Arsenal's Current Injury Problems: 3-5-2 a Creative Solution

This is not my first-choice formation, but with the loss of Bacary Sagna to a broken ankle while playing against the Spurs, Jack Wilshere being out for an extended period of time, the inconsistent defensive form of Arsenal's left backs and the great form of all three of our central defenders, a formation that Arsenal need to try out is a 3-5-2 formation.

This formation would bring the best out of several of Arsenal's players who are struggling with form from playing out of position as well as allowing us to play all three of our central defenders who are all in good form.

Moving Theo inside, taking away some of Andre Santos' defensive responsibilities and strengthening the center of the midfield and defense will allow Arsenal to make the best of all their players until Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere get back from the treatment table.

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny

Wojciech has made the keeper position his with his consistent form and vocal leadership of the Arsenal defense. He is a player that we have needed for several seasons and one that we can hope will stay at Arsenal for years to come.

With this formation there will most likely be more crosses coming in from the flanks as we won’t be playing with any out-and-out fullbacks but Wojciech has shown to be more than able to handle the pressure.

Left Central Defender: Thomas Vermaelen

The "Verminator" is the best defender on the books at Arsenal and with this formation would take up the left side of the center of defense.

His reading of the game, great tackling skills, distribution of the ball and leadership will be vital in keeping the back three solid.

Middle Central Defender: Per Mertesacker

The giant German would be the fulcrum of this three-man Arsenal backline in this formation.

His great heading skill, height and reading of the game make him the perfect choice for the center of the back three.

Having Vermaelen and Koscielny on either side of him will make up for some of his lack of pace.

Right Central Defender: Laurent Koscielny

Koscielny, a player who many Arsenal fans have previously had mixed feelings about, has improved steadily every week and has already formed a successful partnership with both Mertesacker and Vermaelen.

His ability to make a tackle and break up play make him fit in perfectly with the right side of this Arsenal defense.

Defensive Midfielder: Alex Song

Song is a no-brainer when picking any Arsenal side; his talent of breaking up the opposition play keeps the pressure off the back line, which in this case is even more necessary, as playing with three defenders can leave the back line exposed.

It will be his job to fill those gaps when they open as well as to get forward when necessary, as he will have a defensive partner to cover for his offensive runs, which have in the past left the back line exposed.

Defensive Midfielder: Emmanuel Frimpong

Frimpong is a talented and committed Arsenal youngster who would greatly benefit by playing alongside a steadying influence such as Alex Song.

His passion for the game, love for Arsenal and give-it-all attitude will help him and Song control the central of the midfield and dominate the game as well as allowing him to develop into a solid presence in the midfield of Arsenal.

An issue that many have with Frimpong is his tendency for rashness and making unnecessary challenges, but playing alongside Song and learning from him will help curb that tendency.

Left Midfielder: Andre Santos

Santos' offensive skills greatly outweigh his defensive ones. Moving him further up the pitch allows him to keep pressure on the left side of the midfield where he will still be responsible for tracking back and picking up runners, but he will have more freedom to get forward without Arsenal being left wide-open in the back.

The switch to this position would bring out the best in this player and add even more assists and goals to his game.

Attacking Midfielder: Arteta

Arteta is a solid player who can play anywhere in the midfield but whose best position is as an offensive attacking midfielder.

This position give him a free role in the center of the field where he can create great chances and make those creative passes that lead to the goals that we all love to see Arsenal score.

Right Midfielder: Gervinho

Gervinho has put in some solid performances on the left wing of the Arsenal attack but he is a player who can play on the right wing as well.

He makes good runs, and while still needing some improvement on his final ball, he can make a real impact on the flanks. One thing I have been noticing lately, especially in the match against Marseille, is that Gervinho actually does a pretty good job tracking back and making tidy challenges for the ball while supporting the left back.

He would fit in nicely in the right midfield slot, balancing both attacking and defending tasks.

Striker: Robin Van Persie

Robin Van Persie, Arsenal's Captain, best player, top scorer and lately one of their only options in front of goal would be able to partner Theo up top, allowing him to drop back some and control the game, while having a partner up front would allow him not to be the only option and to use his great creative skills as well as his already dominant finishing skills.

Striker: Theo Walcott

Theo would benefit from this formation change by being relieved of some of his defensive duties and having the opportunity to make the decisive runs through the heart of the opposition defense that we all love to see.

Instead of Theo running down the sideline at top speed only to send a cross in to the area with no real options in the box, he would be allowed to use his pace to dominant the central area of the pitch, splitting the defenders and using his pace to actual effect.

Substitute's Bench

Substitutes: Fabianski, Gibbs, Djourou, Ramsey, Rosiscky, Arshavin and Chamakh.

Arshavin coming on in either the attacking midfield position or as the second striker are his two best positions, and we would see a greatly improved Arshavin, perhaps even forcing Walcott or Arteta to the bench.

Chamakh has struggled through the end of last season and the start of this one. His being given a partner and not having to be the lone striker will put him into the goals again and he could even push for a starting role, partnering with Van Persie or Walcott when either one needs a rest.

Ramsey and Gibbs are both quality players who will push Santos and Arteta for their spots as well as be good substitutes off the bench.

Djourou is a solid defender who is having a form problem and can still contribute from the bench as well as fill in for any defender needing a rest. 

Rosiscky is a player who is not good enough for the Arsenal starting 11 but who can make a difference off the bench in many positions.

Fabianski is not good enough to hold the starting position for Arsenal but is an able substitute. In case of injury to his compatriot Szczęsny, he will do.