Gunners Gone Bad
Today officially marked the end to Arsenal's season. Okay, not really as they still have to finish out the EPL season secure their spot in the next Champions League. But it needs to be noted that in the span of a month this side has been beaten in the Carling Cup final, eliminated from the FA Cup and now bounced from the CL. This is the same side that in two cup matches scored a total of 9 goals at Anfield in the face of anyone that has ever pulled on a Reds shirt. Arsenal can play the most beautiful football in Europe and have some of the most exciting players on the planet. That doesn't change the fact they are highly inconsistent and face a lot of questions for next season.
First, Thierry Henry is gone. Whether it is to Spain or Italy or MLS (kidding) it looks certain he will not stick around at the Emirates. Which is ironic as it was such a major deal to have Henry captain this side out on the pitch for the opening of the Emirates - now it doesn't appear he will be greatly missed. Which raises an even bigger question: Does manager Arsene Wenger believe the youth and depth he has can replace TH14? It is our belief at VoF that Theo Walcott could be out of this world. Although, one goal in a Carling Cup final does not translate into instant greatness. Nor are we certain Adebayour will be able to shoulder the load of being The Man That Must Produce - even more - once Henry is gone.
In addition to Jens Lehman and Freddie Ljungberg's future in question, will one William Gallas be so willing to stick around once he realizes he will be part a "Baby Gunners" squad that is still 2 years away from posing a title challenge. Man Utd. and Chelsea do not look ready to give up their dominance any time soon, and Liverpool's new ownership seems to indicate any and all players are available for purchase if Rafa requests.
Finally, Julio Baptista looks to be an absolute perfect fit for the EPL. He has the strength, pace and fire to excel. One problem, will former club Real Madrid take notice of how much he has grown and call him back and send Jose Reyes back to London? Reyes is a talent no doubt, but not such a talent that he can't be replaced. Baptista is showing all the signs of being unstoppable.
Speaking of Real Madrid, their season essentially ended today as well. In the 2nd most interesting match up of this round, Bayern Munich knocked them out via the away goal rule. Both sides would contend a domestic title is not out of the question. We would contend they have as much a chance of claiming a domestic trophy as we do of getting asked to drive the pace car at a NASCAR race. Real Madrid don't have the talent to compete this year with Sevilla, Barca or Valencia. And Athletico and Zargoza are not convinced they can't claim the 4th CL spot from Spain.
First, Thierry Henry is gone. Whether it is to Spain or Italy or MLS (kidding) it looks certain he will not stick around at the Emirates. Which is ironic as it was such a major deal to have Henry captain this side out on the pitch for the opening of the Emirates - now it doesn't appear he will be greatly missed. Which raises an even bigger question: Does manager Arsene Wenger believe the youth and depth he has can replace TH14? It is our belief at VoF that Theo Walcott could be out of this world. Although, one goal in a Carling Cup final does not translate into instant greatness. Nor are we certain Adebayour will be able to shoulder the load of being The Man That Must Produce - even more - once Henry is gone.
In addition to Jens Lehman and Freddie Ljungberg's future in question, will one William Gallas be so willing to stick around once he realizes he will be part a "Baby Gunners" squad that is still 2 years away from posing a title challenge. Man Utd. and Chelsea do not look ready to give up their dominance any time soon, and Liverpool's new ownership seems to indicate any and all players are available for purchase if Rafa requests.
Finally, Julio Baptista looks to be an absolute perfect fit for the EPL. He has the strength, pace and fire to excel. One problem, will former club Real Madrid take notice of how much he has grown and call him back and send Jose Reyes back to London? Reyes is a talent no doubt, but not such a talent that he can't be replaced. Baptista is showing all the signs of being unstoppable.
Speaking of Real Madrid, their season essentially ended today as well. In the 2nd most interesting match up of this round, Bayern Munich knocked them out via the away goal rule. Both sides would contend a domestic title is not out of the question. We would contend they have as much a chance of claiming a domestic trophy as we do of getting asked to drive the pace car at a NASCAR race. Real Madrid don't have the talent to compete this year with Sevilla, Barca or Valencia. And Athletico and Zargoza are not convinced they can't claim the 4th CL spot from Spain.
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