Arsenal Conclusion: 5 Crucial Things Learned at the Emirates Stadium
In what was an epic victory over the Cottagers, in a game which saw Arsenal fail to convert possession and chances to goals yet again, one man made the difference for the Gunners, and it was none other than the brilliant Samir Nasri.
Arsenal have faced a terrible form of late at the Emirates Stadium, which is quite ironic, had the Gunners won their games at the Emirates Stadium, they would've had 9 extra points, clearly that would have made a world of difference, and is expected to make a difference come the end of the season.
The game against Fulham, along with the majority of the games played at the Emirates Stadium have shown some very interesting issues regarding Arsenal, and if Wenger is to make Arsenal win the EPL this season, he needs to address them post haste.
Arsenal have a crucial game against Partizan at the Emirates today, but before the game starts, it's time to learn from the crucial lessons learned at the Emirates Stadium this campaign.
Arsenal's Central Backs Are Pathetic
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While some people might consider this statement a little harsh after Koscielny was carried off of the pitch, it doesn't change the fact that Arsenal's defense are indeed pathetic.
Squillaci and Koscielny were both responsible for the goal conceded against Fulham. The ball was crossed and looked harmless, but Squillaci and Koscielny headed each other instead of the ball, with Squillaci headbutting his own teammate instead of the ball, resulting in Koscielny's injury.
Djourou came in as a substitute with a little over 30 minutes gone, and almost scored an own goal in the second half, other than that was by far the best Arsenal centre back.
If there was one regret Arsenal fans have, it's that Squillaci didn't get injured as well. Koscielny appears to have a concussion and will be out for an estimated three weeks, leaving Arsenal facing even more problems in the back, with the absence of Vermaelen, Arsenal's best defender.
Arsenal's Goalkeepers Must Be Put Under The Spot Light.
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While you can't exactly blame Fabianski for the goal conceded, the young Pole is still not ready to take on the big boys in Man U and Chelsea, Arsenal need a veteran keeper to show the ropes to the youngsters, while at the same time making the difference for the short period of time he'll be at Arsenal.
Arsenal have been linked with Schwarzer and Given, both keepers Wenger values highly, and also with Stekelenburg, who has been tipped to join the Red Devils and replace the retiring Van Der Sar, and all of them can only do Arsenal a world of good.
Wenger already loaned out Manonne, some many consider him the best keeper in the Arsenal squad, while others are dreading the day Almunia returns from injury, Wenger needs to make his decision, and make it quickly.
Arsenal Need Their MVP
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He might've been the unluckiest player in recent memory, getting injured by absolute one off injuries, but RVP is the man who can take Arsenal back to glory.
In truth, had Wenger been more neutral, he would've made RVP the Arsenal captain, and Rosicky vice-captain upon returning from injury, and while some can argue and make a great case as to why Cesc Fabregas might be the greatest midfielder on the planet (as his goals and assists last season alone would tell you), that does not guarantee you a great captain, especially when he was only 22 years of age at the time.
Tony Adams was the exception rather than the rule, very few people in the history of football where ready to put their teams in the record books at such a young age.
Arsenal need a great captain on the pitch, RVP has the presence to take the team forward, and the technique to back it up, Wenger insisted that the Dutchman is not injury prone, and when you watch the injuries he's suffered, such as the malicious tackle performed by Chiellini, he might have a point, few people get on the receiving end of such tackles time and time again.
Now back and near his top level, RVP might have what it takes to take Arsenal back to winning ways. Unless of course some talentless defender sends him back to the treatment table.
Arsenal's Attacking Trio Are a Lot More Effective Than El Capitan.
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Many thought that Arsenal would face an abundance of problems when the Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas got injured, but in actuality, they barely even notice his absence lately, thanks in no small part to the deadly trio of Arshavin, Nasri and Rosicky.
It might be hard to believe, but Nasri, Rosy and Arsh have rarely played together at the same time, Wenger opted to bench one in place of the other, play Fabregas regardless of whether he was fit or not, and play Diaby in place of the talented Czech International. But now that said names are injured (Diaby and Fabregas), Wenger was forced to unleash all three together, and the end result is three creative minds causing absolute havoc on the opposing teams defense.
The three work better than when Fabregas was in the mix, thanks to the fact that they all have pace, and the ability to play on the wing and to switch roles on the fly, somethings Arsenal's captain doesn't have in his impressive Arsenal. While Fabregas might have added some pace to his game, he never played on the wings, meaning that Wenger has to put him in the middle of the park, which already means one of the trio of Arsh, Rosy and Nasri would end up getting benched.
The irony of things, the injuries that hit Arsenal this season where actually a blessing in disguise, Fabianski taking over Almunia's role, and performed well most of the times, while Nasri, Arshavin and Rosicky took Arsenal to the top of the table with absolute ease, all they needed was time to understand each other, and the end result was some of the most attractive football out there.
Samir Nasri
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Poetry in motion.
Any objections?
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