I agree that Koscielny is decent and probably better at the minute that TC but still not top drawer and that is were are problems have been over the last few years. We are good going forward just need that confident commanding defender (0r 3) to steady the the ship.
I wonder when Arsenal fans finally will understand that our defensive problems stem from our style and philosophy, not personal quality of our current defenders. Even Wenger admits that. Our CBs are alright. Koscielny, Mert and even Vermaelen would all be top drawer if they played for Chelsea or any other top team that builds its game on solid defence. Bring any top drawer defender to Arsenal and he will be exposed by our attacking style just like any other. The choice is simple - either go forward OR steady the ship. You need an exceptinal team and organisation to be able to do both. Arsenal are far far from this level. When you see our midfield consisting of three attacking players being so penetratable, guys like Podolski or Ox ballgazing/lazily jogging back instead of back tracking to help the defence and players like Gibbs permanently out of position no CBs can help, whatever drawer they are from.
We have no commanders in the back four. Look at the goal TC set up for RVP against Utd. That was early and had nothing to do with the midfielders. look at the goal Southampton scored through Sagna trying to clear the ball, then our CB's aimlessly trying several attempts to clear only to fail. Sorry too many mistakes (and simple one's like enability to kick a ball 30yrds) by the defence
The problem is not with the quality of our CB's, its to do with how well they can play together. Its no coincidence that we conceded 3 against Newcasatle with TV and Kos paired at CB, they just dont compliment each other. Both are good (even great) players, but both like to attack the ball so attackers just slip the ball past them whereas Mertesaker sits back and lets them attack the ball so is a far better partner for either. I'd love to see the stats on goals scored for every cb pairing we have had this season to try to prove this, anyone know if they are available?
Look, that Southampton goal was the result of a "reckless" pass into a danger area by Podolski (? - correct me if i am wrong). Why did he do it? Because he had no options. Other players were standing still, ballgazing. That was a collective midfield mistake. How come noone was in a position to receive the ball and noone even bothered to move his ass??? What happened after that was a pure panic. Sagna just miskicked the ball. Anyone can do that. It was so uncharacteristic for Sagna. I do not blame him or our CBs for that goal. The mistake was made further up the field. That "panic" situation repeats itself again and again with Arsenal - not because or CBs are hopeless, but because time after time they are exposed and put in an undefendable situation. I remember Wenger saying on camera that there were two Arsenal defenders against one attacker and that in his opinion was too much, too defensive. Well, one on one is most top forward's dream these days. It is a daunting task to be an Arsenal defender. Re lack of commanders - you are probably right, but the question is why does it happen? Mert is an experienced and intelligent player, Vermaelen is our captain. They should perfectly command the back line. I personally think the problem is the keeper. We would greatly benefit from a commanding keeper. Szczensy, as good as he is, is too young to command any authority there. That's why I was so upset that we did not go for Lloris - affordable, experienced, French speaking and quality. Instead he is with Spurs.
Lol the GK is the problem? Hugo "Theatrical" Lloris is not netter than Chesney. He's young? So what. How old was Cassilas when he became Madrid's first choice. Chez's only mistake this season was in the 6-1 vs Southampton and even then it was only because he was carrying an injury
Good. I know Barca said they wouldn't sell him but We all know they are just holding out for a good bid.
This Season is not unique. Last Season we conceded 49 league goals, Season before we conceded 44. Pretty ****ing terrible for any BIG team. Also with Djourou at Hannover and Squillaci set to be sold we do in fact need another Centreback.
I saw a Tweet earlier by the official club photographer and he said there was a story in tomorrows Sunday Mirror which is 100& wrong
Apparently the Hannover manager has said they wanted a permanent deal for Djourou but Arsenal refused
I'm glad we refused a permanent deal. I still think Djourou is a decent CB and could have a future at Arsenal. He's a terrible RB, but he's been unfairly tarred with being a bad player because of his performances at RB, when in fact he's a decent CB.
