After all the talk of who is going to replace Viera in the Arsenal line-up, maybe the answer was on the field the whole time... but just playing in a different position. Kolo Toure might make a perfect replacement for the departed Arsenal captain. He has the height, the athleticism (he broke into the team as a right winger), and after two years as a central defender he has a much better command of the game. His runs through the Everton midfield today were perfectly timed and were very reminisicnt of Viera's.
Maybe Arsene was just hoping that this would be the year that Senderos developed into a top class defender and that Sol Campbell could get and stay healthy. Didier Drogba probably put paid to the first notion earlier this season (seen Senderos anywhere but on the side of a milk carton since the second Chelsea match?), but Campbell is certainly back. If Flamini and Fabergas start to lose their edge as the season goes on, look for Toure to step into the midfield to partner Gilberto. I bet that if he does, it will be a long time before someone moves him out of that spot.
Having just completed watchin the mismatched game between the EPL gunners and the pee wee league everton, I have to disagree with Jeremy. While it is possible that Toure might have the skills needed to play the Viera role, I think suggestions of Arsenal's early demise may be premature. Granted, everton are not the cream of the crop, but they looked awesome and all without the god of gods Henry. Reyes had his way all over the field, cole and lauren ran the flanks all day long, Ljundberg lurked ominously on the edge of the box, even RVP looked good. Oh year, and Sol Campbell is back where he belongs - in the heart of the gunner D. Gilberto controlled the flow, stopped any challenges up the middle and the Toure/Sol duo shut down the middle. If Chelsea ever lose (or break a sweat), Arsenal are still the only team that can challenge.
ReplyDeletewhile your comment had its charming typing mistakes, i don't think you disagree with me. i never said ars are faltering. just that toure could have a future (and a promising one) in Ars' midfield.
ReplyDeletej