I think that Arsenal should and that they WILL sell Gael Clichy either in the January transfer window or at the end of the season.
If an analysis were to be done regarding the goals conceded by Arsenal it would be evident that over half of them come down the left hand side – Clichy’s side. I can already think of the 2 goals vs. Man City that came down his side… he gave the last minute penalty away in the now infamous game vs. Birmingham, which is why I think Arsenal blew the title that season. It’s why Gallas threw his toys out the pram.
Even this past week’s game vs. AZ Alkmaar, there was one point where he took a throw in and threw it back to Gallas, immediately putting him under immense pressure. Thank God Gallas was cool enough to clear the danger. He just does not have a sense of what is going on around him and seems to lack a “football brain.” He’s great at running up the left flank but I have never seen a worse crosser of the ball. Even Glenn Helder was better! (Flash back to the 90′s!).
In Armand Traore & Kieran Gibbs Arsenal have two ready made replacements. I feel Gibbs has the most potential of the 2 because of his age. There is a lot more time to work on the defensive side of his game. Traore is older than Gibbs but could literally come in and not do any worse than Clichy and could potentially offer more going forward. He did score a goal last season for Pompey 
Maybe Clichy’s inefficiencies are down to Mr. Wenger himself, and not putting any emphasis on defense. We all know that he seems to only buy attack minded players which is maybe why he is sticking with Clichy. However at this stage in his career, I would have expected Clichy to progressed to at least Ashley Cole’s levels when he was at Arsenal. However it seems that he got into the 1st team, and never improved. It’s a shame because he HAD so much potential. I think it has been wasted now and he belongs at a team like Real Madrid
Clichy was quoted saying that he wanted to take Patrice Evra’s place in the France national team… keep dreaming Clichy!!!!
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PassesOctober 22nd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I don’t know about being transferred in January but I do agree with you about his form. He has dipped in form but to say he doesn’t have it anymore is quite harsh I think. If he had it once, he can have it again.
He definitely does need to buckle up, seriously and maybe, just maybe Real Madrid will come calling
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I agree with the Coach on this one. Clichy hasn’t been as sharp as we’ve come to expect from him in recent weeks, but I don’t think that’s a reason to ditch him just yet. He’s proven himself as a great left back in the past, and his offensive capabilities make him valuable to Arsenal’s play style and tactical sensibilities, especially when paired with Sagna. Having the two of them on either end of the back line provides considerable threat. Maybe Clichy just needs to find his rhythm again. Gibbs is very good, but I think he’ll benefit from training alongside Clichy for a little longer.