Arsene Wenger says that Gael Clichy’s departure to Manchester City has opened the door for England international Kieran Gibbs.
Many Arsenal fans were expecting a left back to be added to the shopping list after the experienced Frenchman was sold earlier this week for around £7m, but when pressed on the reason for the sale, Wenger told Arsenal Player, “The reasoning is that Kieran Gibbs at some stage has to get a chance to play. And Gael had only one year to go.
“I rate Gael very highly but I rate highly as well Kieran Gibbs, and he is now at an age where he has to play. And that’s the main reason behind that, to give Gibbs a chance”.
Gibbs injury problems have hampered his progress, and relying on him as first choice left back would be seen as something of a gamble for an Arsenal squad which has more injuries per season than your average earthquake.
With Arsenal in need of at least one centre-half, and possible replacements for Cesc and Nasri, it remains to be seen if a left back is considered a priority and included in the “one or two” players Wenger hopes to bring in.
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GIBBS IS NO GOOD HE IS A DOWN GRADE OF CLICHY
I think this is a mistake. Gibbs defending has been very poor. Maybe going forward he’s good but he defends like the converted winger he is. The last thing we need is to sacrifice defensive stability for “potential”
Arsene is taking the piss if he’s promoting Gibbs to first choice left back, claiming Vermaelan as ‘like a new signing’ and only adding one or two real new signings. Presumably if only one or two are coming in the majority of our crud will still be with us next season stinking the place up.
I’d rather he kept is gob shut if this is the best he can do to reassure worried fans.
gibbs to replace clichy!?!?! only one or two more replacements!?!?! jeez I think wenger truly has lost it, he really has lost all ambition and the respect this club had from the rest of the world. I also think he has a responsibility for what has happened in this whole fabregas saga, sure its more the fault of the spanish press but he really could have done more to not let that circus get out of hand the way it has. Shameful the way our club has been spoken about lately!
And the hits just keep on coming…
It’s a fair point, I dont think a left back is priority, let’s hope GIbbs can step up. I am in agreement that we have a few other more significant issues to worry about opposed to if Gibbs will be able to replace Clichy, who in my view hadn’t improved in the last few seasons.
atleast u’ve got sense, although its a gamble in terms of his injury record…but a run of games would definitely make him grow. the same fans castigating him now were the same fans calling for him replace clichy last season….seasonal fans:-)
Gibbs will break down and maybe play 20 games. Who will be his replacement? Traore? There is no one. We are in big trouble if we dont replace Clichy.
Oh dear…
Haven’t we gambled enough?
Kieran gets injured so easily it seems… we all know it will happen at some point, then what? Move Vermaelan over and disrupt the back four? We need a stable back four that can gel and become a unit. I like Gibbs, but replacing Clichy with a top, experienced left back would provide healthy competion and strengthen that position. You could argue that Clichy become inconsistent becasue his place was garenteed.
THIS CAN ONLY HAPPENED IN ENGLAND, IF IT WAS SOMEWHERE ELSE WENGER WAS
Wenger’s seriously deluded. I’ve been a fan of his but I really think that he’s lost it.
Maybe he thinks Jenkinson could play left back if Gibbs gets injured (?) Fingers crossed this Jenkinson is a good defender.
Jenkinson is supposed to be cover for Sagna not a LB that always gets injured.
Plus, i havent seen anything that suggests Gibbs is a good LB, not impressed with all this. Another own goal by Wenger.
Jenkinson is a versaile player. Can play anywhere across the back four. I certainly don’t think this is the answer to the left back position, but maybe this is what Mr Wenger is contemplating….
Gibbs is less speedy comparing with Clinchy but is more consistent and can dribble and pass with both feet. Possess a better cross. If no injuries, I don’t see why he can’t become more solid than Clinchy
Gibbs is better on the ball than Clichy. He is a better passer and better at crossing than Clichy. He is as quick as Clichy, I believe, and all he needs is a run of games and to stay uninjured. I know that is a big qualifier but I feel Clichy has been expendable for at least 1 1/2 seasons and had Gibbs remained healthy, I think this might have happened sooner. My two cents.
