Pellegrini didn't underestimate wigan, he overestimated the reliability of our squad players. It's now clear to me that we have not a single decent english player, aside from milner. It is also now quite clear to me that Kompany is the only CB we have who can play the "pellegrini way." Those slagging off Demicheles have every right to, but he is without any doubt the closest to what we need. He reads the game very well and can jump passes, he's not afraid to put in a strong tackle, he is composed on the ball and great for retaining position and kick-starting attacks.
However, he has no pace and can NEVER recover from his mistakes. He shouldn't see the field again. His mistakes have cost us too much already. He may have 4/5 of the traits we are looking for in a center half, while nastasic and lescott have about 2 or 3 of the 5, but the one demicheles is missing is too costly. I understand why Pellegrini sees him as the best option for fitting the style of play, but I'm afraid it's past time to sacrifice style for dependability. Lescott takes less chances and should be our new number 2. And obviously Kompany MUST START EVERY SINGLE MEANINGFUL GAME. Failing to get mangala and January has cost us greatly.
I do not blame pellegrini for trusting a player he knows very well, I'm just upset he hasn't seen, or been able to admit to himself, how much aging has affected demicheles's game. I know he never had pace, but for such a risk taking player to be effective, you need at least a little bit. He's obviously lost half a step too much and can no longer do what he once did...
For those saying our season is already looking like a complete failure, you are jumping the gun. I hope and truly believe this loss will only motivate us to push harder in the PL and maybe even CL... It's about time Arsenal get some silverware anyways...
