What if this is finally Arsenal’s season? They have got the meanest defence so far in the Premier League, and scintillating attackers. Philip Acha takes a tactical look at where it is going right.
Arsene Wenger may still have the last laugh and prove yet again that he is the professor. I remember Aimé Jacquet being asked in 1998 World Cup “who will replace Zidane?” ZZ was serving a suspension after being red-carded against Saudi Arabia in the group stages.
The French manager’s answer was enlightening. He said “you cannot replace a player like Zidane. When he’s not available, do something else.”
You cannot replace a player like Van Persie, just do something else. That’s where Wenger is getting it absolutely right.
I could never understand the Podolski option. Is he a replacement for RVP? Hell No!… actually Podolski adds a whole new dimension to Arsenal’s game.
First, he chases opposing players down the middle zone. Something RVP never did and as such, tends to receive the ball before the final third.
This action alone frees Arteta of offensive duties as he sits tight infront of defenders and gives Cazorla the freedom to roam. Podolski’s play also influences Gervinho’s output and may improve options provided by the Ox.
Because Podolski doesn’t systematically wait for delivery in the final third, Gervinho, Oxlade and any winger with the ball don’t need to go down the corner line and put in a cross.
Podolski and Cazorla provide the option of early conveyor belt passing from outside the penalty area. The unlucky component in this outfit is Giroud, he creates fantastic dummies and decoys for Carzola and Podolski, but because there are less crosses coming from the wings, Giroud will take a while to score.
RVP was good, but Arsenal is at its best when more than three players score goals regularly. Remember the Invincibles of 2003-04 Premier League Season?
Thierry Henry was top scorer with 30 goals. Robert Pires scored half as many while he and Bergkamp made 18 assists. If you factor in FA Cup, Champions League and League cup 2003-04, Henry scored 38, Pires 19, Ljundberg 10 and Edu 7.
It looks like Wenger’s Arsenal are finally coming of age.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