CFArsenalFC, Nice to hear someone with a level head. Can’t believe how many people on here are going nuts.
We never know whats REALLY happening till its been announced by the club so why don’t we let them do their job and critisise when the season starts?
Be nice to see something positive for a change.
RELAX EVERYBODY!!! just calm down. I love the fact that you’re all passionate about our great club but stop believing everything you read in our shitty tabloids and please, KEEP THE FAITH!
Jenkinson is a right back and i can surely say if wenger dont buy this guy will have to play left back because traroe, gibbs dont cant make one.
forgot to add and surprised it hasnt been mensioned yet but anybody else smell the whoff of wenger bullshit the way the website has been promoting Miyaichi back from loan all over the club website posing in the new kit as if he too is ‘like a new signing’. Our club must think we are willing to swallow anything up and believe it.
@gooner, im guessing miyaichi is being given more publicity prior to the asia tour to draw in more money from it, probably kroenke’s idea
Here we go again, same old same old…..fast forward to march and then we’ll have every winger tearing Gibbs into shreds cos he would have burned out. don’t understand why Wenger thinks these youngsters can deliver 100% efficiency for a full season. it has been tried on several occasions and not worked.
If Gibbs is rated so highly, why buy a left back just a couple of years younger in Jenkinson? Go and get Baines, he can defend AND attack!
Isn’t Jenkinon a right back though? I thought he was signed as cover for Sagna?
Jeez the aim is too improve the defence not weaken it. Systematic problem at Arsenal, too many times starting roles are simply given and not earned.
Gibbs is alright.
We won’t get a world class player in every position and cruise to champion and we are more likely to chock than win it. ACCEPT THAT! We had many weakness and Clinchy is one. I don’t see what is the problem of getting rid of him. We didn’t lose much anyways.
Don’t throw the towel so early, gee~
CLICHY… who is this Clinchy?…
Look at all the hostility… guy plays for Arsenal. Thought supporting a club involved supporting the players? I like Gibbs. Why be so hard on him? We rarely saw him play last year. Haven’t seen him yet this year, maybe he’s better than he was? Who knows until he actually plays a game. If he’s shit at age 30, then sure, talk all the crap you want. Until then, lay off. I’ll continue supporting Arsenal, every player included, as any true supporter would.
seriously…didn’t realize there were so many douche bags ready Blogs!
*reading Blogs
Fair one. I know people have got to vent but please…. Biggest problem with our club is too much talking shit on blogs. We already don’t stand a chance next year if you get sucked in by all the press and negative jokers on here. What’s new? We never stand a chance till it’s near christmas and AMAZINGLY we’re still in the hunt for league and! As much as i’d like to see a few players move on and a fair few fresh faces come in i will wait and see what happens in the next few weeks before pulling… Read more »
One or two more players ?? Is this a joke wenger
We are gonna need a new left back and centre back that’s 2 players so if the lack defensive midfielder to cover song possible replacements fir nasri and cesc and a new striker going to be dismissed ?
Is gervinho one of the 2??
Seeing horrifying pics of squillaci in training mixed with these worrying comments from wenger is making my arse dribble slightly
lol
Its frustrating to see no reinforcement but saying losing CLICHY is huge after saying he was shit last season doesn’t make a lot of sense
Sorry to hear essien got injured again. Was such a talent.
I can only hope that Wenger is promoting Gibbs publicly so that he is not forced to pay over the odds for a left back by any team thinking we are desperate to replace Clichy
If not we are in big big trouble next season
If Wenger thinks one or two will be enough god help us
i’ll be surprised if we go with gibbs alone for the new season. it looks like traore is on the market so vermaelen would be the only fallback if gibbs gets injured. if we need anything next season, we need a settled back four to get a run of games together, something we haven’t had for a while. would be nice to see us sign a reliable older LB to provide some competition for gibbs, but can’t think of that many that would fit the bill… i’m still glad clichy has left. it was the right call as he has… Read more »
dont forget armand traore!!
