Arsenal last night stormed into a 4-0 lead away to Newcastle in an astonishing first half for the Gunners, but a second half implosion allowed the Magpies to grab a 4 of their own to end the match with a draw. It was a fantastic game of football and enjoyed by many, but it raises serious concern about the spine of the Arsenal team.Ever since Patrick Vieira left Arsenal in 2005, and Sol Campbell in 2006, the North London club have suffered a lot defensively. During Campbell's last season with the club, they conceded 31 goals in the League, whereas the Arsenal team of 2010 conceded a staggering 41 goals, and that does not include the 6 scored by Barcelona.
Arsenal's defense has come under great scrutiny over the past couple of years, especially last season when they conceded 3 goals against Manchester United and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. Last night's shocking performance must not be repeated if Arsenal want to remain one of Europe's elite clubs, and if Wenger avoids this issue, as he has done since 2006, then there will be more calamitous defending from the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger needs a midfield enforcer. Seydou Keita would be the perfect player, especially since he can come cheaply since he lost his place to Busquets. With Keita doing the dirty work, it allows Fabregas the creative freedom to express himself without having to concentrate on defensive duties.
An experienced defender is also needed to ensure stability in the side. This move has worked for Real Madrid through Carvalho, and it is sure to work for Arsenal.
As for the short term, the Arsenal manager must find a way to solve this defensive crisis before the Champions League double header against a Barcelona side who have won a record breaking 16 Liga games in a row.
Jassim
I have to disagree. Alex Song is doing a great job this season, being one of Arsenal's top performers and one of the league's best defensive midfielders. Seydou Keita is not needed at all at Arsenal. Not to mention that Diaby hasn't played his part yet this season since he is just returning from injury. Denilson is a good back up as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for defence, it's a shame that Vermaelen has been injured since the beginning of the season. He is easily Arsenal's best defender. His leadership at the back and his forward runs are truly missed. In his absence, Koscielny and Djourou have been developing very fast as footballers and are starting to form a solid partnership at the back. Hopefully Djourou's injury today is a minor one, otherwise Arsenal's season would be seriously in danger with him, Nasri and Vermaelen out.
I would be more interested about your reaction to this
ReplyDeletehttp://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/876897/arsene-wenger-lines-up-dragan-stojkovic-as-arsenal-successor?cc=5739
Wenger has put great efforts into his project at Arsenal, and it is starting to pay off. It's only fair for him, the club and the fans that the next Arsenal manager continues what he started. I personally have not been watching the Japanese league, so I can't judge Stojkovic. But if Wenger thinks that he's the man, then In Wenger We Trust.
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