by Scottbot » Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:22 pm
As I see it:
Positives
First and foremost the story of the window has to be that we kept our best player. Assuming Luis has a good attitude and I think he will (at least whilst we're doing we'll and were a ways away from the next window) then he will in many ways feel like we've signed a new player. I have to say FairPlay to the manager and club in general. I don't agree with Fsg's approach to this window but kudos for the way we've dealt with the Suarez situation because I was convinced he would be on his way once the toys came out of the pram.
No one can deny the CB position has been strengthened in a BIG way. We kept our existing players and brought in three more and now it's suddenly become the deepest position at the club. It's a position I have fretted over for a long time so to see it finally addressed in such a way gives me a lot of hope, particularly when you factor in some of the dogged defending we have already seen in our Arsenal style performances so far this season. Also, I have to say I think bringing in Toure was a master stroke, I wasn't especially enthusiastic about his signing but having seen the leadership and spirit he has brought (allied to his ability-performances) to the team he looks an absolute gem of an acquisition for a young side. I should also probably add to this the goal keeper. I actually felt that Pepe was getting right back to form the 2nd half of last season BUT you have to hand it to Brendan because Big Mignolet has made an excellent start and looks like he will be an upgrade on Pepe of the last few seasons.
The other positive was reinforced by Rodgers at the weekend, that being our points total since the turn of the year. We've been pretty much on a par with 3rd/4th place and taking that into account, the start we've made and the general opinion that the squad is stronger than it was all give me hope for the season ahead.
Negatives
It's good to be able to say we have got a bit stronger BUT it's all relative. Arsenal might not have done a great deal to improve themselves beyond the marquee purchase of Ozil but they are still a quality side who know how to qualify for Champions League footy year on year. spurs have sold their Roy of the Rovers but look at the quality they have brought in across the board, Lamela, Soldado, Paulino, Ericksen, Capouie and the rest is a hell of a line up added to what they have in place already. Add to this the bitters who also finished above us last season and have had an excellent window with Barry, McArthy, Lukaku and Defeulo added to an already solid squad. Have we done enough? I'm not sure we have.
Our midfield is very vulnerable. Not only is it arguably not quite good enough, there is also the risk of injury completely undoing us. Allen is currently injured, Spearing and Shelvey have been shipped out and Coady is on loan so we are another injury away from being right in the shi....te. Alberto looks a pretty player but I would be worried if we had to rely on him at any stage this season and I seriously have to question if he is a better player than young Suso who had already proved he wasn't out of place at this level in limited action last season.
And for me the biggest negative (and I know I'm not alone) was the way we missed out on Willian. It wasn't necessarily about the player (although I've got a feeling we might regret it when we see how he fares at Chelsea as the season progresses), it was the sinking realisation that Fsg will not compete with the big boys in the transfer market, they've bailed on that idea as a result of the Andy Carroll transfer. It was also a blow to see how disappointed Rogers was when he explained away the failure to get the player and d expire the fact we have improved the wide areas IMHO with the Moses loan it isn't one to get the heart racing.
I definitely agree with those who say that our transfer business is and will be viewed more positively as result of our bright start because I am one of them and I am feeling very optimistic for the season ahead. The players looked like they have really gelled, I could sense the unity and camaraderie in their celebrations at the end on Sunday and a sleeping giant like lfc, if we could build some more momentum with fans, players and manager all on the same page I really feel like we could go places this season and that this thing could could snowball. Also, I would like to believe that Fsg WILL genuinely dip their hands deep into their pockets if we're still flying high come the turn of the year.