I actually think Gibbs could take his chance and be better than Clichy as soon as next season. Clichy was so unreliable it made the rest of the team suffer. Look at Nasri’s season. At the start of the season Nasri lined up on the right with Walcott out injured and Arshavin on the left. With the dependable Sagna behind him, Nasri was awesome. But when moved to the left, Nasri’s form dropped significantly. I also think Clichy’s unreliability was part of Arshavin’s problems as well last season. A more dependable left back would give us a more potent attack… Read more »
Yes, we are full of average day dreamer. What we really need are just 1 or 2 top players. Top likes Messi top, or Zidane top
I don’t get why fans don’t just have patience. I know it’s frustrating but Gibbs does have some experience at the highest level, with Clichy gone it gives him a real chance at a run of games. I, like all arsenal fans want to see the team improved as much as possible, but I’d rather the 7M be spent on 1 or 2 top CB’s, a centre mid with grit and leadership (someone like Scotty Parker) and another top striker in Benzema or someone of that callibre (not Doyle). Wenger, hard to believe, does know what he’s doing, a darn… Read more »
why is everyone up in arms about AW saying 1 or 2 players… look AW is a cheapskate, a bargin bin shopper at best, so we’ll be lucky if we get 2 players, really lucky. Personally I think AW is a total butt munch who only thinks about saving moolah and banking on his plethora of below average players….
Rubbish look at the price he paid for Reyes, and Wiltord at the time
Butt munch? Haha, I haven’t heard anyone use that since I was in school
A.W. must be joking, us fans want to see the likes of Bains, Samba Cahill. Hazard. Mata. Falcao with Gervinio then we mighy stand a chance, so do the biz and get shot of all the dead wood A.S.AP or i can see us finish 7TH or 8TH
Cmon guys not long ago we were all raving about Gibbs now he’s shit , I agree with Arsene he needs to play….
I think Gibbs is good but injury prone and I don’t trust Traore as number two.
“something of a gamble for an Arsenal squad which has more injuries per season than your average earthquake.”
Shit that killed me hah!
I dont get it Gibbs is a talent but has he lost his mind this kids has a balsa wood body and needs time to grow. Why doesn’t he want to spend any money I don’t understand. We are supposed to have signed this klingon from the french league and we are tracking a whole load of players but nothing. The team are about to fuck off to Asia with this cretin of a manager and all we have is a lanky streak of piss from Charlton as our shake up of the team. Lets see next season when we… Read more »
Losing gale force was a blessing. He is prone of too many errors like toure. Downside was we only got 7m but its hard cash! We need to revert to 442 until we have solid defence and def midfield engine. 4-3-3 needs true wingers like nani or maluda
You speakin the truth man! Clichy used to end beautiful plays with off target unecessary Shots. Much of which only gave him 2 goal in 8 good years!
Hahaha— the KLINGONS are coming!!!!
I am not an expert but I am sure that a transfer deal is a simple as some people think. Wenger cant just walk into Argos on Holloway Road and say “Here is £100m. I would like you to send me Cahill, Samba, Benzema, Given, Gervinho and Baines and Kaka” and the job is done. Transfers take time and there is a lot of haggling to do with club and player so just be patient.. And we really do not know what is happening behind the scenes. No news doesn’t mean no activity. The faith in the youngsters DOES pay… Read more »
which game or games are you refering to where gibbs played well last year or before that. there are alot of things wrong with gibbs atm. he is not a natural defender too innjury prone and not nurtured at the highest level. he is no way an improvement on clichy.
(edit)
* a transfer deal ISN’T AS simple as some people think
* Perhaps TV5 will play left BACK all the time???
Why is it us that struggle? It just sounds like we sold Clichy with Gibbs as the intended successor. Its like that was the plan.
Why is the advert at the top of this page for the 2010 Emirates Cup?
this is going to be Arsene’s last season
yeah, because he’ll probably resign in disgust at all the grief he gets from d*ckheads like you who can’t appreciate a good thing when they have it….
