All of our success under Wenger was built on 4-4-2 (or 4-4-1-1) Wenger did try 4-5-1 for a period which was boring and proved unsuccessful. Last year 4-3-3 seemed like it might suit our style and even Chamakh worked in that system for a few months but clearly it doesn't work for us any more. The problem is the 2 others in the 3 with Van Persie don't offer enough...AOC has been amazing but we can't ask too much of him at this stage, Gervinho has shown flashes of the right quality but can flatter to deceive. We clearly don't have the right personnel in some positions with RVP our only decent forward. But it would seem in most games that Ramsey is playing almost a #10/In the hole role and this is clearly wasted!! As much as Arshavin is frustrating why not try him in the position if he wants to keep him around? Or even give AOC a run there...he and Wenger have indicated he might eventually adapt to a more central position. RVP can't do it all himself and ultimately we need at least 1 decent back up forward but in the meantime why not give the formation a shake up. I know that's incredibly tough for a rigid Manager like Wenger but it can't be much worse than the how we are currently perfoming (1 win 6 games !!!!!)
With two good deep sitting players in Arteta and Song I can not understand why Wenger does not play Arshavin where he is by far the best - in the hole behind the striker. Ramsey is not the kind of a player capable of doing it, he has fluffed so many chances it beggars belief. Arshavin can score from this position, he does not need much space and he is a great opportunist with a good eye for a pass, he has proven for many years that he can be devastating there. With his low gravity center and ability to change direction, quick shooting and thinking he is made for this role. Whenever he played there for Arsenal, he played well. Instead Wenger is killing Arshavin making him run up and down along the left side. There is absolutely no wonder why Arshavin is so frustrated and so low on confidence. He played well there for several months on sheer adrenalin and enthusiasm, but it is not his position, he is unable to replicate it. The guy who is still revered as the best footballer in Russia ( he was voted there The Best Athlete of 2011 - would you believe that???) is a poor shadow of himself now. He used to joke with Russian journos about his new role of "left side midfielder" , now it is not a joke any more. I think he is staying in UK entirely for family reasons - things like kids education, permanent residence etc.
Play Arshavin, or Rosicky, just not Ramsey at the moment!! He's a bright prospect, but he can't shoulder the creative responsibility of the team right now. Rosicky can - he's played incredibly well this season. He should be starting.
