It has not been the most illustrious start to Unai Emery’s tenure as Arsenal boss, especially for our defence who have conceded 8 goals in the first 4 matches. They obviously need protection from their midfielders, and surely that was the reason that we bought Lucas Torreira to be our beast of a defensive midfielder?
The Arsenal legend Martin Keown certainly thinks so. “Emery now has his chance to reflect during the international break.” Keown said in the Mail. “This is a period of calm for the new head coach. If I was in his staff, I’d be saying we need to consider making a change to the system. Arsenal’s centre backs Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis aren’t really the best in possession of the ball. Emery has very creative players who play further up the pitch but he needs a figure who can sit in deep midfield. Lucas Torreira could be that man and he could then help the back two out.
“It can sometimes feel like we’re watching a youth team whose players are trying to be developed into passers. Manchester City play 4-1-2-3, with a deep midfielder and two creative players either side. That may be the way for Emery to go.”
I think this is a no-brainer! I know Emery thinks that Torreira needs more time to settle in and learn his new tactics, but he has looked more than able every time he has come on as a substitute. If Arsenal really want to stop leaking goals regularly, Torreira simply must start every game!
Sam P