The Season So Far: Arsenal

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

After the thrilling comeback in Liege, Arsenal has had a decent start to the season as a whole.  No-one expected the 6-1 win at Everton, hope was renewed amongst Arsenal fans.

However, two successive defeats against Manchester United and Manchester City sapped a lot of belief from Arsenal fans as to whether Arsenal can mount a title challenge.

In all of Arsenal’s games, apart from Standard Liege where Arsenal won ugly, Arsenal have been the better side, playing their trademark football.

Fans and pundits alike have cited the inability to kill teams off as one of Arsenal’s biggest weaknesses. A classic example of this was at Old Trafford, Arsenal could have gone 2-0 up via Robin Van Persie, putting the game beyond a lacklustre Manchester United.

Teams can win big games 1-0 without killing off the opponent, Arsenal against Chelsea 2007/2008 comes to mind. Arsenal’s biggest weakness is that certain players let the occasion get the better of them, in the big games; Manuel Almunia’s needless challenge on Wayne Rooney allowed Manchester United back into the match and Abou Diaby’s rushed shot to equalise was another example of the occasion getting the better of certain players.

The centre back partnership of Gallas and Vermaelen has been nothing short of exceptional. People will point out Arsenal have conceded 11 goals in all competitions, but 4 of the goals came from goalkeeping mistakes. Gallas and Vermaelen complement each other very well; the partnership is reminiscent of the Ferdinand and Vidic partnership, but there is a long way to go before this comparison can be validated.

Another positive shown so far from Arsenal is to create countless opportunities no matter the personnel. The tactics and team selection were questioned against Manchester City with Diaby playing on the left but Arsenal still managed to have 19 attempts.

The movement and formation versatility from Arsenal has been very impressive; last season Arsenal were either static or unsynchronised in their movement and this left Arsenal exposed. This season when Gallas goes up front, Song will drop back in defence with Diaby or Denilson vacating the holding midfield role.

Arsenal can switch to different formations with relative ease, further improving the team, last season Arsenal would only play one formation due to injuries and lack of versatility either 4-5-1 or 4-4-2.

For all of the strengths and weakness shown by the team as a whole, there are certain players who have excelled and disappointed.

Thomas Vermaelen has been immense for Arsenal since he has joined from Ajax; he may have a lack of pace but his reading of the game, aggression and football intelligence makes up for his shortcoming in pace. Another superb purchase from Arsene Wenger, Vermaelen may have been brought in to replace Toure, but Vermaelen’s playing style is reminiscent of Martin Keown and Sol Campbell.

Last season was one to forget for Gallas, stripped of the captaincy and seemingly destined for the exit door. William Gallas has formed a solid partnership with Vermaelen: his attitude alone speaks volumes of his character. Gallas is showing the form he showed at Chelsea and the 2007/2008 season.

Nicklas Bendtner has only one goal to his name this season, one that was an exquisite finish. Bendtner may only have one goal to his name but his endeavour and hard work is why he has been one of Arsenal’s best players so far this season. Arsenal’s right hand side has been strong defensively; this is because Bendtner is tracking back unlike Diaby.

Bendtner was a constant thorn in Liege’s side and, had it not been for a tremendous challenge from Mangala, Bendtner would have scored two last night, Bendtner now must play as a centre forward.

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