Sentences with phrase «player first time in years»

We'll be without a single top player first time in years.

Not exact matches

He was coming off a season in which he won the U.S. Open for his first major, was voted PGA Tour player of the year for the first time, won the PGA Tour money title and captured the Vardon Trophy for the lowest adjusted scoring average.

The criticism seems to increase year on year, and you can bet your life that the first time Arsenal drop points this season, the verbal attacks will resume once again, but the fact is that every single team in the Premiership is investing in players in that race for the title, and it is not getting any easier to win the League.

This is the first time in 12 trophy less years that the fans are reacting to our failure to win any major trophies and since this isn't what the club would want in the near future to happen, they will at least bring in one or two big name players to satisfy us.

(2) somewhat linked to the previous comment in that we never seem to be prepared to hit the ground running with our best potential lineup come opening day... it's become so common, in recent years, that many fans actually hope we stumble a little in the first couple games just so it forces Wenger to bring in reinforcements... unfortunately this can be problematic, thus one of the most common phrases associated with Wenger, «panic buy»... this situation is also negatively impacted by the ridiculous policy regarding players who played in the summer months... right now I'm watching the Super Cup and not a single player is unavailable to either manager, including Ronaldo, yet somehow we have a list of players half a mile long that haven't seen game - time so far this preseason... I can only assume this is a reactionary policy created due to the multitude of injuries this club has faced over the years... just another sign of the fragility that permeates this club

That first season he had COACHED a TEAM of young and experienced players to PLAY HIS FOOTBALL HIS WAY.He had no interest in reputations.You were out if you crossed him.He run a strict regime.But for the first time in years the fans were encouraged and optimistic.His ONLY sighting that season was Perry Groves for # 60k.

The Gunners travel to take on Nottingham Forest today, as they bid to make the fourth round of the Capitol One Cup for the first time in three years, and could be set to take on two former players in the match - up.

Of course it would be silly to suggest that winning any game, cup or otherwise, isn't good for the club, but let's remember just how problematic FA Cup success has been for this club... I'm certainly not going to suggest I didn't enjoy seeing Arsenal win, I'm a fan of this club first and foremost, but how bad are things when you find yourself secretly wishing that your own team lost so that just maybe real change would finally come... I resent this team for even making me feel such thoughts and it's going to take a lot of effort on their part to earn my trust again... this club has treated the fans so poorly that it has created an incredibly fragile and toxic environment, so much so that a «what have you done for me lately» mentality has emerged... fans rise and fall depending on the results of each game because we don't have faith in those in charge to make the necessary changes to personnel and tactics... each time we win many fans attack any dissenting voices and make unrealistic claims about the players, the manager and the potential for unprecedented success... every time we lose the boo - birds run rampant, calling for heads to roll and predicting the worst... regardless of what side you fall on, it's not your fault, both sides are simply overcompensating for the horrible state of affairs that have been percolating for several years... it's hard to take the long view when those in charge have lied incessantly and refuse to take any responsibilities for their own actions... in the end, we are trapped by the same catch - 22 that ManU faced upon Fergie's exit... less fearful of maintaining the status quo than facing the unknown, which was validated, wrongly or rightly, by witnessing the difficulties they have faced during this transitory period... to be honest, the thing that scares me most is that this team has never prepared whatsoever for this eventuality, which considering our frugal nature and the way we have shunned many of our most revered former players is more than a little disconcerting

However, the 32 - year - old can arguably claim to have scored the most spectacular goal of the past year, with the PSG forward's sensational first - time volley in the Champions League against Anderlecht recently being one of four strikes on the night from the player in what has been yet another high - quality 12 months for Ibra.

No we hv a very good U21 side, most of our players are 16/17 year old and they play against 21 - 25 year old lads, so they are actually punching about their weight, so by the time they get to their 20s, they will either be loaned out, or given time in the first team for experience.

Top players began establishing themselves over the years, with Ginobili leading the way, and Argentina was ranked No. 1 by FIBA for the first time in its history in 2008.

In addition to revamping the offense, Johnson started five rookies on defense this season, and all told, eight first - year players got lots of playing time.

He went to the All - Star Game seven times, won Defensive Player of the Year twice, and was named to the All - NBA First Team in 1999.

Atletico Mineiro are unlikely to part company with the player during the January window, however, since they have qualified for the Copa Libertadores for the first time in 13 years.

