The Arsenal Puzzle Part 2: Defenders

Arsenal ended last season in the knowledge that they lacked a good, strong, and tall central defender. One that could deal with the corners, crosses and the free kicks dished out in front of the Arsenal goal.

Wenger dipped into the transfer market and emerged with Thomas Vermaelen. Preseason games showed that Vermaelen was both good and strong—but he ain’t tall enough.

Did Wenger miss a trick? He could have gone for Hangeland, Bassong or Naldo.

That left us with Toure, Gallas, Djourou, Senderos and Vermaelen as the major central defenders in the squad. Wenger would add Song and 'Sylvester' to that list, but hey if Song plays in the defense, who will play in the central midfield?

And for God’s sake, Silvestre is not good enough to play for Arsenal reserves let alone the Arsenal first team. 

It all seemed fine, we had five established central defenders in the squad. But Toure’s transfer to Manchester City, and Senderos’s proposed move to Everton looks to have left a big hole in the Arsenal central defense.Can Gallas, Djourou and Vermaelen hold the Arsenal defense for the whole season ? 

That’s a big question mark...should Wenger buy a central defender? Absolutely!

One position where Arsenal is sufficiently stacked is left-back. Clichy, Traore, Gibbs, and Vermaelen are in the squad who can all do the job in this position. Right-back is also covered if Eboue doesn’t leave. Sagna has young Gavin Hoyte as his deputy, and Djourou has played there in the past.

A central defender is the second piece of the Arsenal jigsaw which is missing. Wenger will need to strengthen this area if he has any ambition of winning silverware this season.

Otherwise, it will be one more frustrating season for the Gooners.