Have just been reading an article on the bbc website about panic buys and it had some info on Arteta. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28835892 Since he signed for arsenal he has made 6622 completed passes, only bettered by yaya toure. He's also made 289 tackles which is third in that time behind zabaleta and McCarthy. I think we often underrate Arteta. I still think we need to add another dm option to take the pressure off him and because of his injury issues. But credit where it is due, they are some impressive stats.
He's been identified by many as the weak link in midfield but to get someone in who is both a deep-lying playmaker and a top tackler who can do both at a higher level than him will be a tough ask. He's been excellent for the club over the last few seasons, and it's a shame that he's now passing his peak.
What we really need in the big away games is to be able to play Arteta alongside someone with a bit more physical presence. We don't have such a player though..
There is Diaby but he's always injured so you can't rely on him. If only he could stay fit he'd be perfect for that role.
Why do we need someone who is both a deep-lying playmaker and a top tackler? Just because you think Arteta is that? We need someone to complement Ramsay. And, just to clarify this, regardless of any stat there might be out there... Arteta is not a top tackler.
