Agooner9: Ozil To Arsenal!!!

ChapelOvGhouls 09.05.13	Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0.
blastOFFitsPARTYtime 09.05.13	Fuck Arsenal. And Liverpool.
OmairSh 09.05.13	I was surprised, I thought he wanted to win more titles, but guess not
OmairSh 09.05.13	And the Bale transfer is the most ridiculous occurrence in football. Ronaldo is not going to able to sleep anymore
BigBlob 09.05.13	O zil to the Arsenal woohoo!
osmark86 09.05.13	clever pun...but he was a great signing. I'm sure Arsenal will perform well this season lest they avoid a spell of injuries (they probably will and end up 3rd or 4th as usual).
OmairSh 09.05.13	Arsenal just plain suck
PunchforPunch 09.05.13	Liverpool and Arsenal rules biatch
OmairSh 09.05.13	Yup, it was great when they won the title, can you remind me when that was btw. And don't bullshit about titles not being important thas aaaall these fuckers play for
osmark86 09.05.13	was 03/04 last time they won?
OmairSh 09.05.13	Something like that. When Thierry was the main man
osmark86 09.05.13	and he sure was the main man too. damn great player.
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	Wolverhampton Wanderers >
OmairSh 09.05.13	Yeah man elegant as fuck
joshieboy 09.05.13	Yeah l agree. A signing Wenger needed to make to keep his job. Arsenal will once again be 4th. Spurs 5th, Liverpool 6th.
OmairSh 09.05.13	When I watched a bit of the premier league I would root for wolverhampton, underdogs m/
Hoppoman 09.05.13	Ozil is an idiot, who leaves Real Madrid for Arsenal?
anarchistfish 09.05.13	Someone who wants to create a legacy? He probably thinks he's done enough at Madrid, and they probably wanted to sell him anyway cos of the Bale transfer.
Hoppoman 09.05.13	Yeah, but Arsenal? A team who hasn't won anything in football's living memory (about one season.)
anarchistfish 09.05.13	Maybe he wants to be one of the players to change that. Amazing that a footballer is now getting shit for not being motivated by money and glory hunting.
OmairSh 09.05.13	42.5 mil is a lot of money dude. And you can respect a guy for going to a team for legacy, but arsenal?
OmairSh 09.05.13	"Cesc Fábregas surprised by Mesut Ozil's record £42.5m Arsenal move" Yeah he was wise and got the hell outta there, even though he's shit at barca
benkim 09.05.13	Where did you want him to create a legacy. Pick it up with them but stop bitching about Arsenal.
anarchistfish 09.05.13	It fits his style of football, he's cementing his place in a long and rich history, he's still getting CL football since in case you've forgotten, arsenal are still a top team, and he's playing in the most competetive league in the world. What's the problem.
benkim 09.05.13	"shit at Barca" oh you're one of those. Have you even watched play there really?
JamieTwort 09.05.13	Fabregas isn't shit at Barca. He's played really well in a lot of their league games. It's just that Barca have so many world class players, particularly in midfield, he's often overshadowed.
benkim 09.05.13	Fish It's amazing these guys never bitched like this when the big players were going to Chelsea even when they had not won anything for 50 years.
benkim 09.05.13	Now Arsenal have money to spend on this world class players, everyone has his panties in a twist. Amazing!
anarchistfish 09.05.13	amazing how arrogant people can be about teams which aren't in the absolute elite. I think the bigger question should be why did Madrid sell him?
benkim 09.05.13	Madrid sold him for 2 reasons, they had too many players and it could create unrest if some players stayed on the bench for too long and Arsenal gave them a good price and they could recoup some of the money they paid for Bale. I would have kept him and sold Di Maria instead btw.
PunchforPunch 09.05.13	he decided to go after no longer included in Ancelotti game plan so..
OmairSh 09.05.13	Damn benkim relax. Nah his performance at Barca was average. He started off well but then fizzled out. He was given quite a few opportunities in various positions where he was comfortable but he wasn't doing shit. Arsenal try to emulate Barca but don't have the players
OmairSh 09.05.13	"It's amazing these guys never bitched like this when the big players were going to Chelsea" I don't think we talked about football back then ;). I lost interest in the premier league years back.
benkim 09.05.13	OK then forget Chelsea, what about City. Were you up in arms too when big players were signing for them? Cesc is one of the first players on the Barca team shirt contrary to what people believe. I watch em every week. If he was shit, they would have shipped him a long time ago.
