Arsenal's Defensive Dilemma: Does Alexandre Song Need to Play at Centre Back?

Arsenal's weekend FA Cup elimination to Manchester United signified a number of things.

It was the third competition the Gunners have now been eliminated from in a fortnight, and it ensured the North London giants have failed to record a victory in their last four encounters in all competitions, but most of all it resulted in a season-ending shoulder injury to centre half Johan Djourou.

The in-form Swiss, whose efforts this season have been superb, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the final stages of Arsenal's 2-1 loss to rivals Manchester United after colliding with teammate Bacary Sagna.

This was arguably worst than the defeat to Sir Alex Ferguson's men for the Gunners, as it leaves only two fit first-team centre halves.

One must acknowledge just how strong Arsenal's defence has been this season despite some precarious performances. After defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen succumbed to an Achilles injury in August that has ensured the Belgian has not featured since, Arsene Wenger was left with only three first-team centre halves.

French duo Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny had only arrived in the summer, ensuring the pair had no experience in world football's toughest league. Meanwhile, Djourou had only just returned from a severe knee injury that restricted the Swiss to the last EPL game of the previous season.

For the Gunners to maintain a consistent stranglehold on the top of the table and first-place Manchester United, as well as advance to the final of the Carling Cup, the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, with only three inexperienced and tentative defenders is a superb effort that many of the big-name teams in Europe could never do.

No, it does not have the joy or satisfaction if a trophy, but it is certainly an admirable effort that speaks wonders of Wenger's integrity. However, Arsenal only have two fit central defenders at a crucial time in the EPL campaign and with the need for success at an alarmingly vital point for Wenger and his young squad.

Fans may argue over the disregard of young gun Ignasi Miquel, who technically is registered as the Gunners' fifth choice defender. The former Barcelona youth made his Arsenal debut this season, playing twice in the FA Cup, but the 20-year-old is yet to record an EPL appearance to his Arsenal statistics. It's unlikely Wenger will risk a budding, inexperienced talent at such a defining time in the English Premier League campaign.

Thus being the case, does Wenger need to revert Alexandre Song to the central defence?

Arsenal's defensive midfielder, who is regarded as one of the best in world football, is primarily a midfielder but has often been utilized by Wenger as a defender. During the 2008-2009 campaign, it emerged that the Frenchman may attempt to bestow upon Song a full-time centre half role. However, the Cameroon international boasts such athleticism, passing prowess and a strong tackle that is was evident the 23-year-old was better suited to the midfield.

But Arsenal's injury crisis may force Song's pace and strength into the Arsenal defensive line. It's no secret Squillaci and Koscielny don't boast the safest or strongest of defensive partnership.

Arsenal's stellar run from late December till late February came with Djourou and Koscielny as the primary central defenders, with Squillaci predominantly featuring in the domestic cups. Furthermore, the Gunners' somewhat nervy early-season stumble came with Squillaci and Koscielny at the helm.

Squillaci has a tendency to miscommunicate with his teammates, and the former Seville defender often looks off the pace, particularly against quicker, strong strikers. Utilizing Song as a defender would ensure more efficient game time for Denilson and Abou Diaby.

With the Cameroonian currently nursing a minor knee injury, midfielders Diaby and Denilson have alternated in the defensive midfield role. Neither has performed particularly well with fans voicing their frustrations.

However, the opportunity to play more consistently could result in the duo's confidence being reinstated, as well as the fans' trust. There is also the prospect of playing dominant right back Bacary Sagna in the centre and elevating Emmanuel Eboue to right back.

That said, it seems a smarter option to have Alexandre Song as the central defenders, but is it a good idea for Wenger?