Arsenal fans can be a fickle lot. We know that but we cannot be blamed as we have been spoilt by all the trophies we have won under Wenger so going eight years without a trophy was always going to create…restlessness. This has created a bigger problem for Wenger. The problem- Wenger has no room to develop and mould players to reach their potential as the fans want proven players and instant results/trophies, not a particularly ideal setting for a player settling in to the team. There are two players who have been discarded that I believe given a chance, would have ended up been two of the most coveted players on the planet. They are…Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela! So without further ado, let me analyze the two players individually.
Marouane Chamakh:
- Fresh Start!!
Arsene Wenger aggressively pursued this player when he was at Bordeaux and for him to come to Arsenal on a free transfer, on 21st May 2010 was a major coup for Arsenal at the time. An excellent header of the ball, he had performed exceptionally well in the Champions League with Bordeaux the season before, scoring against Juventus and Bayern Munich! Watching him in his first game of the season for Arsenal, I immediately noticed his height that gave an impression of clumsiness when running especially given Arsenal’s slick style of play. However I also noticed the physical presence that he immediately gave us upfront, his ability in the air, his really good link up play with his team mates, his willingness to fit into our style at all costs. Oh, have I mentioned his ability in the air (He was a terror to defenders)!!!!
“At Arsenal, the first season was very good. Then I played a lot less. It was difficult because Van Persie was on fire. Until we changed system, there was no discussion between him and me.
“When he left, I thought there was a chance but, with the arrival of Giroud, I realised that I had no place out there.”(*Chamakh on Goal.com)
It is no coincidence that he kept us in the title running the whole time Van Persie was injured. When RVP came back, I was one of those advocating for Chamakh to keep his place. Of course that was not to be and he was relegated to the bench. Even he knew he was never going to dislodge Van Persie as seen in the quote above. The dent that must have had on his confidence was massive, one he never recovered from. He had substitute appearances after that but I never expected him to perform after that and he didn’t disappoint in that regard. He has now gone to Crystal Palace and I wish him the best of luck. I will watch him and hope he discovers his best form and show Arsenal they were wrong to let him go. I have a feeling Wenger has a deep sense of regret.
Carlos Vela:
Once described by Arsene Wenger as the most natural finisher he had ever seen, Carlos Vela was poised to rule the world. His is a curious case as he never quite got a chance to shine even after scoring a couple of hat tricks albeit against the likes of Reading in the league cup. He never got a long run in the Premier league making substitute appearances that were few and far between. That he had talent was never in doubt. This is shown by the buy back clause in his move to Real Sociedad. Arsenal knew the talent he had but they also knew that he required regular football to bring it out. Four goals in five games with the Spanish club, as well as an excellent season the year before that propelled Real Sociedad to the Champions League, and I believe we are starting to see the best Of Vela. I cannot wait to see him play for Real Sociedad in the Champions League and I hope he returns to Arsenal in the near future after getting the valuable experience he craves.
*http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2013/08/22/4204583/chamakh-i-stayed-at-arsenal-too-long?ICID=PP_620
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