Mertz should never have been our captain in the first place... who has ever heard of a team that makes 11th hour transfer buys (Arteta & Mertz) then seemingly places those same individuals into prominent leadership positions from the get - go... indicative of the problems that have permeated our clubhouse for the better part of 7 years under the Kroenke & Wenger... what is wrong with the players chosen and / or the management style of Wenger that doesn't develop and / or encourage strong leadership from within... Mertz was the fine collecting lackey from year one... this is what happens when you don't get world - class players because many times they want to have a voice on and off the pitch and this can't happen when you play for a fragile manager who has developed a coddling wage structure where everyone is rewarded for simply wearing the shirt and participating in the process... not enough balance between performance and pay, combined with the obvious favoritism shown to some players regardless of their glaring lack of production... remember that Ramsey has played in positions that make no sense considering his skill - set (out wide) and has forced other players off the field or into equally unfamiliar positions with little or no justification (let's remember when you read articles about how Ramsey's goals this upcoming season being the potential X-factor for our success that this is the same individual who didn't score a goal until the final week last season)... this of course is just one example of many... before I hear another word from Mertz I want this club to address the fact that no former player of any real consequence has any important role in the management structure of this club, yet several former Gunners have expressed serious interest in just such an endeavor (Henry, Viera, Adams, Bergkamp... just to name a few legends)... there is only one answer: an extremely insecure manager!!!

It's the first time in 27 years that a player has been bogey free through the first 36 holes in his first appearance at the Stadium Course.

I think we have come far Specialy second part of 2014/5 season, for the first time in years I believed we can win and expected to win every game who ever we played now that's a progress in my eyes anyway but when I see Barcelona play and players then I know how far we are from Wining CL

Mistamonn most of the time his playing players out of position is because we don't have the necessary depth of players for each position specially on the left, the team is always out of balance he rely needs to buy W / C if not top players in key positions, last year i was commenting that we needed a striker before a class DM but i was so wrong, we first need the best DM that money can buy no mater how much then and only then we can look for another class DM and a couple of descent defenders.

There have been a fair few reports about the Ox being ready to go because of his lack of first team game time in recent years and the idea that Arsene Wenger does not have as much faith in the player's ability as he would like, so how does the Frenchman go about convincing the 23 - year old that staying put and snubbing the chance to join Chelsea is his best bet?

Up front we have a few world - class players surrounded by some serious pretenders... Sanchez is by far the most accomplished player in our attack but the controversy surrounding his contractual mishandling could see him go before the window closes or most definitely by season's end... obviously a mistake by both parties involved, as Sanchez's exploits have never been more on display than in North London, but the club's irresponsible wage structure and lack of real intent have been the real undoing in this mess... Lacazette, who I think has some world - class skills as a front man, will only be as good as the players and system around him, which is troubling due to our current roster and Wenger's love of sideways passing... Walcott should have been sold years ago, enough said, and Welbeck should never have been brought in from the get - go... both of these players have suffered numerous injuries over their respective careers and neither are good enough to overcome such difficulties: not to mention, they both are below average first - touch players, which should be the baseline test for any player coming to a Wenger - led Arsenal team... Perez should have been played wide left or never purchased at all; what a huge waste of time and money, which is ridiculous considering our penny pinching ways and the fact that fans had been clamoring for a real striker for years... finally Giroud, the fact that he stills wears the jersey is a direct indictment of this club's failure to get things right... this isn't necessarily an attack on Giroud because I think he has some highly valued skills, but not for a team that has struggled to take their sideways soccer to the next level, as his presence slows their game even more, combined with our average, at best, finishing skills... far too often those in charge have either settled or chosen half - measures and ultimately it is us that suffer because no matter what happens Wenger, Gazidis and Kroenke will always make more money whereas we will always be the ones paying for their mistakes... so every time someone suggests we should just shut - up and support the team just think of all the sacrifices you've made along the way and simply reply... f *** off

so what, a youth player has been out for almost a year, wont get any playing time in the first team.

I join you on that almostawinner... but the same can be said of that famous english core that we extended / signed a couple of years back... Ramsey is a great player, can be world class but for that has to stop being so wasteful at times (bad / heavy first touch, killing counter attacks with the wrong choices, not shooting well anymore the way it looks, giving the ball away)... your not on Gerrard level at his best Gibbs is a good player but seems happy with his bit part role, doesn't look like he's crazy about pushing & challenging Montreal for a XI spot Ox, I still believe in his talent but just no end product for an offensive player with his ability; he could be our version of PFA Hazard / Costa... is it a lack of confidence?

