when was the last time we've had a good counter attack...seriously i cant remember...we use to be good at it....now we only pass the ball sampai mati....

Abou Diaby: I Turned Down Chelsea To Sign For Arsenal
Midfielder reveals his dream of winning the Ballon d'Or
By Alex Dimond
Oct 6, 2010 3:47:00 PM

Arsenal's gangly midfielder Abou Diaby has revealed he turned down Chelsea and Jose Mourinho to sign for the Gunners five years ago.

The 24-year-old, who became one of the hottest properties in Europe after breaking through the ranks as a teenager at French side Auxerre, has admitted that the Blues were very keen to sign him in 2005, with their Portuguese manager even coming to talk to him about his plans for the future.

But it was the opportunity to become the heir to Patrick Vieira at Highbury, along with a cautionary tale from countryman Lassana Diarra, that eventually made up his mind to work with Arsene Wenger.

"Did Chelsea try to sign me in 2005? Yes, but it was very complex," Diaby told L'Equipe.

"I visited the facilities but when I was there I had a chat with Lassana Diarra and he told me: 'Abou, I have not played for three months'. That made me hesitate.

"I even had a chat with Jose Mourinho. He was very frank and told me: 'I have a big team, with big players and I can't guarantee you anything, but we do want you'.

"Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger told me that he was looking for a midfielder to replace Vieira, that I had the same profile and that I would play.

"Also, at that time, Arsenal had the French connection. Robert Pires and Thierry Henry were there, and that makes you dream.

"There were choices to make and Arsenal wanted me. They seemed exciting to me."

Diaby has had a mixed time at the north London club since his move, occasionally showing glimpses of world-class ability, but more frequently infuriating fans with his inability to progress to the highest level. But the Frenchman believes he still has time to reach the very highest echelons of the game.

"People told me: 'You will make a complete mess if you go abroad so young'. But I have my own objectives and I have tried to match them," he said.

"I want to play for a big club, be in the French team and be a great player.

"I dream of winning the Ballon d'Or. I hope to win it one day. There is no shame in saying that."

ww.goal.com

I am the ultra LOL.

I agree that Diaby adds physical presence in the midfield, but too bad that the presence is only for viewing purpose; which serves little in terms of technical commitment.

I prefer him playing in DMC or CM rather than the current box-to-box and sometimes AMC. He should boss around the midfield and show "who is the boss" type of players (to my liking).

Our current 4-3-3 is more offensive as compared to other teams (like ManC?) which the middle 3 as DM, CM and AM (sometimes 2 CMs, no AM)
Will it be better to have 2 DMs and a CM for defensive solidness? This is considering that the two wide FWs will be responsible for offensive moves.