Here’s an idea arsene! Why not keep both and let them battle it out for the left back spot!
This is whats wrong with arsenal at the moment all the players know there 1st choice because all with have in reserve is youth or eboue!!!!!!
I hope Gibbs doesn’t become part of the egg on Arsene’s face.
@reality check – what about villareal in the CL you dick? I realise the worries about staying fit, but I can’t be the only Arsenal fan that thinks Gibbs has looked the real deal at times. I wonder if half of you actually support the club or are just bored, unemployed c***s from NoW. Usually I see mostly well informed opinion on here, but all of a sudden we’re plagued by tools (not all – alf, Mark, Matt et al)
thats what i wanted to hear. 1 good game so what about the shambles soon after that against mancs in semis. no wonder you akbs think the same as your mentor to replace crap with even more crap, thats how you improve our defence. your opponents attack your weakness thats why we were targeted on the left so if you think he is an improvement on clichy than give a reason before calling someone d!ck. oh well you cant come up with one because there is none and the way you tend to debate does show your background and upbringing… Read more »
*NotW*
why put vermaelen at left back when he is far and away our best cb? last years stats show that 60% of the goals we conceded were from set pieces. had vermaelen had a whole season we can safely say that would not have happened. my concern is not with Gibbs, as he will do a fine job, my concern is if nasri and fabregas leave they will be replaced with lesser gifted and most likely foreign players who need to bed into the English game when we need to hit the floor running. I feel that rvp, chamakh and… Read more »
p. s. well said spooner. prob the same c**ts that boo our players. let’s just remember, your all supposedly arsenal fans, just be grateful for that. it is a privilege and an honour to support this great and mighty club, and just remember how lucky we are not to support that deluded bag of shit up the road in sunny old harringay.
another in the same class as spooner. i thought i was discussing somthing with some fellow gooner, didnt know there are some teaming up to force their point of view instead of providing reasonable points to justify themselves.
Oh dear.
Wenger is deluded if he thinks that Gibbs can play effectively for a season. He is too injury prone and has defensive frailties.I agree he needs some game time but he has to deputise for a proven campaigner
We have to buy a replacement.Newcastle’s Jose enrique will be ideal. Premiership experience, quick, tenacoius and can cross a ball. The 7million we got paid for Clichy will buy him as he is in the last year of his contract.
If Gibbs breaks down, which he inevitably will, Vermallen will switch to the left with kocielny and Djurou in the middle & Sagna at right back. It’s still an improvement on last year naysayers. Problem is when someone else from this back 4 gets injured the same time as Gibbs. Then we are back to same defensive depth problems of past few seasons. Judge the boss after the transfer window closes. Still lots of time ffs!
Let’s let this Gibbs fellow first play more than, like, half a game at a time and see how it goes before we cry foul. Yes, we need shoring up in places but it’s going to take time and it’s going to require a heck of a lot of finagling. If Gibbs works out, then we can spend the money up front and behind on the centre-halves. Which means we can buy quality like Mata and Cahill and someone else who’s really good that I don’t know of yet and who hasn’t been spoiled first by the tabloids. And then… Read more »
No worries eboue can play as left back if necessary.
I honestly think Eboue did better last year defensively when played in the LB position. He had to be more aware of his surroundings, and keep his positioning in mind when not on the ball. There was less dawdling when he did have possession as well. That said, I don’t think Eboue is the answer to our LB positional needs at current. Manu is a great squad and utility player, and you can’t fault his positive attitude. Plus, the other players seem to like having him around, so I’d consider him worth hanging onto- given that other dead wood should… Read more »
people r clowns….so called arsenal fans….much as i liked clichy he had become a liability constantly getting caught on the ball…..with help from whoever plays in front of gibbs if fine….he didnt seem to hv much trouble with cristiano ronaldo in the champs league so lay off….if he stays injury free he will only improve…plus hes better attacking than clichy