The Gunners are on a roll after a stellar 6-1 win over the Saints. 18 Yard Box looks at how wisely Arsenal have spent this season.
The transfer market which started in an unusual way for the Gunners ended at a note of misery. Having secured the services of Lukas Podolski even before the transfer market was open, Arsenal looked like a team on a mission. But the departures of their two best players of last season made it clear that Arsenal were upto their usual self and slowly becoming a selling club.
However there were positives to be taken out of the transfer market. 18 Yard Box looks at how Arsenal have changed themselves from last season after their transfer dealings.
What they lacked last season
Depth is what comes to mind when we talk about last season. Arsenal, with perennial injuries to Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby last season, lacked depth in midfield. Arshavin was no good and the only consolation the Gunners had was Mikel Arteta. Although Alex Song helped tremendously but Arsenal were walking on a thin line when it came to back up. Benayoun signed on loan was the only notable back up available with Coquelin and Frimmpong not experienced enough. Arshavin was terrible and the only player to fill the CAM role for Arsenal was Tomas Rosicky. And luckily for the Gunners he did pretty well.
Another department where Arsenal lacked depth was the defence. With injuries to Mertesacker, Gibbs, Santos and Sagna, Arsenal were heavily reliant on Koscielny and Vermaelen at the back. Vermaelen had to shift to the left back position and the unreliable Djouru had to be called. The right back area was well looked after by Jenkinson until he got injured and the young Nico Yennaris had to be called to fill in that role. Arsenal played with a make shift defence for most of the last season and it greatly reflected on the number of goals conceded by Arsene Wenger's men.
A deep concern for the Gunners was the striking department. With the injury plagued Robin Van Persie only to rely on Gunners would have been in a terrible position had he not been in the side. An almost solo effort, considering Chamakh was a bit part player, to drag Arsenal through left Gunners wanting for a striker.
Ins and Outs
Arsenal's defence looks rock solid with all of the defenders fit barring Sagna. Conceding only one goal in four games shows us the glimpse of what we can expect from the defence. The return of Abou Diaby, the 'complete midfielder', has added cover to the defence. Wilshere is on his way back and the experience of Arteta is at the Gunners' disposal.
What they still lack
The departure of Robin Van Persie has a left a gaping hole up front. Although Giroud and Podolski have been bought, the duo will still take time to adapt. Moreover Giroud's performance in front of goal has been less than impressive. It will take a great amount of effort and time to for the Gunners to replicate a one man herculian effort by none other than their ex-talisman.
The former Malaga man was bought for a bargain price when it comes seeing his quality. Having already made the CAM position is own, he has been the star man for Arsenal till now. Pulling the strings of the midfield, he has linked with the strikers pretty well and has created plenty of goal scoring opportunities. Having scored one and assisted one against a quality side like Liverpool, Cazorla can play on the left, centre and right of the midfield. He can also play the holding midfield role of Arteta and does helps the defence by coming deep at times. He surely is Arsenal's buy of the season.
The transfer market which started in an unusual way for the Gunners ended at a note of misery. Having secured the services of Lukas Podolski even before the transfer market was open, Arsenal looked like a team on a mission. But the departures of their two best players of last season made it clear that Arsenal were upto their usual self and slowly becoming a selling club.
However there were positives to be taken out of the transfer market. 18 Yard Box looks at how Arsenal have changed themselves from last season after their transfer dealings.
What they lacked last season
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| The midfield maestro's absence last season pinched the Gunners |
Depth is what comes to mind when we talk about last season. Arsenal, with perennial injuries to Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby last season, lacked depth in midfield. Arshavin was no good and the only consolation the Gunners had was Mikel Arteta. Although Alex Song helped tremendously but Arsenal were walking on a thin line when it came to back up. Benayoun signed on loan was the only notable back up available with Coquelin and Frimmpong not experienced enough. Arshavin was terrible and the only player to fill the CAM role for Arsenal was Tomas Rosicky. And luckily for the Gunners he did pretty well.
Another department where Arsenal lacked depth was the defence. With injuries to Mertesacker, Gibbs, Santos and Sagna, Arsenal were heavily reliant on Koscielny and Vermaelen at the back. Vermaelen had to shift to the left back position and the unreliable Djouru had to be called. The right back area was well looked after by Jenkinson until he got injured and the young Nico Yennaris had to be called to fill in that role. Arsenal played with a make shift defence for most of the last season and it greatly reflected on the number of goals conceded by Arsene Wenger's men.
A deep concern for the Gunners was the striking department. With the injury plagued Robin Van Persie only to rely on Gunners would have been in a terrible position had he not been in the side. An almost solo effort, considering Chamakh was a bit part player, to drag Arsenal through left Gunners wanting for a striker.
Ins and Outs
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| The trio need to fire for the Gunners |
IN: Santi Cazorla (Malaga FC, £16.5m), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier, £12m), Lukas Podolski (Cologne, £11.9m).
OUT: Robin van Persie (Manchester United, £22m) Carlos Vela (Real Socieded, £6m), Manuel Almunia (Watford, free), Tom Cruise (Torquay, free), Ben Glasgow (Stoke, free), Gavin Hoyte (Dagenham & Redbridge, free), Jeffrey Monakana (Preston, free), Rhys Murphy (Telstar, free), Oguzhan Ozyakup (Besiktas, undisclosed), Pedro Botelho (Atlético Paranaense, free), Sean McDermott (Sandnes Ulf, free), Alban Bunjaku (Sevilla, free), George Brislen-Hall (Norwich, free), James Campbell (Dundee United, free), Benif Afobe (Bolton, loan), Denilson (Sao Paulo, loan), Joel Campbell (Real Betis, loan), Ryo Miyaichi (Wigan, loan).
Released: James Campbell, Sean McDermott.
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| Robin Van Persie will be sorely missed |
Released: James Campbell, Sean McDermott.
What they improved this season
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| The return of Diaby has added steel to the midfield |
Arsenal's defence looks rock solid with all of the defenders fit barring Sagna. Conceding only one goal in four games shows us the glimpse of what we can expect from the defence. The return of Abou Diaby, the 'complete midfielder', has added cover to the defence. Wilshere is on his way back and the experience of Arteta is at the Gunners' disposal.
Alongwith Arshavin and Rosicky, Arsenal have also added the 27 year old Spanish international Santi Cazorla in their ranks to fill up the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Ramsey looks sharp and if all goes well Arsenal could have a midfield to reckon with. Surely depth is not the problem this season.
One added advantage this season is that Arsenal are filled with players who can play in a variety of positions. The likes of Santi Cazorla can be deployed on the wings as well as in the centre. The defence can also be reshaped as and when required with Vermaelen and Koscielny proving themselves in the left back and the right back areas respectively last season. If need be Podolski, Walcott, Gervinho and Chamberlain can all play the centre forward role.
What they still lack
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| Giroud needs to start firing and fast |
The departure of Robin Van Persie has a left a gaping hole up front. Although Giroud and Podolski have been bought, the duo will still take time to adapt. Moreover Giroud's performance in front of goal has been less than impressive. It will take a great amount of effort and time to for the Gunners to replicate a one man herculian effort by none other than their ex-talisman.
Buy of the season- Santi Cazorla
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| MVP for Arsenal so far |
Comment: With all areas almost well looked after and the arrival of Jack Wilshere pending, the Arsenal side look extremely strong this season. Having the ability to field two decent sides this season Arsenal, for the first time since the departure of Thierry Henry, look that they can win the Premier League. But for that they need all the players to chip in goals and make up for the loss of Van Persie. Arsenal have bought well and sold well.
Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, a contributor for Goal.com International (all English editions) and an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box.
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