The 21 - year - old Ghana international has matured into a top defender over the course of his time in Germany, first with Greuther Fürth and now with Augsburg, and is a player with a bright future.

Kante has been one of the best players in the Premier League in his short time in England, winning the title in each of his first two seasons on these shores, first with Leicester City and then last season with Chelsea, when his all - action displays also earned him the PFA Player of the Year award at the end of the campaign.

«Entire career for Roma» in Gonalons» case is less than a year and that's a small sample to judge player's potential right after changing club for the first time.

I'm so sick of people telling those of us who are disgruntled fans to relax and give this club time to correct itself... for anyone who believes that taking a wait - and - see approach is appropriate at this juncture they should take a good long look at themselves in the mirror because they are a big part of the problem... no other «big» club's fans would stand for this shit for nearly as long as we have... think about it, we've witnessed a changing of the guard at every major club in England, Spain, France and Germany in the last several years because those «big» clubs failed to live up to expectations (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern, PSG, Chelsea, ManU, ManCity etc...)... for some reason, many fans have become as fragile as our current manager, believing that there couldn't possibly be a suitable replacement, even though everyone of these clubs have found multiple replacements and still achieved far more than our club... this mindset has been created by an organization that has been milking it's fans, telling countless lies (no world class players available) and lowering expectations every since they rolled out the biggest lie of all: that we couldn't spend because of the new stadium but once it was paid off we could compete with any team in the world... this organization is rotting from the inside out and if we don't demand that those in charge put soccer first this despicable behaviour won't end with Wenger's ridiculous 2 year contract... I think the real fear isn't that a suitable replacement doesn't exist, but that this organization is so money hungry and poorly mismanaged that we will sink even lower by choosing our next coach the same way they choose our players, on the cheap... even so, we need to see what mustache will do if left to his own devices so he will have to show his true colours... only then can we purge this club and start anew

4) yes Keita: he's got a release clause that get's activated next year it's around 45 mil if I remember correctly, i highly rate him as the all rounder Dm / Cm / Am does it all and can fill the cazorla void instantly, for anyone that are reading the 70 - 80 million valuation I don't see any team paying that, but making him the most expensive African player will sure tempt him to move Bid 45 mil with add ons and there is a big chance of getting him, if they don't accept that offer to make a red bull commercial that should boost the sales of that terrible tasting energy drink, Sanchez Ozil Ramsey ox bellerin wenger it's time to get drinkng that's Just good marketing for redbull, a team with no history or fans shouldn't have a say in who to keep in the first place they are a stepping stone to bigger things and we are the team to make you world class, wan na eventually play in barca or real look at our track record we will get you there!!

The late - afternoon leader board last Thursday, the first day of the U.S. Open, was a veritable who's who: Nick Price (No. 1 player in the world), Jack Nicklaus (greatest of all time), Greg Norman (most talent on the PGA Tour), Joey Gullion (best player not in the top 30 on the Nike Tour money list this year).

But for sure underinvestment doesn't deliver especially if u want to compete on two big fronts... Bellerin is the first of our young players to come through in quite some time lots of expectation in last 6 years but can't think of a real quality player from the academy... Wilshere might if injuries hadn't prevented... Spurs now looking better on that front Attitude is key I agree totally... love the way Leicester hunt down ball in packs and break with 3 or even 4 players moving at speed...

also since montreal when gibbs got injured he was given plenty of time to heal properly and not being rushed that, s why i think his injury record has got better with time, like wenger said we are lucky to have them both and kieran is an important squad player due to his versatility and will have a big part to play in the 2nd part of the season, also he is still young and will continue to improve learning from montreal and in the not too distant future he will be our first choice for many years to come, all he needs to do is to keep at it and be patient his time will come!!

no way wenger was gonna swallow his pride and bring him back, beating monoco is going to stretch our season, making an injured team harder to achieve 4th place, i think this year could be wengers first time out of top 4, unless he spends in january, and he never finds what he seems to want in january... first time i say, i see trouble on the horizon, seems our only durable players are Per and Santi,

Perfect player that should be first choice, and in a years time he'll only have a handful of starts under his belt, whilst others in the same position consistently under perform.

