Arsenal: Defensive midfielder should still be a top priority

After a decent performance against Crystal Palace, Arsenal are looking sound in the final third. However, it is a team with no proper spine.

Arsenal have needed a defensive midfielder for a while. It is a horse that has been beaten to death for over 10 years and counting.

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One thing we did learn against Crystal Palace is that Granit Xhaka is not one of these. The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has looked better in a box-to-box role, and has contributed his strength to a much criticised Arsenal team in a solid performance in a freer, more advanced position.

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It is probably the lack of physical ability that prompted Wenger to play Xhaka in a defensive midfielder role. His limited range of movement, his struggles in tight, sharp spaces, as well as his lack of agility to deal with fizzed passes and subtle touches in and around the penalty area are clear examples. However, this time, Wenger seems to have got it right by playing Mohamed Elneny behind the midfield two of Xhaka and Jack Wilshere in a 4-3-3.

With the Henrikh Mkhitaryan deal basically done, and talks of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang negotiations, it seems that Arsenal has not targeted their most vulnerable position. With the recent departure of Francis Coquelin, is Elneny good enough to play at a Premier League level consistently?

It would be smart to call a spade a spade. Palace were extremely poor and posed little attacking threat. But what about the top six? Is Elneny capable of marking the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, and Dele Alli?

Would it be better to play Wilshere in that position? Aaron Ramsey’s imminent return means that our attacking ability wouldn’t be compromised. Wilshere also has a better passing range and is able to take the ball and dribble past a man. But, again, he plays best as a box-to-box midfielder, not a defensive one. He lacks the necessary sense of danger and is greatest assets — his dribbling skill, his creativity, his passing, his short, sharp touches and layoffs — would be restricted somewhat.

Arsene Wenger’s football philosophy has been in the club for over 20 years, promoting a tiki-taka style that flourishes with the technically gifted players such as Ozil. However, without a stable defense or spine, this is a team with no bite. Just imagine what they would look like with N’Golo Kante in it.

Next: Arsenal Vs Palace: 5 things we learned

It is no secret that a good defense, which stems from a stable and secure midfield, wins games. And that’s just what the Gunners need.