OmairSh 09.05.13	I watch him every week as well, and he frustrates me most times. Haven't watched this season yet but last season he was pretty bad. Yeah City just went nuts buying practically a whole team to get on the map. But I'm talking about players not the team, I was surprised to see ozil choose Arsenal. Obviously Arsenal is dying to get players like him.
OmairSh 09.05.13	And now with Neymar I don't think Fabregas is 1st team material. A lot of people get angry when I discredit Fabregas but I think I'm a rational guy, I watch his performance and he messed up a lot of times last season. But Barca unfortunately are a team too reliant on Messi, and don't say otherwise because you watched the matches where he's absent for even one half and you can see a difference in the performance
benkim 09.05.13	Yeah you are talking about players yet when Arsenal buy a world class player to become competitive again after shaking the financial restrictions you see a problem with that player joining them. Please help me see the sense in that because I can't.
OmairSh 09.05.13	There's only so much one player can do for a team, and I'm surprised Ozils willing to take that load. See? I was talking about the player. But the fee is pretty hefty so that explains a bit
Dreamflight 09.05.13	I don't think Omair is shitting on Arsenal just because he hates them. It's just Ozil's case was the most polemic in recent days. For instance what do you think of Monaco and PSG scoring all those top players on a least competitive league such as the french one? It doesn't seem very fair for the other teams right.
benkim 09.05.13	lol only so much a player can do for a team. You think he is joining a team of amateurs eh? Fyi Arsenal has accumulated the most number of points in the pl in 2013. Ozil signing just takes the team to another level and brings them closer to the big hitters.
JamieTwort 09.05.13	"And now with Neymar I don't think Fabregas is 1st team material." Nah, Fabregas will become even more of a first team player in the near future as Xavi and (to a lesser extent) Iniesta are getting a bit old now. Neymar's arrival won't have much affect on Fabregas as Neyamr will be fighting with Pedro and Sanchez for first team football not with Fabregas. I also completely disagree with you about him "fizzling out". He's grown into his position as part of Barca's midfield and is now an important part of the team. His performances may seem less spectacular when compared to how he played with Arsenal but he's still a really important part of Barca's squad.
BigPleb 09.05.13	Great player, but he wasn't the player you 'needed'. You need someone to anchor in midfield, that's where you lack experience and class.
OmairSh 09.05.13	Fabregas has frustrated me, he's assisted and scored a few goals but quite a few times he's been absolutely ridiculous imo. But yeah he'll be replacing Xavi as the centre mid, but there's still a while, Xavi just keeps on going. And Barca are still being fucktards and not investing on their defence. I can't believe they've had Pinto as the keeper.
oresttt 09.05.13	Fàbregas is a good player but he lacks precision in passing sometimes. Xavi hardly plays a bad pass, even when making a risky one. Cesc, however, seems to lack concentration and then even fucks up the easiest passes.
benkim 09.05.13	Lebo With Busquets you think they have the best anchorman in world football therefore don't need another.
OmairSh 09.05.13	I think Iniesta's instinct is even better than Xavi's, plus he's more fluid and dribbles better. It would be interesting to see these players play in the premier league though
JamieTwort 09.05.13	I think Leb is talking about Arsenal, benkim.
anarchistfish 09.05.13	we should've jacked the Sakho deal. idk why we ignored him
JamieTwort 09.05.13	@Omair: Iniesta is a phenomenal player, possibly the best midfielder I've ever seen. I agree that he's slightly better than Xavi.
oresttt 09.05.13	This would most likely be the perfect midfielder: http://galeri.uludagsozluk.com/56/xaviesta_90534.jpg
oresttt 09.05.13	"I agree that he's slightly better than Xavi." I wouldn't say that Iniesta is better, he is just a different kind of player.
OmairSh 09.05.13	Xavi and iniesta are pretty similar though
oresttt 09.05.13	Similar, yea. But Xavi is probably the best at controlling the pace of a game and keeping possession. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Iniesta, his technique and vision are absolutely perfect, but I don't think that he could replace Xavi as a central mid.
