Just why Arsenal need transfer target Yann M’Vila was exposed by Norwich City at the weekend.
If supporters were in any doubt over Arsenal’s need to buy a defensive midfielder, then they should be perplexed no longer.
Conceding three goals at home to Norwich was the latest in a series of embarrassing scorelines Gunners fans have had to endure this month, and they remain fortunate to end the weekend in third spot.
A good defensive midfielder ensures results like this simply just do not happen.
Look at how Liverpool have missed Lucas, look at Manchester City’s option in Nigel de Jong. Chelsea DM Claude Makelele was the best of the lot, and allowed the attacking elements of Mourinho’s side to flourish.
Arsenal have a problem at present in that their side is bristling with attacking talent, even their central defenders, Vermaelen and Koscielny love to go forward, but there is nobody in the team who simply just ‘loves’ defending.
That is exactly what Arsenal need, a safety valve in their midfield, an enforcer, somebody to mop up opposition counter-attacks when they have committed too many men forward.
Yann M’Vila is just that – illustrated by his record for Rennes this season of 38 games without a goal.
Alex Song has had his best season to date in an Arsenal shirt, providing 12 assists, many for Robin van Persie, and can focus on this side of his game with M’Vila alongside him.
In a similar way to how Yaya Toure was let loose by Nigel de Jong’s appearance for Manchester City this weekend at Newcastle, M’Vila can make Arsenal’s attacking midfielders better players.
Arsenal will have plenty of central options in midfield next season should the deal go through; Arteta, Rosicky, Wilshere, Song, M’Vila, and then there are Ramsey, Diaby and Frimpong too. That is no bad thing, a good problem to have.
Arsenal’s performance at the weekend, and that against Wigan, was symptomatic of complacency. A good defensive midfielder would be able to stop the leaks against weaker teams when other players are losing their focus.
They are not the only team who could do with such a player and have had such a similar problem. Manchester United conceding four against Everton was a classic example of a team switching off and being exposed by a lack of focus in midfield.
If Arsenal tie up the M’Vila deal, which sources in France have indicated today is highly likely, the French international will be another fantastic signing by the club.
image: © korobukkuru
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