Will Arsenal Struggle Without Vermaelen and Should Song Replace Him?

After a dubious decision by Martin Atkinson to give Thomas Vermaelen a straight red and award a penalty, after a tangle up between Vermaelen and West Ham's Guillermo Franco occurred just before half time.

As soon as the English referee issued the red, it was clear there would be much controversy. The challenge was soft from the Belgium centre half and it appeared Franco went down to easily. However, the card had no immediate effect as Arsenal were able to withstand the assault from the Hammers and win the game convincingly 2-0. 

But sadly Vermaelen is now facing a routine on match suspension due to his sending off. This means that the former Ajax defender misses Arsenal tough clash with surprise team of the season, Birmingham.

However due to the degree of the sending off, Arsene Wenger is appealing the suspension and with luck Thomas Vermaelen will not be forced to miss out the encounter with Alex McLeish's side.

But if the FA do not overturn Atkinson's decision, Arsene Wenger may find himself with his centre back ranks lacking quality. With William Gallas currently struggling with injury and Johan Djourou missing the whole of 2009/2010. Arsenal could be left with Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre, two aging centre halves.

But one man who could step in and perform is Alexandre Song. Arguably Arsenal most consistent and improve performer this term, the Cameroon midfielder courageously stepped into Vermaelen's role when the Belgium captain was forced to depart.

Song had all ready had a strong first half and kept his form in the second with a neat display in the defence. The 22-year-old is no stranger to performing as a defender. Song had played in the defence for both Arsenal and Cameroon, and there's no reason why the former Bastia man couldn't fulfil the absence of Thomas Vermaelen.