Let it be known that I was a huge fan of Adebayor, I’ve said in the past that he is a good player who is always capable of getting you goals. I’ve also said that selling him is not a good idea simply because of lack of replacements or lack of cash for similar replacements. I am saying now that I’ve changed my tune.
Whilst I am still not too keen on selling a player to a “rival” club — not that City are our rivals but they do play in our league an cup competitions— Upon some serious reflection I’ve come to the conclusion that selling Adebayor can only benefit Arsenal, and my fear of not finding an adequate replacement was miss-placed. Here’s why.
1.) Arsenal has more than enough goalscorers
The worry about finding a good replacement for Adebayor shouldn’t have even crossed my mind, because unlike most football clubs we don’t “depend” on any 1 striker to produce our goals. We basically had 3 “Strikers” last season who share the goals equally between them Ade-11, V.Persie 10, Bendtner 9, —a case for Arshavin can be made with 6 goals in half a season — nothing remarkable here considering that our strikers only make up 30 of the 68 premier league goals 44%.
It is when you look at the dependence other clubs have on their “goalscorers” then you realise that the way we play goals can come from anyone at any time.
Chelsea 45% from Anelka and Lampard.
Liverpool 54% from Gerard Kuyt and Torres.
United 44% from Ronaldo and Rooney.
My point is between Eduardo, Arshavin, Walcott, and possibly Rosicky there are much more than 11 goals to be had.
2.) Money available for that elusive Defensive Midfielder.
In as much as we don’t really need another striker, it would be very likely that the money from the sale of Adebayor will go into securing the midfield. If the mooted £25m fee is accurate then it will be much more easier now to recruit, not only can we afford to buy a player but the amount freed up in wages (£4.1m/year) is a boon to the club.
3.) More goodwill from the fans
One thing that has marked out the 2008/2009 Season at the Emirates was the level of Animosity towards the players, culminating in the Eboue incident on Dec 6. Although it was Eboue who bore the brunt of it, although no one can deny it was a build up of frustration borne out of the insipid, lethargic, and laggard display of the team, it can be argued that it was the attitude of the other Emmanuel that started it out.
The feeling is that, with Adebayor gone will be the root of the fans rancour, not to mention the disruptive influence in the dressing room. Altogether Arsenal should be a much nice place to be
4.) No more offsides
Not much to say here. While some may say that Adebayor’s offsides comes naturally from him hugging the shoulder of the last man. The truth is that a lot of the offsides are from Goal kicks, again frustrating the fans and I’m sure frustrating to other team members.
How many times have we won a header from a goal kick (both our and the opposition) only for play to be brought back because Ade couldn’t be bothered to get back in position?
5.) One less player gone to Africa Cup of Nations.
Unless Arsene Wenger goes out and buy Chamkah, then we will retain our full strikeforce during the ACN. Yes Eboue, Toure, and Song, will be out but with Vermaelen in, Senderos back and that new DM bought with the cash for Ade the ACN won’t have as huge effect as in previous years.
Overall I think we will be a bit more balanced without the spectre of a want away player in the squad, at the very least a lot of fans will be appeased by this sale.
What do you think?
