Two poor results don’t usually rock a club in such a significant fashion. It’s the nature of Arsenal’s two defeats against Norwich City and Schalke 04 that has fans worried. Not just worried, apoplectic. Things are amiss at the Emirates.
The Gunners started the season fairly well. Sure, they haven’t exactly looked like a force up front (apart from against weak Southampton and Coventry City sides) but they did look assured against Liverpool and West Ham (despite struggling at stages in that game). Santi Cazorla ingratiated himself quickly into the Gunner’s midfield and started pulling the strings almost immediately.
The problem here? Santi Cazorla has already been singled out as Arsenal’s ‘killer-player’. He’s the one player in Arsenal’s midfield (squad?) that’s capable of creating a moment of magic. He’s got the ability to turn a game on his head. His passing, with both feet, is extremely accurate and he moves the ball about very quickly.
His twinkling little feet tend to let him dance out of all perilous situations on a football pitch.
But against Norwich and Schalke, he found himself completely negated. He wasn’t granted any time on the ball and without teammates in front of him providing him with options he’s looked a little lost. At the moment, Arsenal aren’t operating as a team. As a result, even talented players like Santi look a little lackluster.
Manchester City used to be accused of not playing as a ‘proper unit’, or ‘lacking team spirit’. Arsenal are no longer a unit. The gut of this team was ripped out by cash-rich clubs with ambitions that now lie way beyond Arsenal’s station. The team-spirit has been sucked out from the side. Players now know that if you’re half decent you don’t belong there (you belong at City, Barca or even United now) or you’re probably injured all the time (Wilshere, Diaby).
It’s a woeful situation. Santi Cazorla would have wanted to come to the Emirates to challenge for the title. Instead, he’s discovered a team in turmoil, who need to lean on him much too much. Cazorla, much as I love him, is not a leading man. Aaron Ramsey is not a leading man. Francis Coquelin is not a leading man. Mikel Arteta is great in a Michael Carrick-role, but doesn’t carry any threat.
Cazorla needs help. Arsenal really did need to sign a Yann M’Vila type figure this summer. Somebody who could win the ball back and contribute killer-passes.
That’s before you consider the fact that Cazorla has to deal with all the chopping and changing up front. He can’t figure out patterns in his teammate’s plays, if they never get played in the same position. And when you’re trying to feed the ball into the lifeless Olivier Giroud, you’re fighting a losing battle.
The opposition now know that if you deal with Cazorla, you’ve dealt with Arsenal.
What’s your take? Can Santi Cazorla ‘save Arsenal’s season’?
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“Players now know that if you’re half decent you don’t belong there” ? What utter bollocks. Another load of shit written by amateur hacks. Comedy journalism yet again lol
Up the Arsenal
Have you heard of Jack Wilshire?
If we had more influential wingers it’ll help. Ramsey and Pod cut inside narrowing the game and giving the full backs alot of work attacking the flanks and covering defensively.
I don’t rate M’vila’s passing better than Arteta in the deep role and not sure if he’ll be able to keep us ticking over like Arteta does.
If anything we miss a Diaby (Viera) type player in the middle to drive the ball through the middle and control that space with their big frame. Wilshere can do it but I wouldn’t want to rely on him the whole season.
Rosicky could be that player too and be available to lessen Santi’s burden.
Regarding attack, I agree no pre season together and constant changes does not help connecting the attck. Giroud surely isn’t lifeless and moves well to create space, lay offs and shooting opportunities. He is the only striker we have and should be played there until Jan.
If you unzip me, you’ll find the killer man you’re looking for babes, hold me tight : )
AFC
Deleting comments ? What happened to freedom of speech ? If you don’t want criticism don’t write utter rubbish.
Up the Arsenal
d return of jack will sort it out. in arsene we trust.
This is a horrible article from a brainless pal
Somewhat hasty as an analysis, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s relative absence has made us play too narrow and not having Walcott’s speed even for 25 minutes has not helped.
Cazorla and Arteta could swap positions and criss-cross to confuse oppositions but ultimately Wenger has to address the lack of movement and the absence of a real striker. Giroud should feel that slot. Gervinho isn’t direct enough and cannot shield the ball and keep the ball up so to speak.
Trying to play a sideays Barca passing game is not giving us the movement we need either. A vertical/diagonal forward playing style is required. and that is where we have been dangerous this season, looking occasionally reminiscent of the glory days of Pires, Bergkamp, Henry and Viera, Ljungberg, Parlour.
Podolski should be playing a Parlour/Ljungberg role but on the left. Can he switch right? Otherwise Walcott should be tried as an out and out striker. He does have the ability but his contract situation is awkward. Why Arsenal can’t say we’ll give you a 1000 pounds/week pay rise for every goal and assist you give us on top of the 75k we’re otherwise prepared to pay you, I’ve no idea.
Otherwise Diaby, Wilshere, Frimpong will help our creativity and counter-attacking skill and speed but Arsenal also need to learn to play just a three-man defence to accommodate our midfield potential strength. I think Arteta, Cazorla, Wilshere, Diaby and Frimpong/Coquelin or Oxlade-Chamberlain would make a great midfield and then choose your two attackers: Podolski Giroud; Giroud/Walcott? Ramsay/Rosicky with Giroud or Walcott? Replace Podolski with Gervinho as sub for more mazy approcah play?
So, don’t start thinking we’re a one-man solution that closed down means we’ll be nowehere this season. We need to adapt and do so soon. Ultimately we have those resources to do so.
Hahah – what a stupid article…..Harry please go back to your day job (i hope this isn’t it??)
Rubbish post, funny you can be this clueless about arsenal…anyway to things that matter, how about we play a 4-2(arteta n diaby)-2(wilshere n cazorla)-1(OX)-1(podolski), what do you think?
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