Arsenal
Ron Vlaar Or Ashley Williams: Who Should Replace Vermaelen At Arsenal?
The summer has so far been a very fruitful one for Arsenal. Not only have they adequately replaced the players who left, but also brought into couple of really good signings that will hold them in good stead for the season to come. Arsenal now go into a new campaign with a squad that looks great going forward, has plenty of options in midfield and with the arrival of David Ospina looks well-stocked in the goalkeeping department as well.
But one area in which they are blessed with quality, but not quantity, is at the back. Although the Gunners looked solid defensively last season, just like last time out, they lack the numbers at the back at the start of this one. The addition of Mathieu Debuchy in place of Bacary Sagna means that they have at least two players fighting for one place. It is the same on the other flank as well with Kieran Gibbs ahead of Nacho Monreal and unless the latter leaves they at least cover either Debuchy or Gibbs gets injured.
The same however, cannot be said of the centre back slot. As good as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were last season, they only had Thomas Vermaelen as back-up. With Mertesacker unlikely to play in their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace and Vermaelen likely to move away from the club to either Manchester United or Barcelona, the club might be left with just one fit centre back for the clash. And the lack of cover might just throw a spanner in the works of their title charge.
So, there is no doubt that the Gunners do need someone as a back-up irrespective of whether Vermaelen leaves or stays. In this article, we look into two realistic targets Arsenal should look into – Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar and Swansea City’s Ashley Williams. So who fits in better at Arsenal? Will be one of heroes of the Netherlands’ third-place finish in Vlaar or will it be Swansea’s Mr. Dependable?
While both of them are undoubtedly talented, let us take a closer look as to who will be a better fit at Arsenal. The three main criteria of comparison is their defensive contribution, their threat going forward and their suitability to the club.
Defending
Defensive contribution of Vlaar and Williams in the Premier League last season
| Ron Vlaar | Ashley Williams | |
| Games Played | 32 | 34 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 2.3 |
| Tackles won | 1.7 | 1.1 |
| Clearances | 7 | 9.5 |
| Blocks | 0.6 | 1.1 |
| % of Aerial duels won | 60.8 | 57.1 |
| Fouls committed | 0.3 | 0.9 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
Both Vlaar and Williams were a key part of their respective sides last season and much of that was because of their ability at the back. In terms of blocks, tackles and interceptions, there is not much to choose between the two and while Williams made more blocks and interceptions, Vlaar comes out on top in terms of tackles, but it is a very close-run thing indeed. It is only in terms of clearances that there is a clear winner, with Williams emerging out on top in this battle.
However, Vlaar, or “concrete Ron” as he is fondly known, was a giant in the air, winning more than 60% of his aerial duels and leading an otherwise inexperienced Villa back-line to safety last time around. Not only did Vlaar win so many duels but he also fouled his opponents a lot less. In fact, although Vlaar was physical in his approach, he made just one-third of the fouls that Williams did and that as a defender is simply sublime. Both at the World Cup and throughout the League last season, Vlaar held together an inexperienced defence and showed the value of being not just a great defender but a leader as well and that is why, defensively Vlaar comes out on top.
Attacking threat
Offensive contribution of Vlaar and Williams in the Premier League last season
| Ron Vlaar | Ashley Williams | |
| Games Played | 32 | 34 |
| Goals/ assists | 0/1 | 1/1 |
| Chances created | 4 | 5 |
| Pass accuracy | 77 | 86 |
| Passes | 25.5 | 48.6 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
While it was a close fight defensively, offensively there is simply just one winner. Whether it is starting attacks, creating opportunities for team mates from the back or attacking the ball from set-pieces, there is one clear winner among the two. Ashley Williams has shown time and again why he is so good at bringing the ball out of the back and not just scoring but also creating opportunities for his team-mates. Williams not only passes the ball a lot more than Vlaar but is also far more accurate than the Dutchman and that is why Williams is without doubt, the better of the two players going forward.
Suitability to club
With Mertesacker and Koscielny likely to remain first-choice once again, the Gunners need someone who doesn’t mind being on the bench. While both Vlaar and Williams play for clubs that finished in the bottom half of the table, the latter is wanted by other clubs as well and would be looking for a first-team place. Vlaar on the other hand, has shown that he doesn’t mind playing second fiddle and the fact that he is that Arsenal could very well do with a physically imposing centre back.
Verdict
On the back of a sublime World Cup, Vlaar looks like a much better proposition than Williams, who is likely to not just cost more but would also command a first-team slot right away. Vlaar’s experience and his commanding presence in central defence, would be a welcome addition to the Gunners, who would do well to snap him up before some other club does.
Arsenal
Eni Aluko Responds to Laura Woods’ Damning Comments With Long Statement as Ian Wright Row Continues
Eni Aluko has responded to a lengthy social media thread from Laura Woods amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her feud with Ian Wright. Aluko caused outrage in 2025 when she accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits, and she has reaffirmed her stance this week.
The former England international, who represented the Lionesses 105 times during her career, bemoaned the fact that two men, Wright and Nedum Onuoha, were on the punditry panel for the Women’s Euro 2025 final. This reignited a debate that many thought had been settled months ago.
Woods Pushes Back on Caps Argument
Woods took to social media on Monday morning to post a long thread explaining that caps don’t win automatic work. That comment came after Aluko pointed out she was sitting in the stands of last year’s final next to Fara Williams, who has 172 England caps.
