Arsene Wenger has never been a man to advocate panic buying and despite his claims that the summer’s transfer dealings at Arsenal weren’t born out of panic signing four players in the last few days of the window, two of them without medicals, suggests otherwise. So, what difference have those signings made? With the exception of Mikel Arteta, who has played a vital role in Arsenal’s recovery deputising for the injuredJack Wilshere, and Gervinho (seven assists, two goals) how much of an impact have the new signings really made so far?
Per Mertesacker
With a name that roughly translates as ‘meat sack’ you could be forgiven for viewing the giant German as some kind large inanimate object whose primary purpose was to obstruct attackers using only his physical presence. However on the whole he hasn’t even done that with much conviction. At fault for two goals against Chelsea and again at the weekend in Norwich the hugely experienced international’s performances have left many preferring to see Koscielny paired with Vermaelen at the back, and rightly so. However the acquisition of the former Werder Bremen man will seem better value as he adapts to life in the Premier League. Koscielny’s first season at the club suggested that he wasn’t cut out for life in England but his performances this season have much better and at times brilliant.
Andre Santos
Another defender that needs time to adapt; the Brazilian might not be the player that Arsenal fans want him to be (he can’t defend) but he is at least covering for the perpetually injured Gibbs. His attacking presence has been worthy of a place in the team so far and whilst he might lack certain necessary qualities the Brazilian was bought to add depth to the squad. Unless something changes radically about Santos’ play I think we can expect to see Gibbs back in the team when he has recovered.
Yossi Benayoun
Largely anonymous, potentially past it; the Israeli captain has barely been used by Wenger so far. But then again: no money was paid for him. Benayoun is a panic buy if ever I’ve seen one. However that doesn’t make him useless. Far from it. Yossi’s versatility means that he can be, and has been, used on the wing or in the centre and his work ethic and defensive ability should provide an example for some of the lazier wingers at the club. He potentially has a part to play for Arsenal this year but he will not get a run in the team unless they are ravaged by injuries. Perhaps Wenger had Gervinho’s absence due to the African Nations in mind when he signed Benayoun.