At the start of the season Arsenal’s defence was hailed by all-comers, but a worrying dive in form from Thomas Vermaelen and the injuries to Kieran Gibbs and Abou Diaby has left them far too open at the back.
At first glance Arsenal’s defensive problems could be neatly solved by ensuring Andre Santos was never allowed in the left back slot ever again, but despite his headline-grabbing incompetence, there are other issues present at the back for Wenger’s side.
At the start of the season which two of their three centre backs would play was a question over who would be unlucky enough to miss out. Now it’s a case of choosing which two of them have made the fewest mistakes recently. Mertersacker has probably been the most blameless in recent matches, with Koscielny awful in the 7-5 League Cup win at Reading, and Vermaelen similarly bad at Old Trafford. With no other real options available, Wenger has to keep faith with this trio of centre backs for the moment.
One switch Wenger could make would perhaps also solve the current left back issues. Moving Vermaelen out to the flank would displace Santos whilst Gibbs is out, and also give the Belgian a chance to get his form back together in a less exposed role. Koscielny could come into the centre, and the hope would have to be that with Vermaelen on the left instead of Santos, and Sagna returning at right back, the whole unit would become more solid.
These changes do not address the problem they have in front of the defence. With Diaby out, Arsenal were relying on Wilshere’s return to aid Arteta in defensive duties in front of the back four. However they looked too open against Manchester United even before Wlishere was sent off on Saturday, and were unable to defend through holding possession in their midfield. Indeed Wilshere’s red was likely partly drawn through frustration at his sides lack of control in the midfield.
To solve this issue Arsenal really need Diaby back, and perhaps need to invest in another defensive midfielder in January. Diaby is a good player, but is inconsistent both in performance and fitness. Arsenal may also need to tinker with the formation, as they clearly will want Wilshere, Cazorla and Arteta in their side, so one may need to move into the front three.
When in form and confident, and with a solid back four behind them, a midfield trio of Cazorla, Wilshere and Arteta will be able to defend through dominance of possession and pressing the opposition. At the moment though, Arsenal look like they need a more traditional defensive midfielder.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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