Five things learned from Arsenal’s draw with Hull: Wilshere, Khedira & Koscielny feature

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The Gunners have now won just twice in eight Premier League games. Here are five conclusions from their 2-2 draw with Hull.

Two wins in eight… a worry for Wenger?

A metaphor was used on American television after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Hull City. The reporter said: ‘Arsenal’s glass will be half empty, Hull’s half full.’

And that’s an interesting thought. After a poor start to the season, Arsene Wenger’s side are sixth in the league table: positive. But they are 11 points off league-leaders Chelsea: negative.

In eight league games, the north London side have lost just once: positive. But they have only won twice: negative.

Overall, it’s looking more like the glass is half empty for Wenger – should he be worried?

Wilshere is improving – but he’s trying too much in the wrong situations

Speaking of positives, Jack Wilshere’s performance was one on a mixed day on Saturday. Arsenal were largely blunt, lacking any urgency whatsoever, Alexis Sanchez aside.

But Wilshere delivered another encouraging display in midfield. There was one main flaw, though…

As Opta stats show, the 22-year-old attempted to beat his man five times against the Tigers, succeeding only once. In tight situations, Wilshere gave no thought to passing the ball and always tried to dribble past a defender. It was too rash and he was all too often caught out.

Khedira is the perfect January buy

Arsenal’s need for a world-class defensive midfielder has almost been too well documented. Yesterday’s game was another case in point.

If Wenger’s men are to truly challenge for the top prizes, Mathieu Flamini isn’t really good enough for cover in defensive midfield. That’s why Sami Khedira is the perfect January signing. Reports suggest Wenger has a £20 million budget and that the German could be available for less than £12m.

The only potential stumbling blocks are Khedira’s wages, the fact that Arsenal could turn to Morgan Schneiderlin instead (also a very good alternative) and Wenger’s own reluctance (perhaps stubbornness?) to sign the Real Madrid man.

Mertesacker is exposed without Koscielny

Another obvious area that needs strengthening is Arsenal’s back four. Maybe not their first-choice back four – but certainly in terms of squad depth.

Per Mertesacker did not have a good game at all yesterday, being bullied by Abel Hernandez. It was clear he desperately missed Laurent Koscielny as his partner at centre-back. When the Frenchman returns from injury, the Gunners will be considerably stronger defensively. And they’ll be even stronger if they sign a new defender in January.

Money talks – Welbeck & Sanchez prove that

For years, Wenger has been principally objected to splashing the cash during the transfer window. But why?

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal wouldn’t have had a sniff against Steve Bruce’s side were it not for £51m worth of talent – Sanchez, who scored once and assisted the other, and Danny Welbeck.

That proves that spending money, even on Deadline Day, can only benefit the north London side. Wenger may have had a lack of funds in the past but, this January, that does not appear the case.