Ouch. Arsenal fans will still be nursing their wounds following yet another rollicking at the hands of a title rival. Chelsea put six goals past the Gunners during Saturday’s early kick-off. That this wasn’t the first time Arsenal have conceded six goals this season is revealing. When this team capitulates, they don’t do it in half-measures.
Whilst Arsene Wenger has nurtured a talented group of players, he hasn’t instilled them with the belief that they’re capable of winning silverware, or taking on Europe’s best teams. Until he does that, Arsenal’s trophy cabinet may well remain empty.
For Arsenal, the Chelsea game was over within ten minutes. The game followed the same pattern as Arsenal’s 5-1 defeat to Liverpool. The Gunners’ defense was afforded no protection by the midfield and the likes of Oscar and Schurrle were able to pass directly into their striker’s feet.
Arsenal currently have two defensive midfielders on their books: Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. I’m not sure either of them are particularly cut out for the role that Arsene Wenger keeps asking them to play. Arteta in particular should be being utilised further up the pitch.
Either way, I hope that Arsene Wenger assesses this area of the squad in the summer. The Gunners can’t afford to keep suffering these big-club spankings. Only by providing the likes of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny the proper protection will the club be able to stop this from happening again.
The Mirror recently ran an article linking The Gunners to Southampton’s holding midfielder, Morgan Schneiderlin. It strikes me that the right-footed French midfielder would be an excellent fit for the Gunners.
He’s diligent in his defensive duties for the Saints, but he’s also able to move the ball about smartly and orchestrate attacks if necessary. He’s got a bit of class about his game and that’s sure to appeal to Arsene Wenger.
The Mirror also carry quotes from Schneiderlin, who comments on the links to Arsenal:
“It is my dream to one day play at a great club. Arsenal? I have a three year contract, so it will not be easy. It’s my dream to one day play at a great club though – so why not?”
It looks like he’s there for the taking if Arsenal are interested. If Arsene Wenger is keen to improve the club’s defensive standing, then making a move for Schneiderlin could be a very smart decision indeed.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal offer Morgan Schneiderlin a move to a ‘great club’?
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