JamieTwort 09.05.13	They are different kinds of players but I think Iniesta has more to his game than Xavi and I enjoy watching him more than Xavi. That's basically what I'm basing my opinion on. Both are technically superb players.
Kiran 09.05.13	madrid are a ridiculous organization for sanctioning a 100m bale deal only to sell one of the best playmakers in the world a day later
anarchistfish 09.05.13	Unconfirmed rumours that Levy called Madrid in an attempt to persuade them not to sell Ozil to Arsenal. Also Ozil apparently had no intention of leaving Madrid, but after being subbed last week and put on the bench at the weekend, decided he didn't have Ancelotti's full confidence.
benkim 09.05.13	JamieTwort Well I still don't understand the reasoning in that. The "Arsenal need an anchorman" cliche is second only to the "Arsenal can't defend" cliche. How many teams use a tradional anchorman nowadays? I am happy with Arterta there.
benkim 09.05.13	Iniesta is nowhere near Xavi's level at his peak btw guys. Xavi was on a whole different level then. He was the best player in the world.
JamieTwort 09.05.13	Xavi is a master at controlling games and influencing the play around him but I think individually Iniesta is just as skilful if not more so. These days Iniesta seems to play a lot better than Xavi (both for Barca and Spain) and seems more influential but that they were a lot closer back when Xavi was at his peak. I can't agree with you about Iniesta being nowhere near Xavi's level back then though, as orsettt mentioned, they are different types of midfielders. Iniesta excels in areas that Xavi never could.
JamieTwort 09.05.13	...and vice versa I guess.
menawati 09.05.13	Baffled as to why real would let Ozil go - great signing tho. Also was nice to see arsenal beat the scum.
benkim 09.05.13	I have watched countless matches where Iniesta has failed to assert himself in a game because Xavi wasn't playing. Xavi at his peak destroyed every single midfield he came up against in his peak and the whole success was built on his ability to control a match. Iniesta cannot do that at least not every game. Again, different players but I know who I'd want in my team if I had to choose.
Thane 09.05.13	i understand özil's decision. he had a big offer from PSG but if you want to play every game, that's not a place to go. chelsea have too many midfielders. man united play giggs and welbeck over kagawa. in order to play the games he needs to be the best he can be for the world cup, and still be in a top team, i don't see many options other than arsenal to be honest.
Chrisjon89 09.05.13	i think transfer fees in general are just obscene. even 20-30 million seems ridiculous to me. 100+ is just unbelievable money. not to mention the wages some of those guys are on. apparently Barca were after David Luiz but got knocked back. it is strange how they insist on playing defensive midfielders as makeshift central defenders. they shipped alot of goals last season. and i agree they're too reliant on Messi but that kind of thing is almost inevitable when a player is that dominant. anyway i'm stoked Kaka is back at Milan and can't wait to see Ozil play too.
Chrisjon89 09.05.13	i think Man United could've really used Ozil. apparently they went in for Sneijder and De Rossi. Moyes should give Kagawa more minutes
JamieTwort 09.05.13	"I have watched countless matches where Iniesta has failed to assert himself in a game because Xavi wasn't playing." That's not the case anymore though. Iniesta has grown as a player and has become consistently influential to his side's performance. In more recent years it's been Xavi who has occasionally struggled to assert himself as much as he would like while Iniesta has started to dominate games much more. Look at the Euros last year and the recent Confederations Cup for example, Iniesta was by far Spain's most influential player throughout both those competitions.
benkim 09.05.13	Dude, Xavi is old now. He can't cover as much ground like he used to, being available for every pass, spraying the ball, being available again. He just doesn't have the legs for that. Iniesta is in his peak now. That mauling by Bayern and the one by Brazil would have never happened in Xavi's peak because his teams would NEVER be overun like that.
menawati 09.05.13	spanish football tic tac shite is too slow and boring though, i'm glad that the faster and more direct way is starting to creep back, i'd much rather watch german footy or epl
benkim 09.05.13	Iniesta cannot control a game like Xavi used to, not even close. The only thing he is better at is dribbling and that's it. Make no mistake, he is a class player but compared to Xavi, he is inferior.
