Hello, and welcome to The Rival Fans’ View!
This is a special segment in which we have 5 rival fans to discuss a set of pertinent topics relating to their club as well as Arsenal.
For this week, I have with me Naveen, who is a Manchester United supporter, Cenk, who is a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, Priceless Silva, who supports Manchester City, Bobby, who is a Chelsea supporter and finally AnfieldRd, who supports Liverpool.
The Twitter accounts of the panelists are linked to their names in case you want to check them out. So, let’s get started without further adieu!
Q1) Who is your favourite player in your current team and what do you like about him?
Cenk(Spurs):- Other than the cliche answer of Harry Kane, it’s probably Tanguy Ndombele. Epitomizes a modern midfielder, skill-full, has a great skill set and someone I just love watching. Such a fluid player with a great potential.
AnfieldRd(Liverpool):- Van Dijk – Best defender in the world. Will prove this again next season when he’s back from his injury.
Bobby(Chelsea):- For me it’s Hudson Odoi. I’ve been watching him for ages and I feel like because I’ve followed his whole journey, there’s a connection there that I don’t have with any other player. I like how he’s such a complete player and how high his football IQ is. He just seems to be staved of chances and when he gets them he performs 90% of the time. He has a top mentality where he is hungry to do his best. I have no doubts he’ll be a world class player.
Naveen(Machester United):- There are many players I like, but my current favourites are Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani. I like what they do on the pitch, and also off the pitch with Cavani. He has a great influence on players like Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.
Priceless Silva(Manchester City):- My favourite player at City right now is Ferran Torres. Not just because of how talented he is but for personal reasons too. He’s Spanish, came from Valencia and inherited the number 21 shirt of my idol David Silva.
Q2) Are you happy with how your team has performed this season? What changes would you like to see for the next season?
Cenk:- There’s no protecting how much we’ve under-performed this season, it’s simply been absolute dross and certainly full of reality checks for us as fans. Some players we thought may have been half decent and useful, clearly aren’t. We need a strong manager to come in and clear the deadwood, a sporting director is also crucial and according to reports, that’s imminent.
AnfieldRd:- It hasn’t been great, but we’ve been ridiculously unlucky with injuries to our defenders and didn’t score enough goals, however making top four and getting Champions League football after what looked like an almost impossible task was a great way to end the season. I’d like to see us invest in a goal scoring midfielder this summer and can’t wait to see Van Dijk and Konate.
Bobby:- It’s been a roller-coaster for Chelsea this season. We were top of the league when we beat Leeds at home this season and things looked better than ever. Lampard looked like the guy but performances dropped and he later got the sack. Things looked really bad. Was very unsure on a lot of our players too. Tuchel then found a system that really got the best out of the current team and won the CL. Overall it was a good season but the CL plays a big part in that. For next season I would like Tuchel to be backed with his signings. He’s a world class manager and we cannot let him down like Dortmund and PSG did.
Naveen:- If I was told Manchester United will finish second when the summer window closed in October, I would have found it hard to accept. Disappointed United failed to beat Villarreal in the Europa League final. With regards to changes, I really want to see the club bring in players who can improve our starting XI.
Priceless Silva:- The UCL final was disappointing but overall I’m happy with it cos we still won 2 trophies. For next season we definitely need to sign a striker. Replacing Aguero is gonna be a huge challenge.
Q3) What is the one thing your team is doing that you think Arsenal aren’t and should do/implement going forward ?
Cenk:- We have a transfer policy and wage structure we seemingly stick to and slowly increase it with the revenue we receive, and when the timings right. I see some crazy wages at Arsenal for nothing more than average players, it then makes it so much harder to ship them out. Ours is 200k maximum.
AnfieldRd:- We went out and brought in Jurgen Klopp who changed everything for us. Arsenal need to do the same when the right manager becomes available.
Bobby:- I think Arsenal should have ambitions like us. They always seem too happy with top 4/6. There’s a lack of a long term project at Arsenal. Signings feel like they are always getting 2nd targets and even their 1st choice targets aren’t good enough. Main thing would be to think like a big club, which they don’t.
Naveen:- Ever since Solskjaer came in, Manchester United have moved out and are still trying to move out players who weren’t and aren’t good enough for us.
Arsenal must do that and at the same time replace them with quality players.
Manchester United haven’t replaced all the players they have allowed to leave with quality players, but there has been progress on this front.
