Arsenal: Is it the lack of quality players or...?

In the recent FA Cup tie between the Gunners and Swansea City, we saw the two sides of Arsenal. During the first half, they were calm in their passing but it was sort of boring. The defence wasn’t threatened until Michu came on and scored a goal, which shook the Arsenal setup.

Then we saw the other side of Arsenal, the desperate team which actually upped the ante and started playing the football we wanted them to play. Coupled with Swansea’s inability to defend, they made a string of passes that put them in the lead. But then, they let Swansea get back into the game. There were bad mistakes that the team made during the game and that explains to us how they have performed below expectations this year too.

1. Playing the offside trap is just not working out for Arsenal

To play the offside trap, you require two really quick center-backs, who can make up ground in case the offside trap fails. But barring Thomas Vermaelen, no other center-back has the capability to perform such a task.

In this image, what I have tried to represent is Kyle Bartley’s ball to Danny Graham in the first half. Mertesacker and Koscielny play the offside trap, thinking Graham won’t be able to get onside. But he does get onside and now, they are left to make up acres of space. This is a tricky situation once you put yourself against fast players like Michu which led to the goal.

These players are suited for the cover type of defense.

Here, I am trying to represent how a cover defense prevents counter-attacks. Here, a long ball reaches the second striker (Danny Graham). In that case, Mertesacker should be the first to attack the ball. Koscielny sits back in case no one wins the first ball and Koscielny can clear on the first bounce. Now, you may think the main striker (Michu) is unmarked and will get past both defenders. That is where Arteta plays a pivotal role. He is supposed to protect Koscielny by marking Michu so he can’t get to the ball if no one wins the first duel. This is better suited for Arsenal’s defenders but doesn’t suit the playing style of Arsenal.

2. Offensive problems – Arsenal are missing two players

People may think Fabregas was replaced by Cazorla when he was signed from Malaga earlier in the season. Robin Van Persie was replaced long before by Olivier Giroud, or so we thought. The fact is they are the irreplaceable type of players, like Vieira and Henry. Arsenal’s offensive capabilities have been affected when teams have marked Santi Cazorla. There is a significant difference in the style of play of both players. While Fabregas didn’t have to fear when he was closed down by opposition, the whole of Arsenal trembles when Cazorla is closed down. For while Fabregas’ job is to unlock the defense, Cazorla requires a lot of space to make an impact in the game. Both of them are playmakers, but Fabregas made plays from the center of the park, and Cazorla from the wings. So Fabregas isn’t as quick and a dribbler as Cazorla, he only needs to make a through-ball to…Robin Van Persie.

While we may try to deny it, the fact is we are missing a player of his quality. Olivier Giroud, as in the previous case, plays a different style of football from Van Persie. While RvP can make things happen with his feet, Giroud’s strength lies in his head. Unfortunately, with the wingers feeding him ground passes, we don’t expect Giroud to reach his full potential. Arsene Wenger keeps on saying Arsenal have good players and I won’t disagree with him. But what is wrong with Arsenal?

3. Good players, the wrong style of play

What am I suggesting here? A style which has brought plaudits from everyone in the footballing world should not ideally be questioned. But hear me out. Per Mertesacker is good in the air and Koscielny is a good tackler. But the offside trap is too much for them. Cazorla’s and Fabregas’ style contrast isn’t fit for the former. Our style of play doesn’t fulfil the wishes of Giroud. And so many fans would wish Arsenal would move on from the out-dated style of football Arsenal play. The wrong personnel for the wrong position and a very in-flexible and predictable style and formation. Why can’t Arsene Wenger experiment with another style, make his formations flexible and try new things? You may say, Arsene is stubborn and will stick to his ways. But then again, if he created a style of play that benefited two special players, why can’t he do it again?