It's been an issue and ongoing concern for several seasons now (espcially last season..our worst in the Premier League era), when players change yet the same problems crop up alot of that blame has to be laid with the Management. Wenger is not a defensive minded coach and it's clear that we lack preparation in defending key situations (set pieces, protecting a lead). I hope Bould can make some improvement on that as the new #2 But what we miss now over other seasons now is the real quality of player to survive Wenger's defensive tactical failings. 1. Previous seasons we had the defensive enforcer of a Veira or Gilberto who constantly provided cover when needed. Song has had some great defensive performances but like most of the squad is inconsistent and charges forward far too often (although that has lead to some great assists!!) I really like Song but I don't think with our system he offers enough...M'Vila could provide the cover we desperately need and make a massive difference to the exposure of the back line....I also hope Frimpong can make a come back at some stage...he's wild but incredibly tenacious 2. Our left backs are no where near good enough...Gibbs is decent (I'll love him forever for that last ditch tackle at West Brom) but he's no where near the level of Cole at his peak or even Clichy (from 4 years ago). Santos is even more unreliable... Wenger will definitely not make any changes to this position and I see this as a real weakness for us next year. 3. Sagna is quality but Jenkinson doesn't seem to be an able deputy at this stage. Maybe harsh for a young guy coming into the team but with Sagna likely to miss several months at the beginning of the season it'll be a massive ask for him to be ready. I don't want to hault Coquelin's development as a Centre Midfielder but I think he's a better option in the short term unless we sign another CB who can play in that position 4. Centre Backs have been the main concern probably because they've made the most high profile mistakes. I'm really happy with the progress Kos has made and he had an excellent season but Vermaelen conversely was unreliable. I hope he can change next season but I honestly think we need to get in someone else. Metersaker is an ok 3rd or 4th choice but for 1st choice we need to go back to someone in the Keown or Cambpell mold...their level of performance was exceptional high...it's easier said than done to find that type of player but see what difference a Kompany, Vidic.
What have we been hearing for years ....... "Arsenal's soft under belly". Its not new, we all know about it and we have been targeted by teams intent on exposing it - with lots of success. If the whole world and his dog knows what our problem is I don't understand what is so difficult for us to be able comprehend the problem as well. Wenger has repeatedly ignored the problem and we do not have a solution at this moment.
Taken as individual players we have a very good defence.Our problem is we don't have a leader marshalling the defence.
We need "a nasty bastard" in defence to lead them, none of this pretty boy nicking of the ball business. Take the ball, player AND the turf and put them into Row X.
we all have our personal opinions on this but i think -----SONG----------ARTETA------ -----------ROSICKY---------------- is one of the most defensively solid midfields we've had in a LONG time. They lack e offensive ability of Fabregas etc.. but all are hardworking and well rounded. But despite this we conceded 49 league goals last season which is BEYOND ****ing awful. This comes down to three things: 1. Size/strength. Koscielney is great with the ball at his feet but is incredibly lightweight for a Centreback. I'm not just talking height here i'm also talking bodyweight and musculature. Vermaelen is more robust but he's still only 6'0. (Again this is just my personnal opinion but I am a strength training coach) I dont think its a coincidence that Crouch, Ba, Drogba, Morrison, Carroll, Wellback all scored against us last season. 2. Balance. Most of the greatest defensive partnerships throughout history contained one more technical defender and one 'ballwinner'. Koscileney and Vermaelen are too simular. 3. Injuries. We always get ALOT of injuries but the fact we had no recognised fullbacks fit for large parts of the season caused us alot of problems. Never having the same back four for more than a few games has also been problematic. I would love to see us sign a top qualityCB like Hummels, would make all the difference.