Priceless Silva:- Something I’ve noticed is that Arsenal fans spend a lot of time focusing on signing attacking players and midfielders when defence is really the issue you need to sort out. Even the invincibles had a solid defence which gave Arsenal’s attack more freedom to play beautiful football upfront. I think the most important thing Arsenal should do going forward is invest in a good RB and GK. I haven’t seen a lot of Saliba but if he isn’t ready you need a new and a good RCB signing. After that you can add young playmakers and forwards like we did with Ferran for example.
Q4) Which Arsenal player do you think never reached his full potential?
Cenk:- Eduardo I thought was great, but that major injury began the downfall. If I remember correctly he was on fire at one point in the league and it sort of came crashing down, another one that comes to mind is Abou Diaby who was also crucified by injuries.
AnfieldRd:- Got to be Diaby or Wilshere. Both players with unbelievable amount of talent but injuries absolutely ruined their careers which is so sad to see.
Bobby:- There’s an obvious answer I feel. Wilshere. I remember watching him here and there and was so jealous that Arsenal had a player like him. He gave me Iniesta vibes the way he played. Was great to watch and he was someone that looked like a Arsenal player that belonged there (I mean that in a good way). That term is outdated these day I won’t lie. He looked the real deal. Shame the injuries ruined him.
Naveen:- From the current squad, I would say Gabriel Martinelli. I feel he’s an exceptional player, but injuries have hampered his progress. He still has time on his side.
Priceless Silva:- Jack Wilshere. I truly believed he had the potential to go down as an all-time great but sadly injuries ruined the progress
Q5) What are your thoughts on Thomas Partey?
Cenk:- Thomas Partey was colossal for Simeone, he really suited the 4-4-2 system they implement at Atleti. I think he’s much more of a box-to-box and I think he’s not had that freedom yet. There’s not quite an outstanding defensive midfielder at your club to allow him that freedom. I think his first season has been poor, he needs to keep fit for the whole season otherwise it’ll be tough to ever see the best of him.
AnfieldRd:- I think he’s a great player. Injuries haven’t helped him settle in, but also the quality around him isn’t amazing. Will do well next season.
Bobby:- I’m a massive fan of Partey if anyone follows me. To say I’ve been disappointed in his season is a understatement. He’s shown what he can do, don’t get me wrong but there’s times where he shows his inconsistencies. Injuries don’t help at all and Arsenal’s season overall. He’s a top player that just hasn’t had a great season. You’ll see the best of him next season that’s for sure. I would like to see if a partner is bought for him. Him as a holder in a 433 is probably his best position right now due to the lack of a partner that works with him. He’s still a world class player that hasn’t had a good season, that’s all.
Naveen:- Was signed on the deadline day last summer, meaning he didn’t have a pre-season with his new teammates and had to adapt to the needs of the Premier League straight away. Injuries in between also didn’t help him. So, there’s a good chance for Thomas to do much better next season.
Priceless Silva:- I love him as a player and he seems like a great guy off the pitch too. One of my favourite midfielders in the PL.
Q6) Thoughts on Xhaka? Do you think he is unfairly criticized?
Cenk:- Xhaka lacks quite a few of the basics when I do watch him, seems to have lapses of concentration in the vital moments but seems to have a ping on him as well. We’ve seen his passing and shooting range utilised sometimes but I don’t think the criticism is unfair, he’s been quite versatile for you guys at left-back etc, but I think he’s quite limited in his game if I’m totally honest.
AnfieldRd:- I think he’s a good player for Arsenal, however I don’t think he is the right type of player to take Arsenal to the next level. Can’t fault his passion, but we’ve all seen him commit too many errors which have led to conceding goals or red cards.
Bobby:- I like Xhaka but I feel like he can be too error-prone and immobile. He is a great footballer but some of his decisions in high-pressure moments are confusing. I wouldn’t look to sell him as he isn’t that big of a problem as made out to be but he’s a Top 6 quality player. Not Top 4 or above.
Naveen:- Yes, I agree that he’s criticised unfairly at times. There has been strong links of AS Roma’s interest and think it’s best for both parties to separate.
Priceless Silva:- I think he’s a solid player who adds a lot of stability to the midfield. Some of the criticism he gets is deserved but I also feel he gets scapegoated a lot of times too. Maybe cos of the booing incident that happened at the Emirates or because Arsenal fans expect him to be a different type of midfielder when that’s not really his role.
