Arsenal failed to pick a point against Southampton earlier today in a Premier League game. Below are the three things we learned from Arsenal defeat.
1- Arsenal still need a defender
The
first thing that comes to mind after watching such a miserable Arsenal
performance was the fragility of the Arsenal's defence. The return of Laurent
Koscielny was welcome news for the Gunners but the amount of chances presented
to the Southampton attack line was alarming. With two holding midfielders in
place, Arsene Wenger opted for a more conservative approach to the game but the
defence was sliced easily and often on the day. Per Mertesacker looked jaded
because of playing too many games on the trot. Koscielny had the opposite
problem with him playing only a handful of minutes all season. Arsenal are
desperately short of a centre-back to provide the duo with sufficient backup as
well as competition for their places.
2- A World Class striker
Another
weakness apparent was at the other end of the pitch. Arsenal rarely threatened
Fraser Forster’s goal and failed to penetrate the backline in front of them.
They found it hard to cope with the physicality of Victor Wanyama and Harrison
Reed and lost possession too often. They also lacked any aerial threat
whatsoever and the few crosses that were delivered found only the heads of the
Southampton defenders. Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud was sorely missed not
just because of his aerial prowess but also his ability to link up the play, a
feat Alexis Sanchez, deployed in the striker role, could not manage. Another
commanding striker in the lineup would do a world of good for this Arsenal
side.
3- Rotation of keepers
Wojciech
Szczesny had a terrible outing. He was at fault for both the goals Arsenal
conceded. I am a fan of Szczesny but every now and then he makes horrible
blunders and has cost Arsenal more than what is acceptable. He is a good keeper
and is still very young but when compared to the keepers in the other top teams
of the league, he is a class below the likes of David de Gea, Joe hart or
Thibaut Courtois. Maybe a run of games for David Ospina is in order to get the
competitive juices flowing will benefit both the shot stoppers.
Columnist: Hassan Naqvi
nicely written, i think martinez should be played he was very good.
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