Summary from arsenalism holiday blog

Some of my readers have had a bit of trouble reading my posts from the Beach, here they are colected for perusal. This involved a trip to a ´t'tinternet cafe  which meant tearing self away from the sunbed; all for arsenalism

View from la playa; Statistics don't always tell the whole story yet in sporting terms it is foolhardy to ignore them. In this sense the prognosis for season 2011-12 should have some basis in logical conclusion based on factual evidence  Last season Arsenal scored a high number of league goals. Conversely Arsenal conceded the majority of goals from set pieces. This would strongly indicate where improvement needs to be made in order to improve on the previous seasons finishing position  In fact goal scoring in general was healthy as exemplified in the 4 goals in the first half at St James. The defensive shortcomings were also highlighted in the same match Conclusion? Strengthening of the defence and over all defensive duties throughout the team  Wenger obviously feels that a fit again Vermaelan improves the defence, which it does, however, despite some criticism, Clichy at left back has been deemed surplus to requirements leaving a void of experience in that position.  The area in which Wenger has strengthened the squad, at least in terms of a player who has a league winners experience is in the offensive area.   With a week until the start of the season and a demanding August the club appears to be ineffectually treading water.  There us still uncertainty regarding the club captain and Nasri; in Nasri's case it appears that Wenger sold the wrong player when he let Gallas go.  Eboue, Bendter & Almunia are still at the club. There has been no addition at the heart of defence nor an experienced keeper joining the squad.   Judging by the pre season friendlies the defensive problems remain and there is a general air of uncertainty relating to Arsenal.  Based on last season we appear to have the most need of change and improvement as the other members of the title hopefuls  have either done better or stayed the same; Man Utd as Champions and ECL finalists strengthened their squad in ample time to bed in the new additions. Chelsea were a solid second and have a good squad and new manager. Man City have entered the fray with squad depth. Liverpool have improved on the last couple of seasons which leaves Arsenal as the team in the group who have gone backwards, dropping league position and conceding more goals.  To make a prediction about Arsenal and the season ahead should be done objectively and therefore I believe that Arsenal will finish in a Champions League spot, will not win a trophy and the status quo will remain unexcitingly static going into the 2012-13 season We will continue to gain sufficient points on a regular basis and retain an air of vulnerability defensively. Injuries will be a key factor , as given the lack of quality throughout the squad, a heavy performance burden will rest in our handful of quality players  No significant personnel changes no formation changes and no 'marquee' players to excite us.   For 2011-12 the song remains the same

View from La Playa 2; Players leave clubs that's just the way it is. Some for better opportunities and regional connections which is fair enough. Some leave for more money; yes 'more' money. Today's Premier footballer doesn't need more money they just want more. Some leave because they feel they are better than the club they are at. When all is said and done Arsenal Football club has ceased to be a Destination, it had become more of a departure lounge. Those leaving, regardless of how good they may feel they are, need to remember that they are as culpable as everyone else in not securing honours over the last few years.  Out Captain leaves but don't be fooled by the 'boyhood club' stuff; he leaves to play for a better team.  Nasri leaves for money and I can't help but think that it was a mistake that Gallas was sold as a result of a 'him or me' situation involving Samir.  The moment they walk out the door they need to be forgotten, the likes of Jack, Aaron, Theo, Tomas & Robin now need our support and encouragement  The feelings about our manager and board will still remain ; I know my feelings do, but Hopefully Bendtner, Eboue & Almunia never pull on an Arsenal shirt again and Diaby never gets a game. This would give out team a chance at success from what would seem like a fresh start.  I can happily support a team of players who predominately haven't been underachievers for seven years even if I can't support the management.

View from La Playa 3; What is now abundantly clear, if it wasn't already, is that Wenger is of the opinion that there is nothing wrong with the state of the Arsenal.  What else can explain the fact that with just over 24 hours until the season starts he has not bought in those players needed to correct the unarguable faults from last season? The Fabregas/Nasri situation, whatever the eventual outcome, is an embarrassment and the retention of those awful squad members that everyone recognises as being far short of the required quality is nothing short of scandalous.  Obviously Wenger believes that he is right about all of his pronouncements. He doesn't see the need to make changes in those fragile key areas. He has bought in inexperience/potential for the umpteenth time as opposed to experience. This indicates that Wenger is too stubborn and is immune from accountability as long as the books balance.  Expect nothing from this season that we haven't already had; that being nothing