Fabregas, Walcott, Rosicky: Gunner Be Back

So close last season ... Arsenal led the Premiership for more than half a season, beating Milan 2-0 at the San Siro only to be cheated by referees against Liverpool. Carling Cup semi-final (well, deservedly out I think). Yet, a year later, a club seen as filled with potential last season has become a club with an uncertain future and facing a major crisis.

Yes, there has been a lot of opinions about what caused this downfall for the Gunners.

The manager? The board? Injuries? Influential players departing?

Well, a combination of all, obviously. But we must look deep into the facts before leaning towards the crisis mode which the press are trying to exaggerate.

With four big players out and missing for half a season, Rosicky, Fabregas, Eduardo and Walcott, the team lacked a lot of attacking power. Those chances that Adebayor missed—imagine if Eduardo had been there.

These would've been more than welcomed during these hard, difficult three months where we really struggled to find the back of the net: Walcott, with the pace to open up defences and also his ability to keep Eboue on the bench; Fabregas' ability to control the pace of the game along with his killer pass and playmaking abilities; Rosicky's running on the wing and speed of passing.

Adebayor's form has obviously been affected by the lack of creators in midfield. His game depends on midfielders finding him with the right pass, or midfielders making off the ball runs into the box so he can get space to find a shot. His 30-plus goals last season came as a team effort, not just his. We shouldn't blame him alone for his lack of goals this season, although he can improve his work rate.

With players coming back, Arsenal can only get stronger for the end of the season.

As Eduardo's comeback already showed, the team is in dire need of some positive injections. Two goals already from the Croatian; He is back with a bang.

One is back with a bang, now imagine three.

Don't forget the little Russian whom Wenger signed too. I am actually thinking we have too much up front now, nevermind not enough!! And with the defence finally looking a bit more solid, we will have no one else to blame but ourselves if we fail to make it to fourth place in the Premiership.

Yes, Wenger's priority this summer should definitely be purchasing a central defender (I think he is willing to let Toure or Gallas go), he should be buying a replacement instead of letting Senderos come back and letting him single-handedly destroy our own defence.

Djourou has impressed, but you cannot depend the defence on a young man's shoulders. Silvestre is experienced and is a proven winner, but he is no good in the air and his best asset back in his glory days was his pace. Yet I doubt he still has those sprinting muscles in him now. So an experienced, powerful, commanding defender should be Wenger's top priority.

In terms of a defensive midfielder, however, I would give Denilson/Song/Diaby these last few 12 games of the season as an exam. Rotate them around Fabregas but never let them play together in central midfield. They all lack creativity.

If they fail, then Wenger must invest in a strong DM, a Mascherano/Diarra type midfielder will do us a world of good. If they pass, then Wenger can save money and pat himself on the back and say he just unearthed another gem.

This season, any trophies should be seen as a bonus considering how important fourth spot is to the club. Without that spot, the Gunners will be losing massive audience, massive revenue and also, most importantly, ability to draw big players to the club.

As supporters, there is nothing we can do but to sing our hearts out and support the team. The players will react far better to our cheers rather than jeers; Just look at Eboue.

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