher being played out of position (if you want someone to shield the back 4, use Carrick) and Nasri and Sneijder both wanting to be in attacking positions while leaving huge gaps. I'm no manager, but it's a tactical mess.

edit: ^^ also what he said.

your right , wasn't thinking defensively but the teams pretty bad if you needed to defend against barca but I wouldn't use a 4-3-3 formation. As a manager, I would choose a 4-5-1 formation. probably the best to use against barca and now only real and city have enough top quality defensive midfield options to break apart the passing. But they have messi

 

[Baconsarnie]

Anyway, in actual news Ian Wright was brutally honest about his views on Wenger's transfer policy in his column.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...ht-says-Arsene-Wenger-only-buys-unknowns.html

Think with that is the quote from the article

then plump for someone in France or Spain hardly any of us have ever heard of.

How many people had heard of Clichy, Fabregas and Nasri before they signed? Wenger has rarely signed ready made world class players. Vieira, Henry and Van Persie were just a few who were pretty unknown's when signed.

 

[Moobabe]

I think matching Barca man for man in midfield is the biggest mistake a side can make against them. They will have SO much possession it's about trying something a little bit different.

For me - go back to a 4 - 4 - 2 or, if you like, 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 and play extremely narrow. Messi won't go past you to the byeline, nor will Pedro, to put balls into the box so GIVE them the spaces to the sides of the penalty area and try to force them into it. By defending narrow you condense the center of the pitch without needing an extra man in midfield.

As for attack - HOOF the ball. It may not be pretty but with a front 2 who are constantly on Pique and Puyol it either forces Barcelona to defend deep or risk being caught on the counter - and those 2 players aren't the quickest.

I think it would be worth a go at least - a 5 man midfield isn't working - especially against 2 of the best central midfielders in the world right now.

 

[omgkitty]

Just read this blog post that was pretty funny. About what he would do if he was the king of football. It's an Arsenal based site, but only one or two references in there.

The Man Who Would Be King of Football

 

[Ashes]

I think matching Barca man for man in midfield is the biggest mistake a side can make against them. They will have SO much possession it's about trying something a little bit different.

For me - go back to a 4 - 4 - 2 or, if you like, 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 and play extremely narrow. Messi won't go past you to the byeline, nor will Pedro, to put balls into the box so GIVE them the spaces to the sides of the penalty area and try to force them into it. By defending narrow you condense the center of the pitch without needing an extra man in midfield.

As for attack - HOOF the ball. It may not be pretty but with a front 2 who are constantly on Pique and Puyol it either forces Barcelona to defend deep or risk being caught on the counter - and those 2 players aren't the quickest.

I think it would be worth a go at least - a 5 man midfield isn't working - especially against 2 of the best central midfielders in the world right now.

Barcelona are very good against 4-4-2, unless you move in and out of it. Personally, I think a 343 might work, cause they don't out and out attack, nor really counter-attack, nor take corners, so why have four defenders?
Three central defenders, four midfielders, three forward players.

 

[near]

Think with that is the quote from the article



How many people had heard of Clichy, Fabregas and Nasri before they signed? Wenger has rarely signed ready made world class players. Vieira, Henry and Van Persie were just a few who were pretty unknown's when signed.

Arsene has signed players in the past who were fairly well known and at some big clubs. Henry was known, Arsene coughed up a fair amount of money for his signature from Juventus. Recently his transfer policy has changed, however in the past he wasn't shy to dive into the boards pockets.

 

[omgkitty]

Barcelona are very good against 4-4-2, unless you move in and out of it. Personally, I think a 343 might work, cause they don't out and out attack, nor really counter-attack, nor take corners, so why have four defenders?
Three central defenders, four midfielders, three forward players.

I think you're right. I don't think I have ever seen them score without about 5 players within 15 yards of the goal.

 

[omgkitty]

Arsene has signed players in the past who were fairly well known and at some big clubs. Henry was known, Arsene coughed up a fair amount of money for his signature from Juventus. Recently his transfer policy has changed, however in the past he wasn't shy to dive into the boards pockets.

If Arsene wants a player, he almost always signs them (barring the other club just not budging). The issue has never been money. Arsene doesn't go after very expensive players because he knows he can buy someone of similar quality for a fraction of the price.

 

[Moobabe]

Barcelona are very good against 4-4-2, unless you move in and out of it. Personally, I think a 343 might work, cause they don't out and out attack, nor really counter-attack, nor take corners, so why have four defenders?
Three central defenders, four midfielders, three forward players.

I would be relying on the 4 - 4 - 2 being able to defend of course and relying on the front 2 to force Barca backwards. Playing 3 at the back though? I'm still to be convinced - though if your two wider players were full backs - like Liverpool adopted against Chelsea last season - then yeah, maybe.

