A LOOK AT THE BEAUTY, THAT IS, ARSENAL- 2010-2011

We’re a few days into the break and hell, it’s a long one. But, as we wait for the Gunners to take to the field on the 11th of this month, we now have time to sit back and take a good long look at our chance of securing silverware this season.

For me, the problem with Arsenal’s chances is that it relies much too much on ifs and buts. The number of times injuries have caused us to relinquish trophyware has made sure that it has now become a big factor in our chances. Moreover, there appears to be a general problem with form. Now, I can completely understand bad form. It happens to every player and more often than not, when a player gets out of it, he’s a whole lot better than before. But, the problem with the Gunners seems to be that one or two key players are off their game the entire teams turns into eleven headless chickens running their hearts out around the field. The question has popped up way too many times in my head: Are we too dependant on a few players? Thank heavens it didn’t happen against Blackburn when Cesc was off colour otherwise the impact of losing or even drawing that game would have had on the players will be almost impossible to dispel. But, for me, there still remain doubts on overall team chemistry when one or two of those key players are off their game.

Another question comes to mind when I think of Arsenal and trophies: Are we chokers? Every one of those thirty-eight games played in the season are worth three points but there is no denying that some games are more important than others. Last season, when Diaby headed in that horrendous own goal against Man Utd. I couldn’t help but wonder if these guys didn’t have the nerve to hold out against big opponents. They have got the skill there’s no doubt about that, but winning a football game is a lot about nerve. The excuse of them being young was tired two seasons ago. I know for a fact that I was bandying that excuse around just to console myself. And I also know that quite a few of my fellow Gooners were doing exactly the same and for exactly the same reason.

There isn’t a question of them not knowing what they’re part of. I wouldn’t expect anyone, whether 10 or 30 years old, to be indifferent to the gargantuan achievement of winning the Premier League. But, it does however remain to be seen whether they have the intelligence to pull the ropes at this level. Their talent is something that I would never question but their intelligence and their ability to judge situations is what, I fear, they have a problem with. Sticking to the game plan may win you the game, but adapting the game plan to the game will win you the whole darn league. That’s what we’re all in for, innit?

On the attack-and I think this is unanimous-we are right up there. If and when Robin van Persie takes to the field at a 100% it’s almost a certain that we’ll dominate possession in the final third and score a few goals whilst doing that. Chamakh’s recruitment definitely offers some choice. In the little I have seen of him thus far, he seems to be the sort of striker Adebayor was at Arsenal: excellent with his back to goal, comfortable (in fact, eager) when playing on the wings and an ability to hold up play quite efficiently and get the midfield involved. Moreover, his aerial ability has given the Arsenal attack a somewhat new dimension. Suddenly, we are a lot more potent from corners and free kicks with Chamakh along with Diaby and van Persie lurking in the box. Theo Walcott has hit the ground running this season and the injection of pace he brings to the attack has proved useful, as alwas, when the Gunners have been on the receiving end of some pressure. Whether he’s on form or not, he’s always been a nightmare for left-backs and with Chamakh’s and RvP’s height inside the box wing play might prove to be mighty useful this season. Add to these three, Arshavin (who is undoubtedly influential even when not a 100%), Eboue and Bendtner who ended last on a much-needed high and Arsenal’s attack should be a worry for the opponents.

In the midfield, I fear Arsene might have made an error on judgement on the question of holding midfielders. Nasri, Fabregas and Diaby have been great last season and the creativity and overall coordination they bring to the attack has proved detrimental to defences last season. Nasri in particular showed a marked improvement and displayed his versatility last season when he had to take up the central position in Cesc’s absence. It may have been his original position at Marseille but to take on the role of playmaker (who invariably gets knocked around the most) after such a long time showed that Nasri will be key to mixing it up during games and delivering that killer pass. Diaby, as I’ve said before, has shown us last season what a comeback truly means. Three good performances up until now this season and his physicality in midfield have made the Frenchman an integral part of this Arsenal midfield. His ball control has enabled him to switch positions and make more than a few good runs down the wings. But one player who by far has been quite eye-catching has been Jack Wilshere. He’s been playing in a region he hasn’t really seen much of, deep in midfield, and so far he hasn’t been too bad. I’m not quite sure what Wenger is upto by playing him there but he’s gone on record saying it’s a good place for the Englishman to start, where it’s the roughest.