benkim 09.05.13	EPL? Really? Like that shit we were subjected to in the form of Utd Vs Chelsea? The league where it's kinda hard to find a player that can control a simple pass? Where even the most basic technical stuff is foreign to most players? Hoof it up to the lanky CF and hope get lucky with a rebound? No thanks.
thumbcrusher 09.05.13	"i think Man United could've really used Ozil. apparently they went in for Sneijder and De Rossi. Moyes should give Kagawa more minutes" kagawa was playing for japan over the summer and is apparently recovering from an injury and isn't fully fit. i hope that's the case anyway cause i have no idea why they wouldn't be playing him otherwise.
menawati 09.05.13	"EPL? Really? Like that shit we were subjected to in the form of Utd Vs Chelsea?" that was a shite match true and the quality is very up and down but there are a lot of teams who play attractive stuff and you get some really entertaining matches, spanish football bores me to tears
Chrisjon89 09.05.13	"Where even the most basic technical stuff is foreign to most players? Hoof it up to the lanky CF and hope get lucky with a rebound? No thanks." massive generalisation. probably the most amazing sporting moment I've ever seen was the final EPL matchday of the 11/12 season, switching between games. i don't see enough of the Bundesliga to comment, but out of La Liga, Serie A and the EPL, England has the most well rounded top division in my opinion with the best quality across the league. Bayern, Barca and Real are ahead of the top English clubs right now but I feel that's deceiving to judge an entire league on just the top dogs when they can be such outliers. Spain is ridiculous, the way they distribute the money from the TV rights.
anarchistfish 09.05.13	yeah, EPL is super competitive.
benkim 09.05.13	Chris well nobody argues the gap is huge but if you are going to confuse competitiveness with quality then we might as well give up now. It may be gross generalisation but it isn't very far away from the truth. The number of cloggers I see in the epl is astonishing.
thumbcrusher 09.05.13	those criticisms could be levelled at a proportion of the england team but very silly to generalise like that at the whole premier league. even stoke aren't playing that that this season...
JamieTwort 09.05.13	@benkim: None of that changes of the fact that I prefer watching Iniesta to Xavi (even in his prime) and that I find him more exciting as an individual talent. And yes that was my point that Iniesta is at his peak now so comparing Iniesta to Xavi back when the latter was at his peak (and the former was yet to reach his peak) isn't really fair.
benkim 09.05.13	And I find the idea that there's only quality in the top 2 in Spain beyond ridiculous when we have a team like Malaga being a minute away from knocking out fancied Dortmund if it wasn't for a trully shocking ref decision. Their nothing clubs do much better than most countries in the Europa league. No quality outside the top 2? Puhleeze!
benkim 09.05.13	Wow Jamie, that is basically a cop out I am afraid. More exciting to watch? That doesn't really mean anything does it?
oresttt 09.05.13	I enjoy them both. Total sucker for Xavi's movement and his ability to find and create space. The fact that he avoids tackles just by positioning is fascinating. But I love Iniesta's ball control and style of play as well, it's so direct. He seems to glide across the pitch and makes everything look so easy.
BallsToTheWall 09.05.13	dem bug eyes
JamieTwort 09.05.13	"Wow Jamie, that is basically a cop out I am afraid. More exciting to watch? That doesn't really mean anything does it?" What? How doesn't it mean anything. I'm defending why I prefer Iniesta to Xavi. I'm pretty sure that's a huge factor in deciding between two players who play in a sport I follow for entertainment. Not sure if you're trying to be sarcastic here or something...
benkim 09.05.13	Menawati You know what? I have conversed with a lot of people like you and I still don't get it. I have had someone who only looks at the TV when there's a goal or there's an incident of some sort. A foul, close chance, etc. Everything else about a game, they find boring. I find most English fans have the same old school mentality when it comes to football. The build ups, the midfield battles, other "non eventful" stuff about a football match is considered boring. No wonder even their youth set up doesn't emphasize these things and look at the players they produce nowadays; zero technical ability. Let's get some goalmouth action, we need excitement!
