We didn’t need Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa to remind us of what we already know: the Gunners defence is laughable.
The fans learnt that lesson last season. Yes, there will be those who point out that Arsenal had one of the best defensive records last year, but this fails to account for the Gunners’ performance in big games.
Time and time again, Arsenal have come undone against the big teams. Being a soft-touch at the back and having no real defensive midfielder to speak of, has allowed the opposition to score easy goals. The number of individual errors Arsenal players commit is astounding.
To those fans who still herald the club’s defensive record, ask yourself this: would you back Arsenal to hold onto a lead against a ‘big’ club?
I know what my answer is. If the Gunners don’t strengthen in this regard, they simply have no chance of acquiring any silverware over the course of this season.
With Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou having already left the club, I’m surprised that a player or two hasn’t been brought in earlier. The Gunners are now extremely light at the back and that showed in their opening day performance against Aston Villa.
With Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen both out injured and Laurent Koscielny suspended, the need is all the more pressing.
In recent times, the Gunners have been linked to both Micah Richards and Ashley Williams. I’d argue that both players need to be signed if Arsenal are to inspire enough competition to improve their defensive record.
The Independent are behind the Richards rumours. As they rightfully note, Richard only made seven appearances for City last season, a pitiful showing for a player of his talent and ability. He must be desperate for a move and as he’s an Arsenal fan, would surely be happy to head to the Emirates.
Williams has admitted that he’s ‘flattered’ by the links to Arsenal (Source: The Metro). He’s Swansea City captain and the Gunners could certainly use his presence and leadership qualities. At 28-years-old he’s ready for a move to a big club and would certainly make an impact at Arsenal.
Both players would also come with Premier League experience and shouldn’t break the bank. There’s basically no reason why these deals shouldn’t happen, so you can bet that Arsene Wenger wont be interested. Still, we live in hope.
What’s your take? Would these two Premier League stars plug the gaps in Arsenal’s leaky defense?
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Agree the gunners defence is a joke.The Fulham win doesn’t prove any thing.Now if the gunners can beat any of MU/MC/Chelsea and Spurs,I will believe the gunners are ready to challenge.
There are a couple of jokes here and one is Arsenal’s defence.
Well,fine.I believe arsenal still 2 to3 players to actually give a run for the like of cheasel,mu,mc and totteham.
Richards yes but I think the young boy from Ajax would be better then williams and play him as a DM he can score goals and is a natural CB so would give extra protection and apparently only 6 million and 22 years old
Is jenkinson really an arsenal full back at this stage? To me he has potential but a great deal to learn. Plus we need cover at centre back although Sagna played well. However Arsenal often get injuries plus the odd suspension
The second best defense is laughable…….WTF
imagine sagna playing as a centre back against man-utd, they’ll beat us 10-4 , not 2 talk of the manageable mertesacker playing against tottenham, and imagine arsenal against man-city without a defensive midfielder, ramsey,cazorla,rosicky nd co wouldn’t b able 2 go forward nd dats y 2 score big teams is always a problem, i hope flamini can help if he is signed, y did his team leave him as a free agent. We nid at least one centre back, a dmf, for God’s sake we nid a winger,i dnt tink there r up 2 10 wingers better than abda turan, nd we nid a proven striker, plus a keeper. I believe di maria,benzema r mere distractns like suarez,rooney,higuain,jovetic e.t.c
We should extend sanga for three years I don’t thing there is a better cb out there than him sigh flamani for backup and get a top quality dm and spend most of the money on a striker and a quality attacking mid field or a left side attacker mid…..our problem is the heart of our middle is soft and if we get that sulve the defense will look allot better….I would sign micha Richards because he can cover the rb and dm
yous are probably the same spurs supporters that were calling for wengers head yesterday,why dont yas just leave and support someone else,!people like you are the reason that the team is under pressure when they play at home,why not just support any player that pulls on an arsenal jersey…already people are saying”aww sanogo is our only signing and he was free”…put the young lad under pressure already.wether we get players or not,i wont be wastin my time calling mertersacker,sagna,jenkinson,or gibbs a joke…thats as good of a back four in the league in my eyes….well i am biased because im a real supporter