There was a time when Arsene Wenger and Arsenal prided themselves on winning games 1-0, but thanks to Arsene Wenger’s failure in capturing a top quality central defender in the summer, the defence looks paper-thin and vulnerable against most Premier League teams. But even after Alexis Sanchez put the Londoners ahead in South Wales, thanks to a wonderfully orchestrated counter attack, Sigurdsson and Gomis scored late on to clinch all three points for the high-fliers from Wales. With the likes of Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney hell bent on resurrecting Manchester United’s sloppy start to the season with their trip to the Emirates in about a week’s time, Arsene Wenger needs to ring in a few changes to his team to rattle one of their fellow sleeping giants in the Premier League. Here are three changes Arsene Wenger must make for the visit of Manchester United.
Nacho Monreal:
Although Calum Chambers had an afternoon to forget at the Liberty Stadium, with Jefferson Montero dancing past him all evening including when he left the former Southampton man in his wake to set up Gomis’ winner, Nacho Monreal seemed uncomfortable in his central defensive role and was found wanting for the second Swansea goal. With French internationals Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy injured, Arsenal’s defence continues to come under the most scrutiny. Chambers, however offers a much responsible option in central defence, which could pave the way for Hector Bellerin to potentially face Angel Di Maria down Arsenal’s right. But it’s been some time since Monreal turned up in an Arsenal shirt with a proper performance and should be dropped immediately with Chambers shifting to centre back.
Mathieu Flamini:
Mathieu Flamini turned out to be a masterstroke from Wenger when he returned to the club on a free transfer when he seamlessly fitted into an injury-stricken Arsenal and increasingly became the bed rock of the team in his quarterback role. But Flamini’s deficiencies are increasingly coming to the fore and hurting Arsenal in key matches. It has been a while since the often ‘soft’ labelled Arsenal team had a non-comprising warrior, a tough tackler, and someone who could break up the opposition’s play. But Flamini’s sloppiness on the ball and his deficiencies in passing doesn’t help Arsenal’s intention of controlling things in midfield and dictating the pattern of play. Mikel Arteta, if fit, should take the Frenchman’s place.
Santi Cazorla:
High time Arsene Wenger unleashed some raw pace on the opposition. Santi Cazorla has had a hit-and-miss season so far, impressive performances sandwiched between drab, dull ones. The Spaniard barely had an impact against the Swans and left wing doesn’t seem to be a position he favors much, letting the team down by neglecting his defensive duties. Theo Walcott will not just provide lightning pace down the right flank, but a more directness to Arsenal’s attacking play. Arsenal have let go of a 3-0 lead against Anderlecht with 29 minutes to go, and to let another lead slip with 15 minutes to go does call for concern. The work ethic of the team needs to improve, and in an attacking sense, Cazorla’s inconsistency only adds to the pressure on Sanchez to deliver the goals.