Another disappointing season for the Gunners. This time around finishing fourth in the Premier league, and ultimately missing the automatic qualification spot for the Champions League. Were runner's up in the Carling Cup, losing in extra time to a now relegated Birmingham side. Also went as far as the Round of 16 in the Champions league, losing against the eventual winners, Barcelona. In the FA Cup they were eliminated by the Red Devils in the sixth round.
In almost all of the competitions Arsenal showed great promise and desire. But by the end of the season the whole building crumbled. Some say, they couldn't handle the pressure, some say that they weren't good enough.
Well, the Statistics show that arsenal conceded more goals than any other club in the top four, conceding a total of 43 goals. On the other hand the Gunners were also the team scoring the most goals away from home.
While these statistics suggest that Arsenal had done well at front, they also suggest a real need of reinforcements at the back. It is obvious that the departure of Gallas and the injury to Thomas Vermaelen really added to their misery.
Koscielny and Djourou were the regular backs for Arsenal this season and all they did was disappoint; Conceding stupid goals, just as they did against Birmingham in the Carling Cup final and in the defeat against Stoke City in the Premier League, proving that they just weren't good enough.
For that sole purpose Arsene Wenger seems to be fishing in the market for such replacements.
Recently the Gunners have been strongly linked to Cristopher Samba and the ever impressive Gary Cahill.
Samba, who might be considered as the Savior of Blackburn, seems to be a much needed addition to the Gunner's squad. The Blackburn captain played 33 of the 38 games last season and scored 4 goals. He also produced excellent performances when they were needed it and ensured the club' safety.
Strong, commanding in the air and less likely to make fundamental mistakes; this is what Samba has proven to be and exactly what Arsenal need at the moment.
Last season, due to injuries to Fabregas, Van Presie and Vermaelen, the Gunners were also missing with a Leader in the team. The Blackburn captain can also fill in in that department as well.
Another option is Bolton's Gary Cahill, the defender producing consistent performances for the Wanderers. Cahill has played 126 games for Bolton and has scored 13 goals in the process. The Englishman had a wonderful season last term and for his exceptional performances was called up for international duty. The 26 year old has strength, speed, agility, is commanding in the air and has a nag of making crucial tackles. Cahill was one of the pioneers of the wonderful season that Bolton had, producing exceptional performances week in week out. Perhaps Cahill is the exact consistency that is required by Arsenal right now.
At the moment it looks as if Arsene Wenger is looking to be bringing in both players, but it seems imminent for at least one to arrive at the Emirates this season.
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