Next up in our blogger series is Aidan who operates Oh To Be A Gooner. The site is going through some restructuring and rebranding and should be out as Gunner Central this summer. The Australian-based blogger kindly spoke about Arsenal's 2008-09 campaign, the rebranding of his blog, and Australia's chances in South Africa, plus some A-League talk to boot.
Q. Can you give a quick assessment of the 2008-09 campaign. What went right and what went wrong for Arsenal?
This season was one filled with quite a bit of disappointment. After a promising yet fruitless campaign last season, many Arsenal fans expected some sort of silverware by the end of the season. We came rather close in the FA Cup and Champions League, but were eventually outclassed. The best thing about this season was the signing of Andrey Arshavin. The bloke is class, and he is someone that can be relied upon to perform when it matters. Had he been eligible for the Champions League I think we would have been in Rome last Wednesday.
This past campaign was undone by a plethora of injuries to key players like Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor, William Gallas and Theo Walcott. The failure to purchase a proper midfield partner hampered the performances of Fabregas throughout the season, although Alex Song eventually managed to make the role his own. Also, Wenger failing to acquire a dominant centre back in the off-season meant that the Gunners aerial woes continued. The factor that most undermined our season, though, was inexperience. We often failed to show maturity when it mattered. This was illustrated when we conceded two at home to Tottenham in the dying seconds of the match, and also by the fact that Denilson managed to make a whopping 51 appearances this season.
Q. Who was your Player of the Year?
Andrey Arshavin, without a doubt. Although he's only been at Arsenal since the start of February, he has proved in that time to be the finest player at the club. Six classy goals (including four in one match at Anfield) and a further nine assists in just fifteen games sum up exactly how good this man is. Alexandre Song really came into his own this season after a slow start, and was the next best Gunner after Arshavin.
Q. Is Wenger's formula of bringing in elite youths from across the globe paying off or does he need a new strategic plan?
Wenger's scrupulousness in the transfer markey and eye for young talent has been a major factor in getting the Gunners where they are today, but I think that strategy has run its course. Inexperience, I believe, is what cost us most this season. Arsenal have a great batch of young players, but they won't get anywhere if they don't have some experienced players there to push them and guide them through.
Q. We report often on Carlos Vela, what's your take on the attacking player?
Carlos Vela is a class act, and will no doubt have a great career, whether that's at Arsenal or elsewhere. Vela oozes confidence, and I'd back him to make it at the Emirates. His hatrrick against Sheffield and lovely chip against Burnley illustrate the sort of potential that the young Mexican posesses.
Q. How did the idea come about for Oh To Be A Gooner, soon to be Gunner Central?
The blog was started in a moment of boredom, exactly one year ago today, as ArseNews. It started as an outlet for me to vent my thoughts on Arsenal. In October I joined up with Football Media, and in the off-season we will be rebranding to Gunner Central.
Q. What has been the greatest challenge with operating the blog?
Blogging is rather time consuming, and often has to take the back seat to other aspects of life. Juggling school, work, a social life and blogging can often be difficult, and Oh To Be A Gooner often has to take a back seat.
Q. Are you planning on any new features or weekly columns for the next season?
We are looking to head in a new direction soon, swapping the long-winded, every-second-day posts for short, quick and concise posts that will mean the site is updated at least daily. We're also looking to integrate new video content into the site. Exciting times lay ahead for Gunner Central, I'm sure of it.
Q. How popular is the A-League?
I'm a season ticket holder at Sydney, and have been done numerous away trips with the Sydney lads so I think I'll be able to provide a decent opinion on this. The Australian sporting climate is unique in the sense that there are four major 'football' codes in the country. Football is forced to contend with AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union. Since the dawn of the A-League in 2005, football has made major ground on its competitors. The A-League will be introducing two new teams for this coming season, with North Queensland (to be captained by Robbie Fowler) and Gold Coast United joining. Football is growing in leaps and bounds in Australia, and with the demise of Rugby League and Union, the world game is slowly becoming a heavyweight in the Aussie sporting landscape.
Q. Do you think the Australian national team will fair well in South Africa at the 2010 World Cup?
Its hard to say at this stage as the team is yet to qualify, and a lot of it will depend on the draw. The Socceroos put in a great showing in Germany, and would have knocked out eventual winners Italy if it wasn't for some poor officiating, and the Aussies are enjoying a rare period of stability and solid results under Dutchman Pim Verbeek. There's no reason why Tim Cahill & Co. can't provide a few shocks in South Africa next year. I can't wait.
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