The Three Amigos deserve Credit. By Galen Sona.
In the last few days, the focus and limelight has shone on Sanchez, Ozil and Lacazette, everyone has raved about how good our front 3 is. Pundits have all spoken about how on their day they could take apart any team in the league. The Tottenham game had the high pressing, fluid passing and the movement of Ozil, Sanchez and Lacazette was a great audition of how this front 3 could look like. But what no one is talking about is the defence. The real three Amigos.
For Arsenal to have a good season Koscielny, Mustafi and Monreal must all stay fit. They are the main reason why we are doing so well. Playing Koscielny and Monreal on the side of Mustafi was a brilliant move by Mr Wenger. Lets be honest, we all complained when we saw Mustafi as the center of the 3 CB. Most of us wanted Koscielney to be the Middle man. I want to give Mr Wenger some credit for making this bold decision. I think they complement each other in the most wonderful way. Personally, I think Koscielny and Nacho are better ball playing CB’s than Mustafi which means they could join the attack better. But Mustafi covers well and he is very good positionally. He also has better leadership skills. His command of English and his overall communication and sign language is so much better. He is a more natural and vocal leader than Koscielny for example and having him in the middle is like having that Super glue, holding everything together.
Now lets talk about Mustafi,
Mustafi has been very impressive, the way he has dealt with Morata, Kane, has been wonderful, and for a small CB he is extremely good in the air. The stats are even more pronounced. Arsenal have conceded only once in the seven league games he has started. In the six he hasn’t played, we have conceded 15 goals in the League. He is not the biggest physically, his strengths lie instead in defensive organisation and anticipation. Following that fantastic display in the win over Tottenham, he was exceptional again when facing a different test at Burnley. Mustafi is our Super Glue.
This is what the Gaffer had to say with regards to Mustafi, “He’s naturally a talker, an organiser, and I felt in the middle of the three he could come out more. He’s also a guy who throws his body in to block the shots, and he is helpful in covering other players,”
I think our fantastic 3 is actually the back 3 and not the front 3. I just wanted everyone to know and pray that this 3 stay fit. If they do we are going to go places. They represent the solid foundation we can build our team on.
One game at a time, so lets focus on Huddersfield. I know everyone is talking about the Manchester United game on Saturday, but for me, three points against Huddersfield is the same as three points against Manchester United. Hopefully we shall all have a good week. Am looking forward to our magical trio showing their worth.
By Galen Sona.