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Arsenal FC have had one of their best starts to a season in years mainly due to the likes of Ozil, Flamini (who both arrived this summer after their opening day lose at the Emirates to Aston Villa, spearheaded by Arsenals own summer target Benteke) and Aaron Ramsey. Since then, they have gone on to have a unbeaten run spoilt by last years champions league finalist Dortmund in last weeks midweek Uefa Champions League group match.
The midweek game put the spotlight on Arsenal, leaving Gonners and rival supports with the simple question of their depth in the squad and if they could hold on to their spot for the whole season and finally end their 9 year trophyless run?
The most highlighted flaw within the squad was in the place of their defensive midfield role. Since coming in for his second spell at AFC Flamini has filled that role in perfectly for the gunners, being outspoken and taking control of the game. He has been able to slow down any form of attack to arsenal’s defense, and also allow the likes of Ozil, Ramsey, Wilshere and Giroud to play higher up forward but without him they seem to be frail at best. A clear example of this, is that within the 2 games he hasn’t played for the gunners they have lost both and furthermore last weekends game against Crystal Palace (who are at the bottom of the table after having played AFC) left you thinking that Palace were able to steal a point if not win the game from the log leaders.
Their only possible first team replacement currently is Arteta (who earned himself a red card after having scored the opening goal through a penalty) who has shown within the previous years that he can not maintain or obtain the certain amount of structure created by Flamini.
Arsenal are in clear need of a defensive midfielder who can assist and back up the likes of Flamini. With the january transfer period 2 months away AFC should be looking to cover this positions with more established players. AFC policy of obtaining young players is all good and well but when it comes to maintaining their level of excellence, they need players who already know their roles not those trying to establish them.
As AFC enter their true test period of the first half of the season which could see them exit the Capital Cup, possibly lose out a place in the Champions League last 16 and their dominance in the EPL. Are the Gunners able to win or at least hold the teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Dortmund and Manchester United down without the likes of Flamini who came off this weekends games with the first 6 minutes with a groin problem?
Uncertain about the period he will be out, i am sure of one thing if he is out for the duration of all these upcoming games, Arsenal are in a period of their true test of grit.
If they pull this off they are undoubtable favourites for the season but if they don’t, does that leave arsenal yet again with another year without a trophy under the guidance of Arsene Wenger? Should they really put so much trust in him?
What are your thoughts on the matter? comment below.
The midweek game put the spotlight on Arsenal, leaving Gonners and rival supports with the simple question of their depth in the squad and if they could hold on to their spot for the whole season and finally end their 9 year trophyless run?
The most highlighted flaw within the squad was in the place of their defensive midfield role. Since coming in for his second spell at AFC Flamini has filled that role in perfectly for the gunners, being outspoken and taking control of the game. He has been able to slow down any form of attack to arsenal’s defense, and also allow the likes of Ozil, Ramsey, Wilshere and Giroud to play higher up forward but without him they seem to be frail at best. A clear example of this, is that within the 2 games he hasn’t played for the gunners they have lost both and furthermore last weekends game against Crystal Palace (who are at the bottom of the table after having played AFC) left you thinking that Palace were able to steal a point if not win the game from the log leaders.
Their only possible first team replacement currently is Arteta (who earned himself a red card after having scored the opening goal through a penalty) who has shown within the previous years that he can not maintain or obtain the certain amount of structure created by Flamini.
Arsenal are in clear need of a defensive midfielder who can assist and back up the likes of Flamini. With the january transfer period 2 months away AFC should be looking to cover this positions with more established players. AFC policy of obtaining young players is all good and well but when it comes to maintaining their level of excellence, they need players who already know their roles not those trying to establish them.
As AFC enter their true test period of the first half of the season which could see them exit the Capital Cup, possibly lose out a place in the Champions League last 16 and their dominance in the EPL. Are the Gunners able to win or at least hold the teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Dortmund and Manchester United down without the likes of Flamini who came off this weekends games with the first 6 minutes with a groin problem?
Uncertain about the period he will be out, i am sure of one thing if he is out for the duration of all these upcoming games, Arsenal are in a period of their true test of grit.
If they pull this off they are undoubtable favourites for the season but if they don’t, does that leave arsenal yet again with another year without a trophy under the guidance of Arsene Wenger? Should they really put so much trust in him?
What are your thoughts on the matter? comment below.
