Arsenal: Someone get Calum Chambers to the Premier League

Arsenal’s defensive solidity stole the day against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, and it was all constructed by Calum Chambers. Get him to the Prem!

Arsenal may not have wowed the socks off of anyone in their performance against West Ham in the Carabao Cup. A 1-0 win off a scrappy goal by Danny Welbeck is hardly the byline for a “dominating” performance.

But defensively, it was complete domination. The Hammers did not put a single shot on target and didn’t even get off a shot from open play. The only shot they managed was a poorly taken free kick by Cresswell.

When asking yourself how the second-string defense could possibly do this, look no further than one man – Calum Chambers.

While it was a comprehensive defensive effort, it was Chambers who was seen conducting traffic, coordinating with his team mates, vocally keeping shape and never – literally, never – leaving a hint of doubt when asked “is he in control?”

He and Francis Coquelin were the only two starters who never once lost possession. He was a monster in the air and unfazed by physical confrontations.

As he stood over the downed form of a writhing Chicharito, who had incorrectly decided his best option on an aerial duel was to throw himself at Calum Chambers, I realized that the Englishman needs to be in the Premier League. Whatever frailties plagued his youth have been shaken off. What ever timidity once speckled his game are no longer.

He is a big, mean, strong defender who is every bit as capable as the next Premier League defender.

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Not just was he strong though, both he and Rob Holding were mean. They were menacing. Chicharito torn in two, as neither Holding nor Chambers could decide who should keep the Mexican in their pocket.

Maybe that is what our Premier League defense is lacking – a bit of meanness. Nacho Monreal is the nicest guy in the world and Laurent Koscielny is rarely ever angry. But our two young Englishmen are clearly set on creating a dynamic duo that isn’t just menacing physically, but mentally.

If Ainsley Maitland-Niles can unjustly unseat Sead Kolasinac, then why can’t Calum Chambers be given the nod to the Prem as well? Holding seemed to have the upper hand on his countryman, but it’s hard to knock Chambers when he has not had a single poor performance, let alone a poor moment, since returning from his outstanding loan with Middlesbrough.

Next: Arsenal vs West Ham Player Ratings

It’s no secret Koscielny has struggled. It’s no secret that Monreal still has a fullbacks instincts. Given how this season has gone, I don’t feel at all unsure about recommending Chambers for the next promotion.

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