Will cash prevail over development at Eastlands today?

Today’s match at Eastlands Manchester City v Arsenal sees a clash of money versus development. In many ways Arsenal are the most vulnerable out of the top sides to Manchester City’s spending as they looked the weakest team of the so called ‘Big Four’. However they have started this season in good form and it looks like Arsene Wenger’s policy of developing players rather than spending big could finally be baring fruit.

Although its early in the season the likes of Brazilian midfielder Denilson and Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner have at times performed at a higher level then any other time in their Arsenal careers. The biggest improvement from any player though is that of Cameroon midfielder Alexandre Song who has settled in to a defensive midfield role.

I also have a feeling that young striker Carlos Vela could see more action this season after striker Emmanuel Adebayor left for City’s millions. The Mexican is a highly promising prospect who could become a big star on the world stage. He is already a regular for his national team and has helped edge them closer to next years World Cup.

Arsenal’s style of developing talent rather than signing players has been slightly enforced with the Gunners still paying for the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger though has never been a boss to splash the cash. He has a very clear footballing philosophy and that’s developing young players in to top world stars, while playing attractive football.

This Philosophy has been recently criticised by his own fans because the Gunners haven’t been winning trophies, but the professor has stuck to his guns and won’t change his ideals. He has to be admired for his way of thinking as it has proved to be successful in the past.

Manchester City however have taken the Chelsea route to success. They have spent big on players that boss Mark Hughes believes can challenge the top four. He has spent lots of money but has brought players in with lots of Premier League experience.

The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure signing from Arsenal. Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, of course Carlos Tevez joining from the Red side of Manchester and defender Joleon Lescott from Everton. All those players have played in the English top flight for a longtime and most know what it takes to win games.

Mark Hughes has been clever with his signings. He might have paid over the odds for the players hes brought in but none of the players are foreign gambles who need time to settle in the country. Although Hughes famously did try to bring in Brazilian superstar Kaka in last January’s transfer window and failed.

He has stuck with tried and tested this summer and its produced three out of three Premier League victories. They haven’t played any of the big four yet and this will be their first big test of the season. I have to admit I believe that Arsene Wenger way of doing things is the right way and he has proved that you don’t have to spend a fortune to be successful.

Unfortunately for Arsene though money has became far bigger and more important than developing talent and City will probably break in to the top four. It wont be this season I don’t think, but with the amount of money available to them they are bound to buy their way to success eventually.

I feel sorry for the likes of my own team Everton and Aston Villa who have been striving to challenge for the Champions League spots for the last few year’s. These clubs have been building slowly but surely and suddenly City come along and jump straight ahead of them. Its just a fact of life in football now that money talks and City have the biggest mouth in the world at the moment.

Do our readers think Manchester City will break in to the top four?

Also who will come out on top the millions of Manchester City or the style of Arsenal’s young team?