 

[dschalter]

I think matching Barca man for man in midfield is the biggest mistake a side can make against them. They will have SO much possession it's about trying something a little bit different.

For me - go back to a 4 - 4 - 2 or, if you like, 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 and play extremely narrow. Messi won't go past you to the byeline, nor will Pedro, to put balls into the box so GIVE them the spaces to the sides of the penalty area and try to force them into it. By defending narrow you condense the center of the pitch without needing an extra man in midfield.

As for attack - HOOF the ball. It may not be pretty but with a front 2 who are constantly on Pique and Puyol it either forces Barcelona to defend deep or risk being caught on the counter - and those 2 players aren't the quickest.

I think it would be worth a go at least - a 5 man midfield isn't working - especially against 2 of the best central midfielders in the world right now.

Alves will just run all the way down the touchline and cause havoc with crosses or simply by cutting into the box if you try and go super narrow. That is a trump card of sorts that they have against teams that try and go narrow turtle.

And of course they certainly can score from outside the box (just ask Man U!)

 

[Blackhead]

Barcelona are very good against 4-4-2, unless you move in and out of it. Personally, I think a 343 might work, cause they don't out and out attack, nor really counter-attack, nor take corners, so why have four defenders?
Three central defenders, four midfielders, three forward players.

first, is there a good website or application for drawing soccer formation diagrams?

interesting idea. Barca themselves occasionally play a 3-4-3, and Chile played their 3-4-3 against spain in the last world cup.

I don't think it'll work against barca though. three defenders can easily be bambozzled by the movement of messi, villa, pedro, and alves, while the three forwards won't have much to do while barca hog the ball. the 3-4-3 system will quickly lose shape imo.

 

[Mastadon]

Alves will just run all the way down the touchline and cause havoc with crosses or simply by cutting into the box if you try and go super narrow. That is a trump card of sorts that they have against teams that try and go narrow turtle.

And of course they certainly can score from outside the box (just ask Man U!)

Exactly. Alves is probably the finest example of an attacking full back around. He'd be given free reign on the flank in a 343 system. Plus there would be a lot of space in the final third for Barca, which is never a good thing.

 

[Gareth Bale]

If Arsene wants a player, he almost always signs them (barring the other club just not budging). The issue has never been money. Arsene doesn't go after very expensive players because he knows he can buy someone of similar quality for a fraction of the price.

Being a fraction of the price usually comes at the cost of experience and mental strength. But the most confusing of his current philosophies is the assembly of a French speaking defence. Especially after this:

 

[omgkitty]

Being a fraction of the price usually comes at the cost of experience and mental strength. But the most confusing of his current philosophies is the assembly of a French speaking defence. Especially after this:

I guess his excuse could be the fact that he inherited that defense, but that really isn't a great excuse. After they all left, he turned non-defenders (Toure, Cole, Lauren) into defenders. Our defense is actually pretty decent now, but if he could sign a defensive rock who's also a leader in the mold of Adams and a consistent LB I think we have something.

 

[dschalter]

Being a fraction of the price usually comes at the cost of experience and mental strength. But the most confusing of his current philosophies is the assembly of a French speaking defence. Especially after this:

it has nothing to do with players being english or not, it has to do with players being good or bad, and he has signed a bunch of mediocre defenders.

 

[omgkitty]

it has nothing to do with players being english or not, it has to do with players being good or bad, and he has signed a bunch of mediocre defenders.

I think we're not far away. Vermaelen is a very good player and so is Sagna. I think we need to sign someone like Sakho. He is already proven to be a leader and I think he's going to be one of the best defenders in the world. Maybe also look into picking up Jan Vertonghen.

 

[José Mourinho]

And your reasoning? I think he'll go wherever he can play CL football, and he sure as hell can't do that at Tottenham.

If what he was quoted as saying is true, he said he wanted to play CL football but was also happy staying in London.

 

[Bumhead]

From an outsiders point of view, Arsenal have needed a leader for years now. I don't think Wenger has every truly replaced Viera. I think a horrible central midfield player and a good first choice Goalkeeper should be top of Arsenal's shopping list.

The problem Wenger faces now is that on top of this, he also needs to replace the likes of Nasri and possibly Fabregas. Can't help but feel that's a headache that could have been avoided had Arsenal fixed some of their other problems in previous transfer windows.

 

[omgkitty]

From an outsiders point of view, Arsenal have needed a leader for years now. I don't think Wenger has every truly replaced Viera. I think a horrible central midfield player and a good first choice Goalkeeper should be top of Arsenal's shopping list.