we have waited a long time for this club to truly step up, which is a difficult ask... to do so properly they will need to overextend themselves and get well outside the comfort zone they have become accustomed to... at the very least they owe their fans, most of whom supported this franchise for at least the first 8 years of this 10 year plan, one real shot at the «promised» land... remember phase one was build and save, phase two was the fire sale of all our top players, phase three was supposed to be our metamorphosis, when we were literally told how we could compete with any club in the world and phase four appears to be rinse and repeat, under the guise that we just can't seem to find any players that are better than our current lot (can you even imagine the state of world soccer if that were truly the case)... it's time for you Mr. Kroenke and Mr. Wenger to ask not what the fans can do for you, but what you two can do to make things right again for the fans... if you can't do this earnestly and honestly, simply move on before the only thing left in the cupboard are bitter memories and what could have beans?

Most Arsenal fans are not interested in players that only cost a measly # 40,00 from the Tier 7 club, but you never know, this time next year he could be in the First team!

According to a report in the Daily Star the 21 - year old is ready to ask for a transfer away from the Santiago if Zinedine Zidane brings in any players likely to stand in the way of more first team playing time.

This is an incredibly difficult question to answer for a variety of reasons, most importantly because over the years our once vaunted «beautiful» style of play has become a shadow of it's former self, only to be replaced by a less than stellar «plug and play» mentality where players play out of position and adjustments / substitutions are rarely forthcoming before the 75th minute... if you look at our current players, very few would make sense in the traditional Wengerian system... at present, we don't have the personnel to move the ball quickly from deep - lying position, efficient one touch midfielders that can make the necessary through balls or the disciplined and pacey forwards to stretch defences into wide positions, without the aid of the backs coming up into the final 3rd, so that we can attack the defensive lanes in the same clinical fashion we did years ago... on this current squad, we have only 1 central defender on staf, Mustafi, who seems to have any prowess in the offensive zone or who can even pass two zones through so that we can advance play quickly out of our own end (I have seen some inklings that suggest Holding might have some offensive qualities but too early to tell)... unfortunately Mustafi has a tendency to get himself in trouble when he gets overly aggressive on the ball... from our backs out wide, we've seen pace from the likes of Bellerin and Gibbs and the spirited albeit offensively stunted play of Monreal, but none of these players possess the skill - set required in the offensive zone for the new Wenger scheme which requires deft touches, timely runs to the baseline and consistent crossing, especially when Giroud was playing and his ratio of scored goals per clear chances was relatively low (better last year though)... obviously I like Bellerin's future prospects, as you can't teach pace, but I do worry that he regressed last season, which was obvious to Wenger because there was no way he would have used Ox as the right side wing - back so often knowing that Barcelona could come calling in the off - season, if he thought otherwise... as for our midfielders, not a single one, minus the more confident Xhaka I watched played for the Swiss national team a couple years ago, who truly makes sense under the traditional Wenger model... Ramsey holds onto the ball too long, gives the ball away cheaply far too often and abandons his defensive responsibilities on a regular basis (doesn't score enough recently to justify): that being said, I've always thought he does possess a little something special, unfortunately he thinks so too... Xhaka is a little too slow to ever boss the midfield and he tends to telegraph his one true strength, his long ball play: although I must admit he did get a bit better during some points in the latter part of last season... it always made me wonder why whenever he played with Coq Wenger always seemed to play Francis in a more advanced role on the pitch... as for Coq, he is way too reckless at the wrong times and has exhibited little offensive prowess yet finds himself in and around the box far too often... let's face it Wenger was ready to throw him in the trash heap when injuries forced him to use Francis and then he had the nerve to act like this was all part of a bigger Wenger constructed plan... he like Ramsey, Xhaka and Elneny don't offer the skills necessary to satisfy the quick transitory nature of our old offensive scheme or the stout defensive mindset needed to protect the defensive zone so that our offensive players can remain aggressive in the final third... on the front end, we have Ozil, a player of immense skill but stunted by his physical demeanor that tends to offend, the fact that he's been played out of position far too many times since arriving and that the players in front of him, minus Sanchez, make little to no sense considering what he has to offer (especially Giroud); just think about the quick counter-attack offence in Real or the space and protection he receives in the German National team's midfield, where teams couldn't afford to focus too heavily on one individual... this player was a passing «specialist» long before he arrived in North London, so only an arrogant or ignorant individual would try to reinvent the wheel and / or not surround such a talent with the necessary components... in regards to Ox, Walcott and Welbeck, although they all possess serious talents I see them in large part as headless chickens who are on the injury table too much, lack the necessary first - touch and / or lack the finishing flair to warrant their inclusion in a regular starting eleven; I would say that, of the 3, Ox showed the most upside once we went to a back 3, but even he became a bit too consumed by his pending contract talks before the season ended and that concerned me a bit... if I had to choose one of those 3 players to stay on it would be Ox due to his potential as a plausible alternative to Bellerin in that wing - back position should we continue to use that formation... in Sanchez, we get one of the most committed skill players we've seen on this squad for some years but that could all change soon, if it hasn't already of course... strangely enough, even he doesn't make sense given the constructs of the original Wenger offensive model because he holds onto the ball too long and he will give the ball up a little too often in the offensive zone... a fact that is largely forgotten due to his infectious energy and the fact that the numbers he has achieved seem to justify the means... finally, and in many ways most crucially, Giroud, there is nothing about this team or the offensive system that Wenger has traditionally employed that would even suggest such a player would make sense as a starter... too slow, too inefficient and way too easily dispossessed... once again, I think he has some special skills and, at times, has showed some world - class qualities but he's lack of mobility is an albatross around the necks of our offence... so when you ask who would be our best starting 11, I don't have a clue because of the 5 or 6 players that truly deserve a place in this side, 1 just arrived, 3 aren't under contract beyond 2018 and the other was just sold to Juve... man, this is theraputic because following this team is like an addiction to heroin without the benefits

