Friday, March 29, 2024

Arsenal’s Weaknesses Haunt Wenger Once Again

Whenever there is a weakness the logical solution would be to resolve it so to make sure that weakness becomes an strength rather than a flaw.

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However, when it comes to Arsenal it seems their long term flaws defensively has never been resolved, which unsurprisingly haunted the Gunners on Saturday in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. The two goals scored by United were symptomatic of Arsenal’s defensive woes in recent years.

The first goal was the result of a decent cross being put in by Ashley Young. Instead of being dealt with Kieran Gibbs clattered into Wojciech Szczesny, which looked suspiciously as a result of Marouane Fellaini’s subtle push on Gibbs towards Szczesny) the loose ball was driven in by Antonio Valencia where Gibbs made the unfortunate decision to clear the ball leading to direct the ball to the back of the net.

It was a sucker punch for Arsenal, as the Gunners had played well up until that point. In the first half they were all over their opponents with an effective pressing game helping to retain possession on several occasions in United’s own half. It produced several chances, which were not put away primarily as the result of an excellent display of goalkeeping by David De Gea, but mainly the wastefulness of Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere. To make things worse Szczesny was forced off the pitch as a result of his collision with Gibbs.

The second goal was the result of Arsenal being caught out (not for the first time this season) when chasing the game. Losing possession while chasing an equalizer the Gunners were opened up within two passes, as Rooney was through on goal before clipping the ball past Damian Martinez.

It was a carbon copy of Arsenal’s problems this season where they have left themselves open at the back when chasing the game. Playing Nacho Monreal, who is a left back, in the centre of defence is ludicrous because it didn’t need to happen. Hector Bellerin could come in at right back allowing Calum Chambers to switch to centre back. If it was a case where there were no players available at centre back then you can see why Monreal had to play there but it shows a massive flaw in Wenger’s defensive thinking. It makes it worse when he has Steve Bould, a rock in the centre of Arsenal’s back four during his playing days, as his assistant.

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Not buying a defender to replace Thomas Vermaelen in the summer did not help especially with these injuries in defence. The top teams always have depth available in positions of importance so to adequately cover a position when an injury occurs. Muddling through with a makeshift defence is a short-term option and sooner or later Arsenal would pay the price.

The warning signs were there in both games against Anderlecht in the Champions League especially the game at the Emirates where Arsenal surrendered a three-goal lead. Even last season Arsenal was ridiculously open on the road to the big teams losing 6-3 to Manchester City, 5-1 away to Liverpool and 6-0 to Chelsea.

In those games highlighted Arsenal fell behind mainly because they were open. When looking for an equalizer you do not leave all your defenders in your opponent’s half, as it invites a counter attack, but heinously results in negating your offside trap. The exact same thing happened against Manchester United when Angel Di Maria was put on goal after Arsenal’s defenders were isolated in their opponent’s half. Mercilessly Di Maria missed but it reinforces Arsenal’s defensive debacle.

Many hope Arsenal can reach the Champions League but it will be tough doing so if the Gunners continue this form. If they do not reach the top 4 come May it could be the kick up the backside this club needs, which will allow to reform, reorganise and address the concerns Arsenal have.

Offensively the Gunners are a joy to watch but a team is built on a solid back four. It was precisely last season why Arsenal challenged for the title up until February/March because of that solidity in defence. The injuries to Laurent Koscienly and Mathieu Debuchy are blows but by not bringing in reserves in the summer it has led to Arsenal being found out.

Whether it will cost Arsenal a Champions League remains to be seen.

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