Arsenal Vs Norwich: 5 Positives Takeaways From The Disappointment

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3. Gabriel Paulista Should Be Starting

I have been preaching this for awhile now. At the same time, though, I understand Per Mertesacker’s inclusion. He is a leader on the pitch. He sits back and absorbs pressure. But despite his size, Mertesacker is not a physical defender. He is not an aerial threat and dare I bring up his pace?

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Throughout an entire game of aerial duels, Mertesacker only managed to win one. He gets bullied in the air. Meanwhile, Gabriel Paulista is another story. In the absence of Francis Coquelin, Arsenal need that intensity of Gabriel. No questions asked. Gabriel came on and he became the centerpiece of the defense, leading the team (by a longshot) with six interceptions and a massive 11 clearances. Compare that to Mertesacker’s one interception and two clearances (stats via WhoScored.com).

Gabriel Paulista needs to be Laurent Koscielny’s partner. Their combined athleticism gives Arsenal so much more teeth in set pieces and so much more confidence in defending set pieces.

Next up, we go further up the formation.

Next: Number 2