The problem Wenger faces now is that on top of this, he also needs to replace the likes of Nasri and possibly Fabregas. Can't help but feel that's a headache that could have been avoided had Arsenal fixed some of their other problems in previous transfer windows.

Huh?

 

[Gareth Bale]

I think we're not far away. Vermaelen is a very good player and so is Sagna. I think we need to sign someone like Sakho. He is already proven to be a leader and I think he's going to be one of the best defenders in the world. Maybe also look into picking up Jan Vertonghen.

My point exactly. I don't mean that they need to be English. It's just worth noting that the most successful Arsenal team didn't have this French-speaking bias. The best defences in world football are made up of the best defenders, not the best defenders that all speak the same first language.

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

Huh?

He means someone like De Jong who'll clatter people and cover when the hard work needs doing. I don't care what anyone says, Song is not adequate.

 

[Bumhead]

Huh?

Well, someone like Viera. Somebody who isn't going to be a passenger in games. Somebody who when the chips are down is going to get in peoples faces and get stuck in. Arsenal have lacked a resilience when their backs have been against the wall for a few seasons now. That was the sort of no nonsense leadership quality that Viera brought (and which is why his personal duals against Keane were so amusing), and which I believe Arsenal have lacked for too long now.

 

[omgkitty]

My point exactly. I don't mean that they need to be English. It's just worth noting that the most successful Arsenal team didn't have this French-speaking bias. The best defences in world football are made up of the best defenders, not the best defenders that all speak the same first language.

Well technically Vermaelen is Belgian and Djourou is Swiss, but yeah 3 of our current defenders now speak French. Wenger just seems to have a predisposition towards French players, but then again he is French.

 

[omgkitty]

Well, someone like Viera. Somebody who isn't going to be a passenger in games. Somebody who when the chips are down is going to get in peoples faces and get stuck in. Arsenal have lacked a resilience when their backs have been against the wall for a few seasons now. That was the sort of no nonsense leadership quality that Viera brought (and which is why his personal duals against Keane were so amusing), and which I believe Arsenal have lacked for too long now.

Well if you look at our squad we kind of have a guy like that already and that is Wilshere. I think in a few years he could easily captain the side, but I don't think he quite has the maturity yet.

 

[Kweh]

There is nothing wrong with Song. He has come on leaps and bounds over the past 2 season. He's one of the few players that can hold their head up high after most games, he doesn't do alot wrong and always gives 110%.

 

[Hixx]

O'Shea has signed

 

[Feorax]

O'Shea has signed

You guys are doing really well in this window. Showing that kind of intent will take you a long way.

 

[WJD]

O'Shea has signed

 

[Wes]

O'Shea has signed

I expected the smileys to be the other way around.

 

[midwestern_stylings]

Speaking as a totteringham fan, I think Song is quality, easily one of arsenal's best players.

 

[Gareth Bale]

Well technically Vermaelen is Belgian and Djourou is Swiss, but yeah 3 of our current defenders now speak French. Wenger just seems to have a predisposition towards French players, but then again he is French.

Traore, Sagna, Eboue, Vermaelen, Djourou, Squillaci, Koscielny, (Clichy) all speak French. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but these are all players that he signed, as opposed to Gibbs (the only defender who speaks a different language) who was an academy graduate. It seems more like he imposes these restrictions than it being a coincidence.

And yes, Song is a good player

 

[midwestern_stylings]

O'Shea has signed

You'll be signing Defoe soon

 

[Hixx]

You guys are doing really well in this window. Showing that kind of intent will take you a long way.

O'Shea is the only one that we've signed that's genuinely surprised me - the rest are good signings but they aren't anything special. He was still getting regular games at Man Utd and I thought bigger clubs would be in for him. Really, really pleased with it.

What worries me is we've still not sorted out our left side, we offer no threat on that side.

You'll be signing Defoe soon

Quite a strong rumour atm but I can't see it. Don't think he and Gyan would make a good partnership either.

 

[WJD]

I hope we got a bit more for O'Shea than we did for Brown btw..

 

[Vivalaraza]

Sad to see O'Shea go. Played alot more games for us than people realise. More than 30 in every season but 1 in the last 9 years.

The chip against Arsenal was a delight, but this is my personal favourite moment!

O'Shea Nutmegs Figo

I hope we got a bit more for O'Shea than we did for Brown btw..

Yeah I thought we could have got 2m/3m for Brown. Guess he is 32 now and has had some injury issues...seemed to be frozen out this season (guess rumours of a falling out with SAF may have been true).

 

[elsk]

So Baines could replace Clichy at Arsenal. Baines is the best left back in PL, imo.

 

[dc89]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtFsc5SM1Wg

Looking good! I wonder how much that has cost Mr Mansour.