That’s two wins in two games now for Arsenal who will be looking towards their midweek Champions League clash with AC Milan with a degree of trepidation but not without confidence. Things will have been complicated somewhat, however, but Per Mertesacker’s unfortunate injury against Sunderland.
As the big German strided back to latch onto Bacary Sagna’s interception, he pulled up, took a tumble and lay castrate on the ground. Sunderland capitalised through James McClean running onto the free ball and smashing it past Wojciech Szczesny.
Despite this set-back, two late goals ensured that Arsenal went on to win the game 2-0 and earn 3 valuable points away from home. The main concern now will be what to do following Mertesacker’s injury – just how should Arsenal’s defence line up against Milan on Wednesday?
It’s my opinion that Arsenal should have shuffled the pack some time ago at the back. I’ve never been all that happy with Vermaelen in the left-back role. As a right-footer he’s constantly having to cut in, creating a pattern that’s all too easy for opposition defenders to figure out. Whilst he can handle a left-back’s defensive duties, he doesn’t offer much going forward.
Why not play him where he’s best suited – in the centre of defence? A centre-back pairing of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny is just about as solid as it gets for Arsenal and will provide the best chance the Gunners have of fending off AC Milan.
But then what happens with the full-backs? Here I think Arsenal have two options.
Kieran Gibbs is back in training and could slot right back into his regular left-back position. If Wenger opted to do this, then it’d be the first time in a while that Arsenal’s left-back slot was filled by a genuinely left-sided full-back.
But Gibbs has been out of the game for such a long time that I’m not sure I’d feel all that confident in having him make his return in such a big game. Could Wenger instead opt to play Francis Coquelin as a right-back and shift Bacary Sagna over to the left-back position?
Coquelin has impressed in recent weeks filling in as a right-back and deserves a little more game time. Bacary Sagna on the other hands has proven himself to be a remarkably adept full-back, regardless of which flank he’s on. For me this is the set-up that would make the most sense – at least for the time being.
But what’s your take? How would you like to see Arsenal line up against AC Milan?
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Since when has Vermaelen been a right footer. Come on lad, think about what your writing!
don’t like to nit-pick, but i feel it necessary to clarify that thomas vermaelen is actually left-footed!! poor journalism anytime you get the facts wrong..
would like to see the verm back centrally though, id appreciate him up against ibrahimovic before the option of djourou or dear God NO- squillacci!
err, hate to nit-pick but thomas vermaelen is actually left footed..
poor journalism anytime you get the facts wrong!
Thomas Vermaelen is a left footer :/
vermalean is a left footer.i agree with what u said coquelin is the best option
I think an away goal is a bonus, but a clean sheet is essential. To that aim I would have this line up:
SZCZ
SAGNA, KOS, TV, GIBBS
RAMSEY, ARTETA/ROSICKY, SONG. COQUELIN
ARSHAVIN
RVP.
4-4-1-1
Arteta might be a doubt as he took a few knocks at Sunderland, but with the four in midfield, it has a more solid look but still have a threat going forward. Width will come from the overlapping backs. Gibbs will get ample support from Coquelin on his return. Arshavin should do well making runs in the box, or as a foil for RVP, and any two of the four mf’s can give support without exposing the defence. Classic counter-attacking line up?
We all make the odd blue Harry but you meant well.Your solution is good!
so I guess M. Inerta will probably move AA to LB and Fabianski at No 10. He subbed the only two attackers available for tired legs and they came good. Suddenly he`s the great tactician!. If only he`d just be a coach and leave all the managing to somebody else – anybody else.
Surely you meant Per lay “prostrate” on the. ground? Were he to be lying “castrate”…..well the injury was definitely more serious than first thought!
Yes – thank you for that catch, ha!
Sorry Harry, but I am typing this with with tears in my eyes. The word you were looking for with regard to Mertesacker falling over was ‘prostrate’ on the ground. Castration is a very different action which I hope that haven’t performed on poor old Per.
I could have lived with seperate, or operate – even niterate or, at a pinch, cutrate …. but….. no, I can`t go on.
It could just read it again and it all becomes clear. Per`s feet were confused when asked to strided back.
Ful support for the back four uv’e given. Nice article!