Arsenal's Rotating Midfield

Many names have been linked with the "vacant" midfield position at Arsenal. So many fans said that the midfield looks very light in the centre and that Denilson cannot do the job.

I myself was one of those skeptics who didn't believe that Denilson was up to par to partner with Cesc Fabregas in the middle of midfield.

Conventionally, a 4-4-2, which Arsenal play, features a midfield with one holding midfielder in the centre alongside an attacking midfielder. That trend continued until Gilberto Silva played regularly, but the introduction of Mathieu Flamini changed a lot of the dynamics in the Arsenal midfield.

Yes, Mathieu Flamini was a defensive midfielder but he was never confined to a "holding role."

All of us saw Flamini support attacks as well as defend. During his time at Arsenal, he scored some important goals as well. So, he was never a defensive midfielder like Claude Makelele.

Many people forget that when Flamini went forward, someone had to provide cover behind him. Who was that man?

Yes, it was Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas has developed his overall game to such a level that his defensive attributes are improving game to game. While on the ball, he is calm, composed and picks the right pass. His off the ball work is equally impressive.

Fabregas is known to clock up a considerable amount of what they call "yardage." Cesc covers somewhere between 14-16 kilometres per match, which is a staggering amount of running—and would probably match the amount of grass covered by someone like Rino Gatusso.

Denilson has shown since the Fulham game that his performance that day was a one-off. He has been very steady with his performances since and has notched a goal and an assist in his last two Premier League games.

What this midfield allows Arsenal to do is that Denilson and Fabregas take turns at attacking and defending. When one sits, the other goes to support the attack. It suits their individual game, and Arsenal's game of passing and movement.

In the second half of yesterday's game, the electrifying Theo Walcott and the improving Emmanuel Eboue switched flanks and were potent on the counter-attacks. The Blackburn defending was poor, but they could never settle with this dynamic Arsenal midfield.

Aaron Ramsey came on in the dying moments of the game and showed what a talent he is by splitting the Blackburn defense with a superb through ball, which Emmanuel Adebayor promptly put away.

Arsenal have shown some resilience with their performances after that defeat at Fulham and as a Gunners fan, I only hope that the run continues.

This week will certainly test Arsenal's resolve and mental strength, but with the team confident after some good displays, the sings look good.

Either way, Arsenal's rotating midfield should give us some entertainment and hopefully, the results this season.