The TNT Sports presenter added, “The women’s game should be by women for women is one of the most damaging phrases I’ve heard. It will not only drag women’s sport backwards, it will drag women’s punditry in all forms of the game backwards.” This is a fair point from Woods, who has built her career on merit rather than relying on playing credentials.
Aluko Stands Firm on Position
Responding to Woods, with whom she has worked previously, the 38 year old stated, “I respect Laura’s opinion as I have always done. I believe that women’s football should prioritise women as the faces of the sport. I think women should be the dominant force in the women’s game in the same way that men are the dominant force in the men’s game.”
Aluko also slammed Wright for declining her attempted apology last year. “When I apologised to Ian Wright publicly and privately, he had an opportunity to show grace. Unfortunately my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect.” This ongoing feud shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Also read: London City Lionesses vs. Everton Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27 revealed three critical truths about their title challenge and season trajectory heading into the final stretch.
The Gunners showed resilience but exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could prove catastrophic against Manchester City. Martin Odegaard’s clinical finishing and Brighton’s own goal masked deeper problems within Arsenal’s structure. Mikel Arteta’s men survived because Brighton lacked quality, not because Arsenal dominated.
Arsenal’s Defensive Fragility Remains Their Achilles Heel
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s nervous display highlighted Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns. The young left-back was withdrawn after 67 minutes with Arteta forced to shift Piero Hincapie left and introduce Gabriel Magalhaes. Brighton created legitimate chances through Yasin Ayari and Yankuba Minteh, with the latter forcing a world-class David Raya save in the 89th minute.
Manchester City will punish these defensive lapses ruthlessly. William Saliba appeared uncomfortable throughout, and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience showed repeatedly. Arsenal need Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori back to full fitness immediately. Without consistent defensive solidity, no amount of Odegaard brilliance secures the title.
Fortuitous Circumstances Carried Arsenal Rather Than Merit
Georginio Rutter’s own goal proved the difference in reality. Arsenal should have been 2 to 0 up at half-time with multiple clear chances. Martin Zubimendi had a guilt-edge header saved by Bart Verbruggen. Leandro Trossard fired wide from close range.
The hosts never played at optimum level despite dominating possession. Brighton grew into the game after half-time and genuinely threatened. The narrative of Arsenal’s unstoppable form crumbles when examining performance metrics. They’re winning tightly contested matches through individual moments rather than systematic dominance.
Gyokeres Still Needs Time to Adjust
Viktor Gyokeres had a sloppy opening 45 minutes according to GOAL’s ratings. The Swedish summer signing is struggling to find rhythm in Arsenal’s system. His involvement in link up play remains pedestrian.
Arsenal invested heavily in Gyokeres expecting elite performance immediately. Instead they’re watching a player adapting to new surroundings without consistent output. Against City’s defensive intensity, Gyokeres cannot afford settling in periods. Arsenal need him sharp now, not eventually.
Also read: Opta Supercomputer Predicts Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixture Against Brighton
Arsenal
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Brighton: Odegaard’s Clinical Finish and Rutter Own Goal Secure Gunners Top Spot
Arsenal secured a 2 to 1 win over Brighton on December 27 to maintain their Premier League summit position. Martin Odegaard’s clinical 15th-minute finish set the tone before Georginio Rutter’s own goal in the 53rd minute appeared to secure a comfortable victory.
Diego Gomez’s 64th-minute rebound sparked a nervy finish, but David Raya’s world-class save from Yankuba Minteh sealed crucial three points as Arsenal held their two-point cushion over Manchester City.
Goalkeepers and Defence
David Raya (8/10): Didn’t really have a great deal to do for the first 60 minutes. He could do little about Brighton’s goal but made a world-class stop to deny Minteh late on with fierce curling strike.
Declan Rice (7/10): Playing in an unfamiliar right-back role, the midfielder played his part in the buildup to Odegaard’s goal. His corner led to Arsenal’s second. Did a solid job once again for his team in an energetic display.
William Saliba (6/10): The Frenchman had no real howlers but didn’t excel in Arsenal’s backline either. Will be glad to have centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes back alongside him soon.
Piero Hincapie (7/10): The summer signing has been a solid addition for Arsenal and didn’t do much wrong, both at centre-back and left back against Brighton.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10): On his first Premier League start of the season, partly due to Riccardo Calafiori’s withdrawal from the warm-up, he did not do a great deal. Arteta chose to take off the left-back, move Hincapie to that position, and bring on Gabriel instead.
Midfield and Attack
Martin Odegaard (7/10): Rifled in a terrific finish when given time and space to do so. Had a bit of swagger early on but that dimmed as Brighton turned on the pressure.
Martin Zubimendi (6/10): Was part of a midfield that looked in control and then that switched after the Brighton goal. May need to offer a bit more going forward.
Mikel Merino (6/10): The Spaniard has been excellent as a makeshift striker but wasn’t nearly as effective in his usual midfield role.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Calmly assisted Odegaard for Arsenal’s opener and had the beating of left-back Maxim De Cuyper. Didn’t have many moments to shine but still can produce something from nothing.
Viktor Gyokeres (5/10): Had a sloppy and unconvincing start, both with and without the ball. Improved a bit but it’s just not clicking for the summer signing.
Leandro Trossard (6/10): The Belgian, who was getting a bit of stick from the travelling support, had a decent game against his former club but wasn’t as effective as the encounter wore on.
Also read: Arsenal vs. Brighton: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
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