PunchforPunch 09.05.13	munchen uber alles!!!
benkim 09.05.13	Jamie What I meam is, having a player that's more exciting to watch isn't exactly what decides who'se the better player is it? Especially when we are talking about midfielders. One is more exciting to watch but can get overun, the other one will win 99% of his midfield battles in his peak. "Eer I think I'll have the more exciting to watch please." Doesn't make much sense does it?
JamieTwort 09.05.13	""Eer I think I'll have the more exciting to watch please." Doesn't make much sense does it?" No it doesn't for a manager but I'm a fan of football so I'm talking about choosing between two of my favourite players for which that becomes a deciding factor. You seem to be over analysing this, I thought I was just having a discussion about two incredible players and which one I prefer out of the two, not who would be the best player to pick for my imaginary football team. Besides part of the reason I find him more exciting to watch is because of his more direct approach, which is something that orsettt mentioned, and I'm sure for some managers that IS a factor that comes into consideration.
benkim 09.05.13	So basically the whole time we were debating 2 different things? Sorry for thinking we were talking about who was the better player in terms of impact in the team etc.
menawati 09.05.13	"Menawati You know what? I have conversed with a lot of people like you" I think you've made a lot of assumptions about me based on a couple of comments. Firstly I'm not an armchair fan I go to games regularly. Of course watching your own team is different to being a neutral as even a 1-0 win in the 90th minute after your team played shit can be exciting but as for watching football in general I just find the tiki taka style boring. It's technically admirable and can be absorbing but I'm glad that the more incisive football as seen by the german teams recently is having success as i find it more fun to watch. Football can be technical, pacy and incisive without being hoofball.
Chrisjon89 09.05.13	oh no, I think Malaga and Atletico are damn good sides. i thought Bilbao were great to watch the season before last when they schooled Man United and made cup finals. the quality extends beyond the big two, and I don't even get to watch much La Liga anymore. unfortunately, Isco goes to Real and Falcao is sold. and I'm pretty sure both Malaga and Atletico are really struggling with debt, hence the sales - meanwhile Barca and Real earn the most from the TV Rights deal as far as I know. it has shifted from 5 or so years ago when you had Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United all in the CL semis, while last year England had none in the last four. but the gap to Real and Barca is just enormous. I think it was 30 odd points between Barca and the 3rd placed team in 11/12. that same season in England, the final matchday had an absolutely ridiculous amount of subplots with the title up in the air until deep into stoppage time, CL qualification up in the air, relegation battles still undecided. it was crazy. and obviously that kind of finish is a rarity but I haven't seen it elsewhere. and the EPL is reasonably technically sound - fairly big influx of Spanish players in the last decade or so. even mid table sides can be pretty entertaining to watch. i think it's a good mixture. you'll come across dud games in any league. just depends how you look at it though. in a straight shoot between the top teams, Germany and Spain come out on top right now.
JamieTwort 09.05.13	"So basically the whole time we were debating 2 different things? Sorry for thinking we were talking about who was the better player in terms of impact in the team etc." Well it definitely seems as though I was looking at this a lot more subjectively than you were. That's not to say I don't still disagree with some your 'objective' points though.
SaneTBP 09.05.13	Yeah listen to 5, 8, 9 pls
benkim 09.05.13	Chris Oh now I got you. I thought you were saying there was no quality outside the top 2 in Spain. If you are looking for an exciting relegation battle, check out the one in 2009/10 season when Nekounam kept Osasuna up with a last minute strike from long range against Madrid in the last game. In fact there's always great relegation dogfights in Spain every year, scratch that in all the leagues. I agree with the sentiment that la liga isn't competitive, but when it comes to quality, no other league is close IMO. Don't let the huge gaps between 1st and 3rd lead you to believe there is no quality there. I can watch a Rayo Vallecano Vs Betis match and be blown away by the level of football on dislay!! Breathtaking, attacking, passing football. In short, la liga rules man!
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	Stop being a fucking nonce, EPL > Much more competetive and none of this fannying about. I'd like to see Barca try that tika-taka shit against Stoke without getting their legs broken. The only reason it's so successful in Spain is because they're pussies, slightest tackle = a free kick, etc.
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	And that's exactly the reason why English teams don't win the champions league every year, the refereeing is a shambles! Darren Fletchers red card in the semi-finals the other year was a joke, it weren't even a penalty!
benkim 09.05.13	Jamie It's cool, it seems unlike music, I am just not used to subjective arguments and all.
