Arsenal's Struggling Samba Star: Fans Aren't Helping Denilson Return To Form

The events that have transpired in the last three weeks have left the Arsenal trophy campaign for 2010/2011 in a wreck.

The Gunners have endured a torrid time in which their reputation has diminished.

First, they were defeated in the Carling Cup Final by Birmingham City, before eliminations from the UEFA Champions League fourth round and FA Cup quarterfinals at the hands of Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.

Furthermore, the Gunners have also performed in a lethargic, feeble manner in the English Premier League, drawing with both Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion and leaving them five points adrift of leaders Manchester United.

To add salt to the heavily wounded Arsenal, Wenger lost key defender Johan Djourou to a shoulder injury for at least a month. What's more, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny also suffered a dislocated finger and tendon damage and will not feature for the team until late April.

These events all transpired without several key figures in the Arsenal lineup.

Only days prior to the Carling Cup devastation, captain Cesc Fabregas succumbed to a hamstring injury whilst dynamo Theo Walcott suffered a serious ankle injury. Defensive midfielder Alexandre Song followed shortly when the Cameroon international was plagued by a knee injury.

With Fabregas and Song both absent, it ensured the Arsenal midfield lacked two vital presences in both departments. Throughout the season, however, Wenger has stated that his young Gunners side boasts sufficient depth.

Unfortunately, the likes of Abou Diaby and Denilson failed to enforce and contribute the same amount that Fabregas and Song predominately convey. In a difficult period for the Gunners, Diaby and Denilson felt the full force of the fans' frustration.

Denilson particularly shouldered the blame with many of the Arsenal faithful, demanding his departure sooner rather than later.

It has not been the most productive season for the Brazilian, who, thanks to the emergence of teenage sensation Jack Wilshere, has seen less game time than previous seasons.

The 22-year old has only made 32 appearances in all competitions.

Bearing in mind that he hasn't suffered an injury and that Arsenal have enjoyed significantly more games than in recent seasons due to Cup success, the decline is a major step back from the 2008/2009 season where the Samba star featured 51 times.

During these 32 appearances, it seems Denilson cannot do right by the Arsenal faithful, despite his tireless work ethic and occasionally brilliant tackling.

Granted, the former Sao Paulo midfielder has been guilty of sending some of his passes astray, and of poor positioning, but it often appears Denilson is victimized by the fans. They portray him as a lazy, lifeless presence in the Arsenal midfield.

Arsenal's most recent match was their 2-2 draw with relegation-battlers West Bromwich Albion, where the Gunners had to score twice in the final 20 minutes to earn a point.

Denilson once again started in the absence of Alexandre Song and Cesc Fabregas.

It was the Brazilian's fourth game in 17 days.

The Gunners began in horrific fashion, conceding in the first three minutes of the game.

Throughout the remainder of the frail, disappointing first half, Arsenal failed to penetrate the West Bromwich Albion back line, struggling to connect consecutive passes.

In a bid to rejuvenate the Arsenal attack, Arsene Wenger opted to bring on striker Marouane Chamakh for the more defensive Denilson, just after the halftime break.

The decision was met with a chorus of cheers and boos—not for the introduction of Chamakh, but rather, the Arsenal fans were letting Denilson know their disappointment in his performance.

Granted, it hadn't been the most appealing or impressive cameo, but it was a day when none of the Arsenal lineup looked lively.

It's evident that Denilson is lacking in confidence and the attitude shown by the fans isn't helping either him or Arsenal.

When on form, the 22-year old is a strong, consistent defender, who completes a large amount of work in both attack and defence.

With Arsenal in a situation where anything below par will result in their last remaining chance of silverware slipping out of their hands, support needs to be given to the Arsenal players going forward.

Alexandre Song and Cesc Fabregas will return to the Arsenal side after the international break, but the duo will need replacing at some point and it is vital that the whole Arsenal roster be at their prime.