Ahead of Saturday's game at The Hawthorns, we caught up
with Linus from the Arsenal website
Arsenal Vision.
He gives his views on the Gunners' start to the season, Arsene Wenger, the
Baggies
and more. You can follow Linus on Twitter
@arsenalvision.
The Gunners started the season in
fine form, lifting the Community Shield with an emphatic win against Manchester
City at Wembley. Since then however results haven't been great, not too many
defeats but certainly not enough wins. How have performances been and is your
current league position a fair one.
This time last season we were flying top of the
table and would remain in that position for a long time until injuries took
hold. Since then we've added the remarkable Alexis Sanchez as well as Danny
Welbeck whilst replacing those who have departed with similar level players. So
it has been rather puzzling to see us falter so far. We are certainly a better
squad than last season but have not shown that so far. With new attacking first
team players as well as important injured players like Özil, Walcott and Giroud,
I think we've taken a while to find our attacking game. The good news for
Arsenal fans is that we've shown signs of better understanding in the last two
games. Hopefully we click from now on.
The Arsène Wenger should he
stay or should he go debate seems to have opened up again recently, your
thoughts on him and does he still have the backing of the majority of Arsenal
fans?
It's still very much split. In my opinion the guy is legend who is building a
new team. We have had a big boost in terms of sponsorship income in 2014 and
that has coincided with the signings of Özil and Alexis. While Arsène has his
draw backs, I'd be inclined to let him continue his job and try and do the best
he can for the club. This idea that any Tom, Dick or Harry could come in and
automatically jump above clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and
Chelsea who are all far superior in terms of spending power is naive at best.
You can only overachieve that much by having a long term vision and building on
something. Arsène is trying to do that.
Still confident of a top four
finish for the Gunners?
Yes, absolutely. Even top three if we have a consistent second half of the
season.
You're currently looking
a good bet to progress to the next round of the Champions League, how far can
you realistically go in the competition?
It's a tough old competition and we are likely to be drawn against one of the
best teams in the world. So I wouldn't be surprised to see us exit at the first
knock out hurdle. As defeatist as that sounds.
Arsenal's weaknesses? What or
who should Albion be looking to exploit?
Sucking us in and then hitting us in the spaces vacated by the fullbacks. Try
and isolate Mertesacker higher up the pitch with Saido Berahino. Also we've been
poor at set pieces which I believe is one of your strengths.
Player of the season so far?
There is only one candidate. Alexis Sanchez. The guy is wow
Anyone been particularly
disappointing?
Aaron Ramsey, only because of the ridiculous standards he set last season. He'll
get back to his best soon I hope.
Prediction for Arsenal's
season?
Top 3-4 finish, knocked out of the Champions League and hopefully an FA cup run
but that is difficult to predict.
Prediction for Albion's
season?
I think you'll finish mid-table and generally have a positive season. In
Berahino and Sessègnon you've got goals and creativity. If you remain solid and
organised you'll pick up plenty of points along the way.
Premier League Champions?
Chelsea *sicks in mouth a bit*
Relegated?
Burnley
Tottenham
Leicester City
Ok, maybe slightly tongue in cheek.
Prediction and thoughts on
Saturday's game?
I am hoping you've caught us at a bad time for you. The performance if not the
result against Manchester United last weekend followed by our best display and
result against Borussia Dortmund in midweek hopefully means we've got our game
together. I am going with an Arsenal victory. I think we will have a lot of the
ball and you'll sit back trying not to allow much in behind you. You will look
to exploit us on set pieces and as I said above on the break but I think the
likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis will drag you out enough for us to find
the space to score the important goal. We shall see.
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