Middle Muddle

Probably the most annoying thing about Saturday's humiliating defeat was the performance of the midfield. They were so off the pace it was unbelievable. Is this the same midfield that has carved the likes of United, Liverpool (in previous encounters) and Reading to shreds (well not quite because of Gilberto)?

I have never been quite so annoyed with any player, than I was with Hleb. He was in a word, shit. Every time he recieved the ball, he gave it away or ended up flat on his arse. As for Fabregas, I was astounded at his performance. Of course the lad is still only 19, but he was diabolical as well, his usually sublime passing going well astray. But it was obvious to see that the inspirational Spaniard was jaded and in need of a rest. And perhaps with a home game against strugglers West Ham on Saturday, he could be left to relax on the bench. Another dissapointment was young Brazilian, Denilson. He has impressed immensely in every other game he has played, but was easily shoved off the ball and was incredibly slow. But like Cesc, we can't complain as he has only just turned 19. Abou Diaby has really impressed me. It takes a lot of mental strength to come back like he has after a career-threatening injury. He was one of the better players in a yellow shirt at Anfield. He was strong, creative and kept the ball well. I think he could be a real star in the future and it was incredible that he was our best midfielder, but was also out of his favoured central position.

But the point of this is really to ask: Do we need another midfielder? Rumours are spreading that Mathieu Flamini is wanting to leave in the summer under a special rule. I don't know the full extent of it, but apparently he has to pay the club the remainder of his wages, as he has another year on his contract. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't be devastated if he left, unlike Pires and Vieira. He seems to lose the ball a lot and we all know how annoying that is. But the Frenchman is admired by gooners, for his workrate and versatility. He filled in at left-back in the latter stages of the Champions League, and was a star. But obviously, if Mathieu did leave Ashburton Grove, I would wish him all the best for the future. Another player in the spotlight is Alex Song. He has been at the heart of some harsh criticism, but to be fair, the majority of the performances he has turned in have been simply awful. Having said that, Song has joined Charlton on loan until the end of the season, and has been a revelation for the relegation candidates. This is a good sign for the future but let's think about it. Do we need another midfielder? We already have: Hleb, Rosicky, Gilberto, Fabregas, Denilson, Diaby, Ljungberg and Song (plus Flamini if he sticks around). It is almost essential that Mr Wenger brings i a winger in the summer but in my opinion, we don't need another central midfielder. If disaster strikes next season, and say Cesc, Gilberto, Diaby, Hleb and Rosicky are all injured then we could plunge into the youth team where the promising Mark Randall impresses or even if we are desperate, recall Fabrice Muamba from his loan spell (he is expected to extend his spell to next season). In my opinion, another midfielder would upset the squad and we would have too many players in one position.

So, fellow gooners, keep your chin up and don't worry. After all; The Future's bright, The Future's Red and White!