Arsenal News: Alex Song Proves Massive Importance to Gunners in Return
Alex Song returned to the starting lineup on Tuesday in Arsenal's Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder made his presence known throughout the match and illustrated just how important he is to the Gunners.
Song had missed the last three Premier League games due to suspension and the Arsenal defense struggled without his steadying presence in the midfield. He recorded 11 tackles and, more impressively, most of them were of the clean variety.
Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny spoke highly of Song in an interview on the Arsenal website.
"Song returned to the Gunners’ starting line-up after missing the team’s last three league fixtures through suspension, and Koscielny believes the Cameroon international is a vital cog in the Arsenal machine.
"I think we defended very well - all the team defends together. It's very important to have Alex [Song] near the centre backs, because he stops the opportunities coming to the other team. It's good for us."
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Getting a draw against one of Arsenal's two competitors to advance from the group was big—especially on the road. They had a 1-0 lead until the 88th minute when Borussia Dortmund substitute Ivan Perisic hit a terrific volley past Wojciech Szczesny to earn a point.
As unsatisfying of a finish as it was, Arsenal fans should look at the big picture and understand a draw is a good result for that fixture. If the team can take advantage of the home rematch against Die Borussen, their chances of advancing to the knockout stages will be good.
The Gunners have a favorable schedule over the next couple weeks and will have a chance to integrate some of their new pieces into the lineup without it being in a major pressure situation.
While expectations should continue to be tempered due to the offseason losses, perhaps Arsenal won't fall into the doldrums like people were predicting after the “Big Three” walked out of the door.
The return of Song is just one reason that the forecast at the Emirates is slowly improving once again.
