Vieira was asked whether he felt the departed players had been adequately replaced. “When you look at the talent of Flamini and the talent of the new Brazilian guy [in midfield], Denilson, it’s not the difference,” he said. “He is really talented but maybe he needs more time to express himself. He needs to learn more because the more you play, the better you will be. I don’t think Arsenal lost on the true talent but, by losing these five players, they lost a lot of experience.”

I agree with the aspect of squad player status for Song and Denilson but there is something about Bendtner that tells me he is not cutting it. I think his attitude leaves a lot to be desired and if it doesnt change then whatever hope there is for him is rapidly draining.

I see more potential in Song than Denilson based on more athleticism and strength and I can see him improving when he has the ball which is important. He was excellent in the African Nations Cup but has been somewhat inconsistent this season. Time will tell if he makes a defensive central midfilder or central defender and worthy of a starting place.

Denilson is caught in the conundrum of being neither a fantastic ball winner, fantastic midfield dominator or scorer of fair share of goals to make a major impact. You need all three as a central midfielder to be absolute world class I guess but maybe only 2 if you have the right partner beside you. At times, he has looked the part but not often enough and he does not help the balance of Cesc play when they are both in the side together in my opinion. He is not a bad player by any stretch but I just dont think there is enough about him to compliment playing in the same 11 as Cesc and he is not in the same league as Cesc for influencing a game.

Signings wise, it will be hard to get them in January. I hope we do get one or two fresh faces for the lift it will give us. If there was an opportunity to sign a reasonably experienced midfielder and/or centre back of renowned quality that would be great. A midfielder would enable Cesc to concentrate on what he is best at i.e. operating in the opposition half mainly and increase the potential number of chances to play in our centre forwards or indeed wide players to get crosses. A new centre back would add some stability and consistency which neither Gallas, Toure, Djourou, or Song have been able to instill all season.

It will be good to get some players back from injury such as Eduardo and Rosicky, one hopes that they can return to the peak of their performance as we have not seen the best of either of them in Arsenal colours yet. Hopefully Theo will make good progress and in the shorter term Nasri needs to get himself fit for a long run as well as it has been a bit stop-start for him but the promise is there big time in my opinion.

The great thing is that there is always another game around the corner and we can build our hopes and dreams on that. We have Liverpool on Sunday and a win would be fantastic. I hope AW realizes some changes are required though regardless and that he implements them if not in January because of player availability then surely in the Summer.

I think a lot of fans would sympathise with your view. I would just say that although a young player like Song or Bendtner might not be performing brilliantly right now, it would seem a bit hasty to sell them just like that – why not (as you suggest with Denilson) keep them but as squad players not starters?

Something else I’ve written about before is how easy it is to make one or two players take all of the blame for the team’s underperformance – normally it’s Song, Eboue or Bendtner who fans like to scapegoat like this. While these players can be very frustrating I think it’s wrong to put all the blame on them.

Veloso? I’ve watched him a few times and he looks a good player, though I haven’t seen nearly enough of him to feel comfortable demanding that we sign him right away as the solution to all our problems. Like you I’ve never understood the Diarra thing and why he wasn’t simply loaned out for 6 months if he really needed short-term first team football.

soulrebel – glad you enjoyed today’s instalment. Spread the word!

Arup Mondal has made some good suggestions but I’m not sure I agree fully with your disapproval of Song. I think he passes well but still needs to find his positioning to better his defensive game (kinda inportant for someone who protects the back 4, I know).

I have a mate who has an arsenal link through someone who used to work at the club (in PR all be it but still) and he claims Wenger sees Song as an unbelievable centre back. I kinda think if this was the case we would be actually seeing him play there though! But who knows, maybe Arsene is trying to get the lad better at his passing game first. Maybe he’s waiting for Gallas to leave.

I would rather more of us were Jones’ than Frazers’. I still think an air of positivity from the fans at home games is crucial. I think we can make a difference. I’m a Jones anyway. I like to think just 1 experienced player with an excellent Flam-style work rate could make everything click into gear.

I think the most valid argument going round at the minute is the one where we have a confidence problem. The difference in our quality once we score a goal is unreal, but I think we are so fragile psychologically right now that all it takes is 5 mins of pressure from the opposition and we drop our heads again. Either that or we concede a goal against the run of play like against ‘boro.

C’mon gooners…chins up!

But as we are nearing the mid of the EPL, we have a chance to rectify in the nearing transfer window. May be we can offload Bentdner for cash, swap cash+Song with Veloso or Alonso, buy a strong and big centre back.

In the front we have strong force in Ade, Robin, returning Edu and Vela. Midfield which was once Arsenal’s strength and pride is now looking rusty and out of sorts. Alex Song is an Achillies heel. Better
find one replacement for him.

Even I am afraid that Arsene may think of off loading Rosiky, which I fell would be a blunder. Rosiky, Ade,Cesc can combine well for Arsenal. I hope Rosisky regains his fitness and I expect him to shine for Arsenal next season. probably he is the most talented player in Arsenal squad now.

—–waiting for ur views

thanks…………………………