Arsenal: A defensive issue, not a centre-back one

The reason why Arsenal missed out on the top-four this season? They conceded too many goals. But that does not necessarily mean that they need a new centre-back.

I am going to make a statement that I am not sure that I entirely agree with myself. But it is a thought that I have had regarding the assembly of the Arsenal team — and other teams, for that matter — for a few months now. On the face of it, it sounds stupid, so stick with me. And that, in part, is why I cannot fully commit to it. But given the current make-up of the Arsenal squad, I feel it has some degree of accuracy:

Arsenal need an improved defence, but not necessarily new centre-backs.

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Now, I know what most will say. ‘How can you improve the defence without signing better centre-backs, the most integral position to any defence?’ And this, really, is my major issue with the very statement. It is why I am not quite fully on board. But let me talk you through my logic, and hopefully, we might just get somewhere.

Over the past decade or so, football has developed into a more rounded game. Goalkeepers now have to be good with their feet; defenders must be able to pass; attackers must press high, track back and tackle. The defined roles for defined players do not really exist in the same way that they used to. Every player must be able to do every action, at least to some extent.

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That is because the game has shifted to what is closer to a five-a-side-type pattern: the whole team attacks; the whole team defends. Take the Liverpool team for example.

The two full-backs, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are ‘defenders’, are in the team as much for their attacking ability as they are their defensive ability. Their assist numbers prove it, both notching double figures in the Premier League this season. Similarly, the front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino would not be as influential on matches if they did not work in tandem to press the opposing backline. Firmino, especially, contributes far more than just goals and assists.

Liverpool have one excellent centre-back in Virgil van Dijk, arguably the best in the world. But his partner has been Joel Matip, hardly the most convincing individual. He has played well of late, but not necessarily because he himself is a great player. Rather, the system, the support he receives from an energetic, protective midfield and attack, and the presence of van Dijk alongside him all contribute to make him a better player.

Arsenal do not have a van Dijk-type centre-back, so the comparison does fall short a little, but they do have plenty of centre-halves who are more capable than Matip: Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis, Rob Holding and arguably the soon-to-be-returning Calum Chambers. These are all good defenders.

And yet, this season, the Gunners missed out on the top four because of the number of goals they conceded, 51 in total, the same number as last season, which was the worst in Arsene Wenger’s tenure. They also only had one clean sheet away from home all season, which came in a 1-0 win against Watford, during which the Hornets missed a whole host of chances and were unlucky not to score.

Arsenal most certainly need defensive help, that I am not trying to argue. But simply assuming that having better centre-halves is the solution to the problem, I believe, is a little naive. Where that help comes from is a more pertinent question, one that has many answers.

Now, of course, signing better central defenders will help the defence. And I do not think that Arsenal could win a Premier League title with their current crop of centre-backs. So, at some point, Unai Emery will have to sign a new, commanding, van Dijk-type centre-half. But adding another ‘good’ one won’t move the needle all that much. The Gunners’ defensive issues stem from other areas.

Their lack of balance in attack is a major problem. Without natural wingers, opposing full-backs are often an easy out-ball to evade the high press. The composition of the central midfield is a major concern, with only Lucas Torreira offering some semblance of defensive cover, energy and instincts. The lack of a left-back has forced Emery to play an awkward, 3-5-2 system that oftentimes exposes the back three. Hector Bellerin’s injury with no true right-back-ready replacement has caused the same problems on the other side. These are all more pressing issues for the team than a new centre-half.

A new defender would improve the defence, of that there is no doubt. But I believe that addressing these shortcomings would have a much greater and more immediate effect. Replacing Granit Xhaka with a more mobile, aware midfielder; bringing in a left-back who combines the athleticism of Sead Kolasinac and defensive nous of Nacho Monreal; signing one or even two wingers so that Emery can play a 4-3-3 and that Arsenal can press more effectively, not always circumnavigated by having two centre-forwards; Bellerin staying fit for a full a season and a trusted understudy found. These are the personnel moves that would help the Arsenal defence more than signing a new centre-back.

You may disagree with me, and that is fine. And, to be honest, I almost disagree with myself, to some extent. But centre-half is not the most pressing need; improving the defence is, and the two do not always go hand-in-hand.