Arsenal look like a completely different team this season. For much of last year they were shaky and uncertain. But now, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny leading the line, they look like a completely different animal.
Against smaller teams they look confident, patient and assured. It’s when they turn up to big matches that problems begin to surface.
Against Liverpool, Manchester City and to a lesser extent Bayern Munich, Arsenal’s defence has been ‘found out’. Whether it’s a mentality issue or not, the Gunners just can’t seem to cut it against football’s brightest and best.
This, of course, is a major problem. If the Gunners want to progress as a club and win silverware, they’ll need to be able to beat top clubs on a fairly regular basis. Unfortunately, the odd result aside, that’s just not the case at the moment.
Mentality is clearly an issue and I can’t help but wonder if a lack of competition plays into this. Both Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny work hard, but they have nobody to push them or challenge them for their place in the first team.
Thomas Vermaelen is all out of form and all out of fitness. He hasn’t featured prominently in the Arsenal squad since Arsenal’s last outing against Bayern Munich, a year or so ago. He’s not exactly somebody who can be relied upon.
This makes me wonder: will Arsene Wenger sign a new centre-back in the summer? Let’s hope so.
The Daily Mail claim that Arsenal are still in the market for Federico Fazio, the £7.8m rated (that’s the release clause written into his contract) Sevilla centre-back. Whilst this news is unlikely to have fans jumping for joy, it’s good to hear that the Gunners are weighing up their options in this department.
A one-club man, Fazio has made 154 appearances for Sevilla, impressing with his tough tackling, defensive smarts and confidence on the ball. But given his many years at the La Liga side, I can’t help but wonder if he’s ready for a new challenge.
Both Everton and Liverpool are also circling the 26-year-old, but if Arsene Wenger puts his money where his mouth is, this deal may well go ahead.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal make a move for Federico Fazio?
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