Arsenal made a number of excellent additions to their squad this summer, but they made on massive, colossal, unforgivable mistake. They sold Thomas Vermaelen and they failed to bring in any defensive cover.
Admittedly, they did sign Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers relatively early on in the transfer window, but this clearly wasn’t enough. When the transfer window slammed shut, The Gunners were left with just six first team defenders.
Individually, they’re all good footballers. Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy, Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs would all play a big role within most Premier League sides. But collectively, there’s just not enough depth to survive a full season where Arsenal are competing on multiple fronts.
To think this is even part-way possible is just foolishness. Arsene Wenger should have protected the club against defensive frailty. Instead, he’s left the club in a position where their entire season could be on the line.
Various sources are reporting that Mathieu Debuchy brojke ligaments in his left-ankle which could see him sidelined for two months. This means that Calum Chambers, a relatively inexperienced 19-year-old, will be The Gunners first choice right-back until November.
But given that Chambers is Arsenal’s only cover at centre-back, the club is now in a precarious position. What happens if Laurent Koscielny or Per Mertesacker picks up a serious injury? Then The Gunners really would be stretched.
What’s especially frustrating is how unbalanced Arsenal’s squad is. Arsene Wenger is spoiled for choice when it comes to attacking footballers. Players like Lukas Podolski, Tomas Rosicky and Joel Campbell have barely featured thus far this season and these are footballers with great reputations.
If only Arsenal were in a similar situation at the back. Perhaps then they’d be able to put together a serious title challenge. As things currently stand however, I’m not sure there’s much reason for confidence.
What’s your take? Did Arsene Wenger fail to sign enough defensive cover this summer? Now that the transfer window is closed, what can The Professor do to rectify the situation?
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Already in crisis. Wenger is not a good planner and thats why he is always over run by his epl rivals and Europen elite clubs. Arsenal fans are always sad , but shareholders always smile on their way to the bank