The January transfer window bought some good news for Arsenal
in the backdrop of Alexis Sanchez’s departure to Manchester united. Gabonese hitman
Pierre-Emerick Aubemayang and former teammate Henrik Mkhitaryan penned deals
with the Gunners and made explosive starts in their 5-1 win against Everton. This
makes for even better news as German playmaker Mesut Ozil signed a four contract extension
in the same week, and now along with Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and Alexandre
Lacazette will form one of the most exciting attacking units seen at Arsenal
for some time.
However, the Gunners’ problems haven’t merely been down to their
lack in attack, but rather inconsistency, poor away form and most of all their
defending. Arsenal have conceded 35 goals this season, the most out of the top
six teams, and have also committed the most defensive errors which have led to
goals (11).
While all indicators may point to the defence being the culprit,
their midfield has been found wanting. Specifically, Granit Xhaka has been a letdown
in defensive midfield, emphasis on DEFENSIVE as that’s the part of his game he
has yet to develop. In the position Xhaka plays akin to a dog chasing cars as
he very often randomly runs all over the pitch chasing the ball rather than
sitting in front of the defence and providing the protection they need.
Just look back their most recent loss against Swansea and their
three-all draw against Liverpool, where in both cases Xhaka lost his man and
both occasions his indiscretions were punished.
This should spell some cause for concern with the strength in the
position being a catalyst of success for previous title winners Leicester and Chelsea,
with N’golo Kanté and now this season with Fernandinho being City’s lynch pin
in their success this season.
What’s most astonishing is that it’s been quite clear where
Arsenal have often been lacking for a number of seasons now, yet still nothing
has been done to put right the situation and the reluctance to sign a world
class defensive midfielder has been as big a factor in their current situation
as their lack in star power compared to the rest of the top six.
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