Incredibly, Arsenal are yet to concede a goal in their opening three games of the season. A team, well known for their soft centre, known for cracking under pressure and known to commit regular errors, looks to finally be coming together.
Lots of people have pointed to the influence of Steve Bould, but the players deserve credit too. The way Arsene Wenger has set up his team over the years has often left his defenders exposed. It strikes me that this Arsenal team isn’t as open as it was before. It’s packed with players who’ll work hard, close down spaces and protect the back four (I think Mikel Arteta epitomizes this best). This has led to their title odds being slashed, so it’s worth taking a look at handy and updated sportsbook reviews to keep you informed on the Gunners’ latest price.
As a result, Thomas Vermaelen (the Gunner’s new captain and he’s wearing the armband well) and Per Mertesacker have been able to focus entirely on their job. And they’ve looked extremely capable. Against Liverpool, they mopped up all the pressure, won 95% of the balls and were key to Arsenal’s success. It’s a stark change from Arsene Wenger sides of the past.
Naturally, Wenger won’t want to alter a winning formula. It’s likely that Laurent Koscielny, the man who improved so much last season isn’t going to struggle to break back into this side. That’s to say nothing of Swiss international Johan Djourou.
There was some speculation that the 25-year-old centre-back would leave the club during the summer. Wenger himself has spoken to German newspaper Blick about the possibility: “I didn’t let Djourou leave as I love him as a player and he loves the club. Johan is next to Vermaelen, Mertesacker and Koscielny one of four central defenders. All four are international-level players and therefore, the fight for a regular place is intense. He has been training very well in recent weeks. Djourou is ready when I need him.” (Source: Daily Mail)
Yes, the competition is intense. But the truth is, Djourou is Arsenal’s fourth choice centre-back. Unless injuries strike, he won’t get much game time this season. In this case, love may not be enough.
I can’t help but wonder if the time’s right to let Djourou go and grant an opportunity to young Ignasi Miquel. The Spaniard looks to have a big future and the sooner he’s integrated properly into the first team, the better.
Yes Djourou has been a good servant to Arsenal over the years. But he has basically no chance of nailing down a starting role at the club. So shouldn’t the Gunner’s devote the funds and the time to somebody who just might?
What’s your take? Does Johan Djourou have a future at the club?
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