total failure... Can you believe Wenger spent 32 millions on 2 average players (Chambers and Welbeck) and is penny pinching when is sbout real class players?What is in his mind?Pay a fortune in salary for mediocre players live Walcott, Ramsey and Wilshere and have hesitations about increasing Sanchez wages... keeping on books failures like Sanogo... The truth is - I say it for years and years - until the «British core» disapears, we are not going to be succesful.The low quality of British players is dragging the team back.Last time Arsenal was a powerhouse NONE of the first 11 was British.Wanna see how the British quality looks like in a football team - look no further than national sides of England, Scotland, N Ireland, Wales, even Ireland (not British but same style)- all mediocre teams «able» to be defeated by any team coming to mind.And you are asking about Chambers?He is in the same mold like Wilshere,Walcott,Ox,Ramsey,Gibs,Jenkinson - mediocre overpriced and overpaid players.The world is full with hungry, ambitious and skilled players living in poverty and dreaming of moving to the top at any cost or sacrifice (did you see the poor house - if you can call that house, looking more like an old tent - in which Alexis Sanchez grew up?Or Suarez?)

The ping of aluminum won't be heard in Sydney, however; metal bats were banned from international competition in 1999 to suit the wood - wielding pro players who'll be in the Olympics for the first time this year.

Joining a club of arsenal s stature has its ups and downs.There is a requirement of how our players should perform when on the pitch.The following is a list of players who were wrong to choose arsenal.Aaron ramsey - Even though he is the most favoured of all players at the club now.I cant help but think how it would have gone for Him if he decided to search for other greener pastures.He was a clear talented footballer during his time at cardiff but he hasnt been raised with the discipline at arsenal.You can always see ramseys all round strengths but sadly Its not helping him or the club with his foward moving pleasurr.He is so Over used and its sometimes difficult for him to get used to the rythm of the game.With time you realise he gets low ib confidence and his engine gets wasted.He needed somebody who would have managed him properly and with care and that person is certainpy not wenger.You would have been better off at Manu mate.Calum chambers - Came us a very talented player from southampton with raw talent.He was very good at first but wenger found a way to reduce his level of confidence.His inexperience was left exposed and wenger did nt do anything to resolve that problem and instead He looked for other talented players.Alex oxlade chamberlain - Another very talented player who needed only his skilled sharpened and his character modelled.That and he was ready to become a world beater.But wenger decided to let him run and run like a headless chicken causing him to be often injured and damaging his confidence.Who knows what would have happened to him gad he decided to look for more greener pasture.He is surely a much better player than this.Theo walcott - Another player who was tipped to have a very bright future.He had it in him.But all he needed was an appropriate manager who would nurture him with discipline and help him with his talent.But on Coming to arsenal he was given Much more responsiblities putting more weight on his shoulders on top of that another player who was recklessly managed with his talent and never coming off age because his character wasnt properly shaped.Mesut ozil - Al right i agree he perfoms well just recently.But imagine all the legendary players he was often compared to during his time at real madrid.On coming to arsenal he found no rotation often overused, suffered many injuries and his confidence dwindled.It is pretty clear arsene does not take any responsibility for players.And when at arsenal you have to be your own manager.You need not rely on your manager otherwise you might continue being the same player for the next many years.That is why each and every player are what they are because of their own efforts and wenger had nothing to do with it.Van persie was the same player for over 7 years untill he himself decided to change.Wenger only organises and prepares tge team while the rest is in your court.It is not what so many people make it out to be.Thats why we need to pressure wenger more than our own players.They are their own self managers and wenger needs to take that responsibility