Q7) A player from Arsenal’s (current) team who has taken you by surprise?
Cenk:- I think for me that’s probably Saka, he sort of burst onto the scene with the Europa League under Emery and I probably doubted him in carrying that on a consistent basis and into the Premier League, he’s actually shown up some of your senior ‘stars’ this year and done well. You need the right manager with him to keep him concentrated and for these good moments not to get to his head. We’ve seen players like this in the past and it’s crucial his mentality stays the same.
AnfieldRd:- Bukayo Saka. Absolutely adore the kid and think he’s one of, if not the best young player in the Premier. League. Carried Arsenal last season at only 19 years old. Ridiculous player who I’d love at Liverpool. Very happy he’s going to the Euros with England.
Bobby:- Probably Ceballos and not for good reasons. He genuinely looks like a championship player. Has no purpose in the midfield and I’m always wondering what role is he playing. It’s constantly changing. Not a fan of him and it shocked me because I didn’t realize how bad a Real Madrid player could be.
Naveen:- Emile Smith Rowe. He’s done well since Arteta gave him a chance last December.
Priceless Silva:- Emile Smith Rowe definitely. Incredible talent but I never thought he will settle in so quickly. I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him
Q8) Do you think Arsenal will be able to get back into the Champions League next season? If not where do you think they will finish next season?
Cenk:- You are not anywhere near the Champions League in my books, I think it’s going to take a minimum of 2-3 seasons to get back and challenging for the top 4. We are miles away too. You need a massive window and I’m not sure Edu and Kroenke have the ability to do that. Time will tell but your squad certainly doesn’t strike me as a top 4 one.
AnfieldRd:- I’d normally say no, however with no European football next season, all the focus should be on getting back into the Champions League. I still think it’ll be too much to ask for, the squad itself and the squad depth isn’t filled with quality. Arsenal need a few signings in the summer.
Bobby:- No I don’t. I would say a 6th place finish is realistic looking at the possible signings you make and the other clubs make. If Arteta is backed with his players, maybe a 5th.
Naveen:- Considering that Manchester City and Chelsea will further strengthen their squad, these two sides are likely to finish in the top four. Liverpool’s injured players recovering on time for next season, Manchester United and Leicester City are looking to further strengthen their squad. These three mentioned sides will also challenge for the top four spots. Having said all these, the lack of European competition can favour Arsenal to finish in the top four, provided they make quality additions to their squad this summer.
Priceless Silva:- I really think it depends on the signings you make in the summer. But as things stand and with the current squad, I think you’ll finish somewhere between 5th and 7th
Q9) Unbiased views on Arteta ?
Cenk:- Arteta for me took the job way too soon, he’s done great to win you a domestic trophy or two but it seemed a very sentimental appointment to get the fans back onboard. He needed to leave City as assistant to Pep and joined a club with slightly less pressure in which to join you guys after that. Then he’d have more experience as a first team manager and probably would have been better equipped. I think personally, if it wasn’t an ex-Arsenal player in the hot seat right now that person would’ve been sacked ages ago. The league table finishes are unacceptable too and Wenger got sacked and hounded out of the club for far less.
AnfieldRd:- I think there’s definitely a really good manager in there, but the Arsenal job came too soon for him. I don’t blame him for taking it though.
Bobby:- Arteta took the Arsenal job too early I feel. He is a great tactical manager. He definitely knows a lot about the game but I feel his ability to manage a squad is very poor. From his treatment of players, his lineups, his in game decisions and more. That’s about 50% of becoming a top manager but it’s also something that can be resolved easily. That’s why I see the potential in Arteta but at this current time, he has work to do. He isn’t using what worked for him at the start. He needs to understand the limitations with his players and build the system around them. Similar to Tuchel.
Naveen:- Feel he needs to be given the players he needs to play the certain style of football. Not too sure if he can get the best out of current players he has at his disposal.
Priceless Silva:- I think he’s a great coach, but not a great man-manager. His work in training and tactical analysis was key to our success at City and those titles we won. I hope experience makes him a better man-manager because to be successful in modern football you need to be able to motivate and handle big names and egos in the dressing room.
That’s it for this week. Thanks a lot for your patient reading and support. If you are new here, let us know what you think of this concept? What do you think about the panelists and their views?
If any of my readers would be interested in featuring on this segment in the future, please feel free to post your Twitter handle in the comments and we will reach out to you.
Hope you all have a great week ahead !!!