3 – Our Defence IS Versatile
Last night we had three out of three of three of our right backs out on the pitch. Now whether you look at that as a growing concern, the overall meaning is we have players that can play comfortably at the back in a moments notice.
Youngster, Hector Bellerin slotted in to the left-back role for the first time in his Arsenal career, and dealt with the situation well despite him being right footed.
There was a welcome return for long-term absentee Matthieu Debuchy, who lasted 70 minutes before being replaced by 17 year-old Stefan O’Connor, another promising defender coming through the ranks. It was another comfortable performance for Callum Chambers, who carries one of the best defensive records in the Champions League so far this season.
What we learnt here is that Wenger has options, and although last night was pretty much a training game for the Gunners, it gave the players a chance to jump into their new roles. The Champions League experience in itself was enough in itself for a bench that boasted an average age of 18 years old.
Say what you like, but for a team to concede 1 goal (a free-kick) to a Champions League side whilst players are returning from injury and 17 year olds are out on the pitch, well surely that’s got to be a good sign right?