«I've scored 50 points in a game,» says the 26 - year - old Mashburn, «but palming that ball for the first time this summer was probably my biggest thrill as a player.»

It's added that the 25 - year - old is considered a non-transferrable player, while the idea is that if Barcelona can prise Hector Bellerin away from Arsenal and install him as their first - choice right - back, it will allow Roberto to return to his more natural position in midfield on a full - time basis.

If you look at the First Five Years of the last decade Wenger at least managed to qualify for the Champions League in each of those seasons.The Second Five Years have clearly shown we as a Club have gone backwards and spiralling in a downward descent.And in these Five Years we have spent MORE money on transfer fees and player wages than at any time in the Clubs history.

Bellerin spent some time at the Barca academy during his youth and the 22 - year - old would not be the first Arsenal player to return to Catalonia, with Cesc Fabregas having done just that in 2011.

Not anymore, we were buzzy because Ozil and Sanchez was the first time we saw Wenger make that calibre of signing in more than ten years and players like them come in limited quality.

Well im not in a wonderland he has his failings as we all do and great teams find a way to win good teams sit where we are 6 -5-4 but thats besides the point and it would be nice if your aunty had bolocks cause then we d be second but ive watched the games were an offensive team most the time although were terrible in the pissing rain but for the most part the game plans have worked weve created chances quality scoring chances one after the other problem is for me the finishing unless we sit back with 9 man behind the ball or ten when you push forward you will give up a goal if you lousy forwards fail to finish the set ups have been there this year but our strikers have failed to kill the games if we create quality chances and grab leads in the first 60 minutes like we have for the most part and in those games those games should of been killed even if we give a goal or two alongside the strategy but we failed to hit multiple should be goals we tried laca we'll see abou auba although hes a bit lazy so far but we'll see but we've lacked that quality in front goal a player the chances have been there im looking at the failure of the strikers and maybe that is his fault but monreal has scored as many goals recently as our strikers and thats sad our defenders or a midfielder will score and our stikers cant tally one in th first 60 mins of a game alongside them then were tired for last 40 give them hope there still only down one and we rue our missed chances while they push thats where iv been frustrated with this season not the tactics but the finishing

The only striker that thrived at Arsenal in the last 10 years was Van Persie and he soon realised that in order for him to compete for the big prizes he had to move on.30 odd goals for Manure the first season he is there and he wins them the league.With the form he was in and the team that he led in his last season it needed 2 - 3 players and we could have won the title ourselves but that was Wenger and nothing has changed for the positive since.We WILL NOT win anything big all the time he remains at the club

The Masters is upon us yet again but for the first time in 20 years the world's best player, Tiger Woods, will not be in the field.

My argument is that for the first time in the last 10 years we have a realistic chance of actually competing for the title, so at the moment we need players that really can help take us to the next level.

The players organised a meeting between themselves without Wenger before the game and this is not the first time this has happened in recent years.

No matter how you slice it, you can't run an uptempo offence with Giroud on the pitch and that means sideways soccer and an over-reliance on crosses into the box, thereby negating many of the very reasons Lacazette was on your radar in the first place... we simply aren't clinical enough from wide positions to continue with that approach, which is why many fans have been clamoring for a viable alternative to Giroud for several years... once again this isn't an attack on Giroud, he clearly has some tangible skills, but his mere presence on the pitch greatly impacts your tactical options... Giroud's weaknesses are simply highlighted by the way in which our offence now moves in a more horizontal than vertical manner, which allows most teams ample time to regroup defensively before a scoring opportunity even arises... a player of Ibra's or Benzema's ilk would have been far more effective as they had size, speed and the first touch capabilities required to for intricate link - up play... once again square peg in a round hole