This week I speak to Arsenal fan Hugh Wizzy, presenter on KICKTV as well as his own Youtube channel www.youtube.com/user/hughwizzy
What league position will you finish this season?
Not quite sure how it’s come to this again after being on top for over 120 days of the season, but I can see us coming 4th again. Lack of movement in a January window and a host of injuries to creative players that you depend on if you’re not going to invest in another striker have left us wanting.
Are you happy with Wenger as a manager? Should he get a new contract?
I feel we had the chance to strengthen in January and missed the opportunity to capitalize on the fantastic push we had been making. Winning the FA Cup and retaining Champions League football would stand us in good stead to attack the market properly in the summer. Though i feel like I’ve literally been here before with Arsene, he really needs to show ambition in the transfer market for us to progress. A striker is the absolute minimum and Giroud’s drop in form/apparent lack of confidence can (in part, at least) be attributed to being run into the ground. I’m not going to even entertain the #WengerOut business, because i feel that our fan base is easily led by media outlets that feed off the negative headlines that not winning a trophy for so long leaves you open to. For me, he has lead Arsenal through a transitional period and laid the foundations for a lengthy period at the top. I’d go even further that that in saying that to have kept this team at the top for the majority of this season, with the players at hand, is a testament to his ability as a manager. Yes, I still feel that these players have overachieved. That is not to say that i’m not prepared for a future without Arsene. I’m not sure that there is a single club in world football that wouldn’t want a manager of his calibre at the helm. Half the Arsenal fan base will disagree with me.
Who will be the three teams to get relegated?
Sunderland, Fulham and any one of about 6 teams. Probably Norwich or Cardiff.
How is West ham and their fans perceived in North London?
I feel, on the whole, that there is a mutual respect for West Ham from Arsenal fans.Personally, I have a soft spot for West Ham because of Ian Wright, John Hartson and Nigel Winterburn all of whom made the move in my childhood. They are an integral part of English footballing history and if not for the plethora of talent that has come through the ranks (Ferdinand, Lampard etc), should at the very least be recognized for their part in bringing the World Cup home. I also appreciate the family/community spirit that the new owners are trying to keep around the club.
What is your view on West Ham moving to the Olympic Stadium?
It shows ambition. Sometimes you have to take risks to progress. Every club in London (bar The Arsenal) want to move and switching stadium in London is probably the most challenging place to try and do so in the world, so, Premier League status intact, I think it would bode well for the future of the club. Currently only holds 35k, and there’s no denying that will hold back the potential growth of the club.
Who are your key players are and who has disappointed you the most this season?
Ramsey has been a revelation, or at least, was up until his injury on Boxing Day. It’s incredible that he is still our 2nd top scorer (just 5 behind Giroud) when he’s been out for nearly 4 months and it will be great to see him return. Regardless of whether you think he was a flop or not, Mesut Özil is a world class midfielder who we could do with having as an option at least and so Santi Cazorla’s ability to create a yard of space and pick a pass will be crucial. As for others that are fit, Rosicky’s direct play and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s pace are crucial while Theo Walcott is out.
What is your Achilles heel?
He plays up front.
If you could have any West Ham player in your team who would you choose?
Without even thinking about it, Mark Noble. Unquestionable talent, relentless work ethic; should be a regular in the England set-up.
Score and prediction for Tuesday at the Emirates?
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
Thanks to Hugh for answering these questions. You can him on twitter @HughWizzy
Thanks for having me, Sean!