It is the time where Arsenal cannot afford to slip up any cheap points that they are facing trouble in their back line. As almost the first half of the season looms by and the Gunners find themselves at the wrong end of the table. With only 21 points after 14 games and sitting behind rivals Tottenham at 7th place is not a happy sight for any Arsenal fan.
After the first few games of the season Arsenal had the best defensive record and it looked like the appointment of new assistant coach Steve Bould has turned out perfect for Arsenal but as games went by the team started to weather about and leak goals. Injuries to left back Gibbs and constant blunders from his replacement Santos made Wenger to call it a day and finally use Vermaelen on the left side which dint work either. Arsenal have now conceded 14 goals in the league so far and though it may not look like a figure to worry, the Gunners have only managed to score 24 – a number equaled by West Brom and Everton.
Andre Santos looking out on optionsSpeaking of defensive crisis, Arsenal’s left back has hinted about leaving the club.
Santos told Esporte: “My idea is to stay in Europe. I want to keep playing, wherever it might be.
“I still have many objectives on this continent, some clubs from Turkey have called me, but there is nothing concrete.
“If there is any interest from Sao Paulo we’ll talk as I’m professional, but there was nothing.”
Though it may not be a concern for many Arsenal fans, Wenger could be short of men at the back-line if any other player is injured having already lost Koscielny for three weeks. This means that Vermanelen and Mertesacker will pair up at the centre and Gibbs and Sagna on the full back positions. Any injury to any one of the players and Wenger could be left with Djourou and Squillachi.
A couple of seasons ago, Arsenal would have to play bad or be unlucky to draw and lose games but those days are long gone. This is the time where Arsenal are easily outplayed, their players simply can’t put up with the opposing team’s defense, and attack, be it a mid table team, or teams from the table’s lower part !