But, of matters in the defensive end of the midfield, I fear an error in judgement by Wenger that might cost us dear. The transfer window has come and gone, and Alex Song remains our only holding midfielder. Should Song be unavailable at any time this season the manager will have to face the issue of filling the shoes of a player who has definitely proven key to our game. I know Denilson will be lurking on the sidelines but there is no denying that Arsenal are considerably weakened in that region should the Brazilian ever get a chance to play there. Should Wenger have gone out and bought a defensive midfielder? I’m afraid I can’t say yes to that. The issue being that if Wenger were to bring anyone in at this point in time I’d rather it be a player meant for the first rather than a squad player. Frimpong seemed to be doing well until his unfortunate injury ruled him out for the next nine months or so. Right now, I like to think Wenger is trying to adapt Wilshere into that role. His attacking prowess is beyond doubt but at the end of the day versatility counts for a lot more in the modern game and Jack is more likely than not going to gain from the exposure.

Arsenal’s defence was as porous as Bush’s foreign policy during his reign of terror. The back four along with Almunia or Flapianski (depends on who’s playing) conceded forty-one goals last season. With that kind of stat I must say I’m rather pleased we finished third. Clearly it was our attack that saved our arses last season but is that enough? The fact remains that for Arsenal to defend, everyone needs to defend. We need a packed box and a back line that sits tight and closes any possible avenues of penetration. We’ve been caught on the counter attack a million times and that leaves strikers with the effortless task of getting the ball past the goalkeeper into the net. What makes that even more pissing off is that, that’s our thing. We’re the ones who catch people on the counter and we’re the ones who tap in one-on-one goals after some brilliant approach play. The very thought of the fact that our defence made Blackburn’s goal last week look like brilliant play makes my stomach churn. Our defensive organization seems to me the problem and as I’ve said before that high back line bugs the hell out of me.

The Kosc hasn’t been too bad for the three games he’s played this season. Some of the blame for the Diouf II goal may be levelled at him but something about Clichy’s dreamy defending doesn’t make me feel even the slightest remorse at blaming him for that goal. He’s awake but he isn’t. I just don’t get that. I love him on the attack and his crossing could prove lethal what with Chamakh now in the box but when on the defence I just can’t fathom what he’s doing. Anyways, I hope he gets better because as dangerous as we are on wings during attack we are equally vulnerable when defending. Kosc isn’t the biggest man and his aerial abilities are yet to be tested and though Vermaelen has proven on many occasions he’s up to the aerial challenge but there’s nothing in him to suggest that he’ll be able to match up with a real big man up front in terms of aerial challenges.

To keep a tight defence it’s key that our flanks tighten up. Sagna has proved, on more than a few occasions, that he is probably the best right back in the Premier League and by a good distance too. He’s been quick and has provided ample penetration on the right side of attack for Walcott to work his magic. But maybe that’s the problem with our defence. They’ve all become an integral part of the offence and one can’t help but feel that the defence has been ignored. For me, what Arsenal need right now is for everyone to attack and then everyone to defend. With our pace there is no question of missing out on the opportunity of a counter attack so there shouldn’t really be a problem throwing people back when we’re on the receiving end.

The question of Arsenal winning silverware this season ultimately depends on the question itself. Can they? More than anyone else. Will they? I like to think they will. A lot of Gooners out there, myself included, love watching Arsenal because it is Arsenal. But, the style of play adopted by Wenger has come under a lot of cynicism and that elusive trophy we seek for these young men, is sought only as a testament to a great man’s philosophy and a great team’s character.

Come on ye’ Gunners!