Though pundits aren’t keen to admit it, Arsenal have made a serious improvement to their defense over the last couple of weeks.
A 3-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich appeared to spark recognition in Arsenal players, Arsene Wenger and the club’s top brass.
Yes, there has been a few bumps in the road along the way, but giving Laurent Koscielny a more prominent role in the squad and allowing Per Mertesacker to organise the back four, seems to have steadied the ship.
As much as I hate to say it, the reduced role of Thomas Vermaelen has had a positive effect on the Gunners. What’s more, Bacary Sagna is finally starting to find his form again after a long-time out of the game last season and the arrival of Nacho Montreal has kept things fresh.
Pundits may still de-cry the Gunners’ defensive ability, but Arsenal haven’t conceded that many goals this season. Beyond struggling to deal with set-pieces, Arsene Wenger’s boys can be pretty solid when called upon.
Nothing typifies this approach more than big wins against Sunderland and West Brom, when 10 men Arsenal sides managed to hold on for a win.
But rather than get complacent, it’s important that Arsene Wenger builds on this in the summer. Further defensive additions in the transfer window may be necessary.
Which brings me to The Daily Mail‘s claim that Arsenal are looking to beat Liverpool ‘in the race’ to sign Swansea City captain and top defensive talent, Ashley Williams. It’s thought that Arsenal have already spoken to the players representatives and that this has put them in pole position for a summer move.
The Capital One Cup winner is valued at £12m and would be a smart addition for both Liverpool and Arsenal.
But if he is willing to give up his captaincy and move onto a new club, I’m sure he’d favour Arsenal. Liverpool seem to be on the verge of an all-out meltdown, whilst the Gunners are still (just about) hanging in there.
Williams combines strength with intelligence, has pace, desire and experience at the top level. He knows what it’s like to play in the Premier League, week-in and week-out and would slide into Arsenal’s first team with relative ease.
And for once, Arsenal have money to spend. Making a move for Ashley Williams may be a good choice.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal look to drag Ashley Williams away from Swansea City?
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£12 is a bit cheap ^^
Ha, thanks. Title fixed.
For that price, why not?! lol
He’s a good player, no doubt, but who would he replace? I don’t think he’s good enough to throw either Koscielny or Mertesacker out of the starting line-up. I also don’t think he can accept to comer to sit on the bench. Therefore, I think Wenger will not go for him, he will go for a more little known player but with real quality, like Cheikhou Kouyatte, not Williams.
I have to say, I think Williams & Koscielny, would be a lot stronger than Koscielny & Mertesacker.
12 quid. Bargain.
But he sure aint worth 12m!
Slow, ponderous, and not in the class of Kos, Per or TV. So 4th choice at best.
Not at 12m, prefer Sakho myself.
Beat Fulham and maybe the gunner fans will believe otherwise its the same old story. Failure to beat Fulham could be fatal unless Spurs were to lose.
I wish wenger would sign him
Play Verminator in the hole ( infront of Mertesacker & Koscielny ) .