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Defensive Midfield Neglect is Worrying for Arsenal
Well, that was depressing. Watching Arsenal struggle to contain a rather average Dinamo Zagreb attacking force was, well, not that surprising. However sad it may have been to see Arsenal get caught on the counter countless times, as soon as the team sheet was announced, it was coming. Why? Because of Arsene Wenger’s neglect of defensive midfield.
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I’m sure everyone has been made aware that Arsenal are the only team in the top 5 European leagues not to sign an outfield player. Most fans and experts, pundits and ex-Arsenal players alike, have heavily criticized Arsene Wenger and his insistence to not buy another striker.
While the refusal to bring in a further striker is perhaps frustrating to many, I have previously stated that Arsenal do not need another striker, and still stand by this assessment. This, however, does not negate the frustrating inaction of Wenger in the transfer market. Where pundits and ex-players like Paul Merson are wrong is who Arsenal should have signed, not whether they should or should not have added to their squad.
Arsenal, for once in a long time, have a squad to challenge on multiple fronts. The Champions League is beyond the talent of this team, but the 3 domestic competitions are certainly within range. The Premier League is most certainly the target of this team and a squad of players is necessary for such an aim. Unfortunately, the loss against Dinamo Zagreb proved that Arsenal are still lacking in one key area: defensive midfield.
Mikel Arteta was the starter in place of Francis Coquelin on Wednesday night, and as I have mentioned briefly, I hate Mikel Arteta on the pitch. Some sympathy should be given towards the ex-Evertonian as he has been played out of position for the whole of his Arsenal career, but his performances have never been accomplished in his new role.
At Everton, Arteta was an attacking playmaker, pushed into a more advanced midfield role. His awareness and creativity were particularly pleasing to watch. He was able to control games, much like Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla, and was wanted by many Premier League clubs when Wenger swooped in for his services.
“There’s no coincidence that Arsenal, a team who have been blown away on the counter attack time and time again over the last few years, look solid for 6 months without Arteta, and then on his return, retreat to old ways.”
However, Arteta was unfortunately bought for a role that he was never going to be able to perform well in. Arteta cannot tackle, whatsoever. He’s too slow to cover ground and is physically overpowered by even the smallest of opposing players.
Arsenal have lots of small, technically creative midfield players. Wenger is so obsessed with such players that he attempted to convert Arteta into a stout defensive midfield player. There’s no coincidence that Arsenal, a team who have been blown away on the counter attack time and time again over the last few years, look solid for 6 months without Arteta, and then on his return, retreat to old ways.
This is where Wenger’s negligence in the transfer market is so worrying. Arsenal have an extremely one-dimensional midfield. Unfortunately, they always have since the loss of Patrick Viera and Gilberto Silva.
Redeemed Francis Coquelin is the current savior for Wenger. He offers physicality that no one else can match in this squad. His combative nature is a perfect compliment for Arsenal’s midfield maestros. Wenger, unfortunately, refused to bring in competition for Coquelin, and his current replacement, the previously mentioned incumbent and quite frankly dreadful Mikel Arteta, does not instill confidence. Coquelin is key to this team, and if he gets injured, Arsenal will be in a lot of trouble. Cross everything you’ve got that the injury bug doesn’t strike yet again.
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Yes, Wenger’s transfer inactivity is frustrating, but not in the position where the national media is focusing on. While many argue that the strikeforce needs significant improvement, it is the midfield where Wenger’s stubbornness and ignorance will cause suffering. Here’s hoping that Coquelin can stay fit. If he is unavailable for any period of time, then the sight of Mikel Arteta warming up scares me. A lot. Like many previous years, Arsenal’s one dimensional midfield could cost them again.
So, what do you think Arsenal fans? Are you as critical on Mikel Arteta as I am? Has the transfer inactivity of Wenger frustrated you, and if so, what positions in the team do you think will suffer this season? Are you worried about the strikeforce, or like me, do you trust the current forwards in the squad? Let me know in the comments below, and I hope that a win at Stamford Bridge will cheer us all up.
Next: Pairing Arteta and Cazorla set Arsenal back a decade