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Our Man in the North Bank |
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| . | * Those who believe that Oliver Kahn is Europe's best keeper, far better than Fabien Barthez, had their views confirmed on 25 November. Two schoolboy howlers presented Thierry Henry with the goals to win the match. It was an evening of much celebration and hilarity for Arsenal fans. But that 3-1 win shouldn't disguise the rumblings beneath the surface. * First there's the matter of Arsene Wenger's new contract. Arsenal's directors have shot themselves in their collective feet by virtually admitting there's no alternative to Arsene. (What about that well known ex-Arsenal man, D.O'Leary at Leeds, for a start?) The question they should be asking is: How much further can Arsene take the team? But the uncertainty over his future must unsettle the players. Holland are in a similar situation with their coach Louis van Gaial. He's not sure whether to go or stay. The Dutch FA has given him until 4 January to decide. They want a coach in place Van Gael, Dick Advocaat or a.n. van other- before the draw for the Euro 2004 qualifiers on 25 January. Why can't Arsenal give Wenger a similar ultimatum? Sign by the end of May or we'll start looking. It might concentrate his mind a bit... * Wenger has spent more money than any manager in Arsenal's history. But he hasn't won a trophy since 1998, when Manchester United selfdestructed in the league, and at Barnsley in the FA Cup. Look at his summer buys. Gio van Bronckhorst hardly plays. As at Everton, Franny Jeffers is more often injured than fit. The jury is still out on Sol and Richard Wright. It looks like Campbell has been searching for match sharpness since the ankle injury that ended last season for him. Wright is capable of stunning saves, as against Mallorca mixed with strange errors, e.g. against Charlton, Tottenham and Deportivo. * Meanwhile, this column's old complaints remain. Arsenal don't score messy goals. They hardly ever score with headers. They lack an old-fashioned centre forward who could head the ball and give them some options in the box. When the ball is crossed, there are rarely more than two Arsenal players running in for it. But the biggest problem is one we never dreamed of: the Gunners have stopped defending. *The return of a fit Tony Adams would make a huge difference. Likewise Lee Dixon. Oleh Luzhnyi has never shown his Kyiv form at Highbury. Lauren is a talented footballer, but not a defender, and the team lacks a midfield screen like Menu Petit. There is also a lack of organisation, most apparent in Champions League away games. Six weeks ago, 1 jokingly suggested to friends that Arsenal should bring back George Graham for three days a week as defensive coach. Maybe that's not such a joke after all. Or perhaps Don Howe should be given the role? * Talking of head youth coach Howe brings me to Arsenal's youth set-up, which has provided the nucleus of every successful Gunners side in my lifetime. Since the re-organisation of the youth system in 1996, Arsenal have probably been England's most successful club at under17 and under-19 levels. But the only player to reach the first team has been Ashley Cole. Maybe Jermaine Pennant will follow. Do the demands of instant success, and Champions League football every season, work against giving youngsters a chance? And where would that leave the likes of Paul Davis, David Rocastle and Mickey Thomas if they were playing now?
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