Arsenal Lacks Strong Midfield: What Can Arsene Wenger Do to Fix the Problem?

When Arsenal took on Tottenham, it was a goalless draw and Arsenal's midfield was outplayed, especially given Tottenham's dominating performance.

Arsenal again had the same problem when it took on Sunderland, as Arsenal's midfield yet again seemed to be weak and too easy to push over. For further evidence, the same style of play from Arsenal led to a loss against Fulham—once more a goalless draw, with the Arsenal midfield being tossed around like rag dolls.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger regrettably let go of Gilberto Silva, which meant the Arsenal midfield lacked serious muscle. Along with the departure of Mathieu Flamini, everyone expected Wenger to sign a replacement, but there was serious disappointment as the club failed to find a suitable candidate for the center of midfield.

In the January transfer market, Wenger's only concern seemed to be signing Russian Andrei Asharvin, which he finally did, but it was not what he really needed—a big, bustling, strong lad to cover the defensive duties in the center midfield.

When Arsenal recently took on Tottenham and Fulham, two players stood out to me.

Wilson Palacios for Tottenham, a Honduran midfield, was signed from Wigan and was sensational against Arsenal. He overpowered the feeble Arsenal midfield and was almost impossible to get past.

He is exactly what Arsenal needs, a strong lad in the center midfield who can be successful in the defensive duties but also has the skill to deliver a pass.

The other standout was Dickson Etuhu, as the massive Nigerian proved too hard to handle with his immense physicality. Etuhu resembled Palacios, with his defense and the ability to easily overpower the midfield.

Why could Wenger not sign one of these lads, or even someone similar in skill to either of them?

All he needs is a big, strong midfielder who can deliver a hard tackle. Neither Palacios nor Etuhu were expensive to Fulham or Tottenham, and both are capable of doing the job Arsenal needs to turn things around.