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	'Breathtaking, attacking, passing football. In short, la liga rules man!' It's football not a fucking RomCom.
JamieTwort 09.05.13	I've gotta admit even though I love the EPL, I love watching Barca and Spain's tika-taka style. I find it really fascinating to watch and I rarely find it at all boring.
benkim 09.05.13	You clearly are past your bedtime Buttery. I'd run to bed before mummy finds out if I was you.
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	hahahaha. Guys take a picture, I've caught a live one!
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	'I find it really fascinating to watch and I rarely find it at all boring.' You get more respect Jamie. However, time and time again I have watched Barca in BIG games and have watched them bore me to tears. If they don't break through instantly it goes back to the halfway line, maybe even the defence and starts again. Counter-attacking football is much more attractive IMO.
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	Nothing gets me going like when I used to watch Giggs fly forward on the break back in the day. Remarkable.
benkim 09.05.13	Yeah, you got me, yawn
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	I'm sorry baby. I just don't see how anyone can prefer a league where the two main teams when 5, 6 and even 7-0 week in, week out to the EPL.
thumbcrusher 09.05.13	"Darren Fletchers red card in the semi-finals the other year was a joke, it weren't even a penalty!" i'm still angry about that. fantastic tackle!
benkim 09.05.13	Well sunshine, it seems you completely missed the point. XoXo
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	Sunshine? How old are you mate?
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	i''m still angry about that. fantastic tackle!' - innit just!!!!
benkim 09.05.13	Remember the good old days when it was a foul unless they was blood or broken limbs? Ah! Am feeling so nostalgic right now!
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	Exactly what I used to love!
benkim 09.05.13	Probably older than you cupcakes.
benkim 09.05.13	Probably older than you cupcakes.
oresttt 09.05.13	I find it really fascinating to watch and I rarely find it at all boring. [2]
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	Well I'm 26 baby. So even if you are, I'm no 'Sunshine'.
PunchforPunch 09.05.13	munchen uber alles!!!
benkim 09.05.13	You ARE my sunshine. XoXo
oresttt 09.05.13	München ist rot!!
ButteryBiscuitBass 09.05.13	lol
Recspecs 09.05.13	A lot of dumbasses itt I'll be an Arsenal fan to the grave and I'm so fucking excited to see Ozil but we seriously needed to sign another striker and a defender .. Arsenal does have potentially the most creative midfield in England with Cazorla, Rosicky (in great form at the moment), Wilshere, Arteta (when he comes back), and Ramsey who has been class the past five matches PLUS Ozil so this should be nice. Giroud is in top form but we really need Podolski and The Ox back because I'm still not 100% on Sanogo.
anarchistfish 09.05.13	Walcott can play up front if needed
Prolapse 09.05.13	Giroud is a better striker than 80% of what other PL teams have, they need a decent goalie though
anarchistfish 09.05.13	I think sscccsnznzneny has the potential to be a truly outstanding goalie. he just needs experience and competition. defence is a bit of a concern. the current back line is actually pretty strong, especially compared to last year's, but we don't have much depth if injuries happen.
JamieTwort 09.05.13	"Rosicky (in great form at the moment)" Really underrated player imo.
benkim 09.05.13	Fish We had the 2nd best defensive record last year. Don't believe what the bitter Adams has to say. We don't have a defensive crisis! Rec For sure, we need a new CF and CB although I am not losing sleep about our options at the moment. We only need a 4th choice CB for depth but upfront we can improve the quality although I am willing to gamble on OG for now. He certainly has the confidence to play for us. Chez can certainly grow into a quality keeper for us with time.
anarchistfish 09.05.13	we do if they get injured
menawati 09.05.13	the arse do have a very creative midfield its true, but they need some grit in there
benkim 09.05.13	*but they need Flamini in there fixed!
Surtur 09.05.13	Wooo Celtic
benkim 09.05.13	Celtic. rofl
Surtur 09.05.13	Hey man, for our money we're a pretty good side!
rockandmetaljunkie 09.05.13	It doesn't matter. Arsenal is gonna finish below the first 4 with or without Ozil.
joshieboy 09.06.13	Podolski or even Walcott could play CF if need be.