Strangely enough, the most impressive aspect of Arsenal’s season thus far hasn’t been their attack. It’s been their defence. In particular it has been the way that the team has defended as a unit.
They’ve conceded only a single goal in the Premier League thus far and have soaked up pressure from the likes of Sunderland, Southampton and Liverpool with ease. Both Thomas Vermaelen and Per Mertesacker have been absolutely imperious, but major credit must also go out to Mikel Arteta who has thrived in the anchor role he’s been thrown into. Of course, when it comes to Arsenal’s defence, it’s now obligatory to include a reference to Steve Bould.
And it’s fair to say that his influence has been felt. Arsenal are clearly going to be a tougher cookie to crack this season.
That’s without the input, thus far this season, of last year’s best defensive performer, Laurent Koscielny. The Frenchman took major strides over the course of 2011/12 and soon established himself as a regular fixture in Arsenal’s defense. This year saw Mertesacker replace him in the side as he recovered from an injury. The big German has been so solid, that there’s just no point of changing the back four. It may be some time before Koscielny works back into this side.
So it’s a little bemusing to see the Gunners still get linked to defenders. It’s like these media outlets have been placed on autopilot since the transfer window closed. These rumours seem to be coming faster and thicker than before and with even less substantiation. (Source: IB Times).
The man in question is Montpellier’s captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who has just one year left on his contract. So yes, he’d be available for a relatively fair price, but I’m not sure that makes him a good purchase.
Will a player who’s currently captain at his club want to join a club where he’d be third or fourth choice? Wouldn’t this signing go against everything Wenger has said before about Johan Djourou? The Frenchman has put his faith in the Swiss defender and believes he can slot in where necessary. So why would he sign Mapou?
The Gunners signed Olivier Giroud from Montpellier this summer and it (thus far) hasn’t been a particularly effective purchase. I think it’s probably best that Wenger avoids this one.
What’s your take? Would Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa be a good addition at Arsenal?
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Depends on when,if in january,well the fulbks still nd strengthing,but if in the summer,I will go for nothin less than ‘PHIL JAGIELKA’.
Depends on when,if in january,well the fulbks still nd strengthing,but if in the summer,I will go for nothin less than ‘PHIL JAGIELKA’.For the 1st time in a long tym,arsenal has good 1st choice CBs & a good bkup
So far so good. Maybe the gunners do not need any defensive reinforcement after all.I believe the hdl has been responsible for the failings of the tam the last 7 years.
Adams summed it perfectly that the gunners don’t have a good defence necessary to win amy trophy.Wenger has put the emphasis on atack leaving the defence to its devices.The fm wont change his attacking style but if he wants to win any trophy,he will have to modify his attack and put some steel back to the defence.
That is why a hdl was a heaven sent for Drogba,Rooney and other strikers.Hopefully,Wenger will finally win a trophy.
jagielka has missed his chance to sign and is getting on.
mapou could come in only if squillaci and djourou are sold. alternativley we could sqout the globe for one of the best u21cb around as we dont need anyone yet