Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

The many critics of Arsene Wenger – and we have to admit to periodic barracking ourselves – should not forget that Arsenal have had rotten luck with injuries again this season.

Much to the anger of many a fan, Wenger hasn’t brought in a top quality anchor man. But if the excellent About Diaby could get over his injury nightmare they may not need one.

Beyond Diaby, Wenger lost new signing Debuchy soon after the season began. And, to compound that, stars such as Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta, Giroud and now Ozil have all had to content themselves with spells on the sidelines. Some would opine that Arsene could improve his squad’s bill of health with different training methods – but that’s an argument for a different day and a less interesting publication.

It would be great to think that, come the new year, Arsenal would have a full squad to pick from. If they did, they would be some team, even without the signing of a midfield general.

Calum Chambers has been superb so far but, with everyone fit, he would have to bide his time this season. We have never been the biggest fans of the sometimes statuesque Mertesacker but there is no denying the chemistry between he and Koscielny. On the flanks, the dynamism and distribution of Debuchy and Gibbs makes them obvious starters.

Ahead of the back 5 things get really interesting. Arsenal usually play a 4-2-3-1 and we think that template works well with what they have. We’ve always been huge fans of Abou Diaby and really feel for the lad. He could have had a magnificent career and hopefully still will.

We have Wilshere alongside him because we do believe he can do a great job in a deeper position – spraying the ball about and setting up attacks – and still get forward to great effect. He’s another player who we have always particularly liked. Criticism of him goes straight over our heads because he’s the sort of footballer who is worth the entrance fee alone. It’s just a shame that the English public has such a penchant for criticism of its young stars.

Moving on to Arsenal’s forte – the attacking midfield. On top form you have to find a place for Ozil. But great players need more than just technique. Whereas someone like Wayne Rooney might sell his own Grandma to get on the field of play, Ozil too often looks like a bullied kid in the playground instead of a man who has the dream job.

So Ramsey plays behind the striker, but needs to be scoring most weeks to stay ahead of the brilliant Cazorla in the pecking order, with Sanchez and Walcott just shading Oxlade-Chamberlain for a starts on the wings. It’s also a crime to leave the young Englishman out – we love him – but this eleven would be competing for every trophy so there would be plenty of game time for everyone.

We also considered Walcott up top to allow The Ox a start. But, despite us not being overwhelmed by either Welbeck or Giroud, you need a specialist finisher with physical presence to properly optimise the incredible creativity from this midfield. So Giroud gets our vote. But imagine if Wenger had bought Costa or Falcao in the summer. I’m salivating at the thought.

Regardless, it’s still a marvellous eleven. Arsenal fans: let’s have your thoughts.