Why Arsenal are far worse off than fans thought? by Soorya
Arsenal have just been obliterated in the Carabao Cup final by a far superior Manchester City in what was one of the worst performances of the season, one of the most humiliating defeats in the club’s history and ultimately a failure. Whilst highlighting City’s strength and depth; they rested £57 million Laporte and second top scorer Raheem Sterling and still comfortably beat us, this also emphasized Arsenal’s many deficiencies.
Approximately a month ago, after the signing of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, I wrote an article stating that his signing wouldn’t solve anything – and I was heavily condemned. At this point in time, sadly, I’ve been proven right. Whilst, his signing and the renewal of Ozil’s contract was a step in the right direction; they haven’t changed anything. If anything, Aubameyang is experiencing the same problems that Lacazette had, and before that Giroud. We don’t play to our striker’s strengths. When we had Giroud we rarely ever crossed the ball into the box for him to attack. Now we have Aubameyang and Lacazette, both pacey strikers and we rarely hit the ball in behind for them to chase. Against City, the high lines meant it would have been easy for Aubameyang to catch them out.
Then we come to the enigma that is Mesut Ozil. I am one of his biggest supporters and think it was vital we signed him to a new deal. But whilst, his performances undeniably improved after critiscism suffered earlier in the season, they have dropped again with him missing in two of our biggest matches, at Spurs and yesterday. To be fair to him, the rest of the midfield didn’t cover themselves in glory either. Ramsey and Xhaka walking back in a cup final, as Gary Neville said ‘Spineless’ the pair of them. Especially Xhaka, you are a defensive midfielder, start acting like one! Even then, does anyone know what purpose he fills in this current team. At least Francis Coquelin and Elneny acted like defensive midfielders. Wilshere and Ramsey, whilst Jack showed some passion and desire, failed to exact any control on the game yesterday. You’ve been at the club longer than both, start acting like you care for the club, and play for the badge. If anything play for the manager that gave the both of you a chance, and has been immensely loyal to you throughout your career.
However, whilst both our midfield and attack were poor yesterday, the defence is the real problem in our team. Lacking leaders, organisation and quality. Mustafi, what are you doing waving your hands about, it wasn’t a foul! You were just in the wrong position and got eased off the ball. Fix up or get out the club! Laurent Koscielny whilst you are our best defender, that’s not saying much. You need to act as a leader. You’re the senior defender, act as a mentor for Calum Chambers who is severely inexperienced. Though Chambers wasn’t awful yesterday, is he good enough for this club? Adams, Campbell, Dixon, Toure, Lauren and now Chambers. Not the same class, and that’s all that needs to be said. However, in truth, everyone knows Chambers shouldn’t have started yesterday and everyone knows that.
That’s the fault of Arsene Wenger. Why change from a back 4 to a back 5 and play a severely inexperienced centre back. Because it worked last season won’t mean it will work this one. We don’t have Sanchez to save us and CIty are a lot better. He has failed, again and again, to deliver tactically against a top manager and surely now enough is enough. Not only were we technically deficient, we didn’t show any heart or desire. Surely that’s the sign of a manager who has lost his dressing room. At this point, Arsene Wenger is simply destroying his legacy, Arsene, please just walk…..
Soorya Thavaraj