3. Arsenal desperately need a Defensive Midfielder.
Now, this is an aspect which has been identified in almost all of Arsenal’s previous games this season, but was especially evident last night. Mathieu Flamini played as the anchor, just in front of the back four. The 30-year-old Frenchman was relatively poor, losing the ball in dangerous areas, including a bizarre dummy which went straight to an opposition player. He lacked a certain assurance and aggressiveness which is needed to play in that role in front of the back four. Arteta, although decent on the ball, is often criticised for what he does off it, with some pointing out that he lacks the physical aspects to be a success in that role. With Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira, Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho and Paris Saint-Germain’s Yohan Cabaye reportedly available, Arsenal SHOULD strengthen in January. Whether they will remains to be seen…