What are our midfield options against Liverpool? by AH
Well after yesterday’s disappointment in the lack of transfer movement, we now know our final squad. The Arsenal first XI looks reasonably strong however we lack in squad depth which could be a problem. I mentioned in my earlier squad analysis article that we had reasonably good reinforcements in most positions, however we lacked in two positions in particular – Defensive Midfield and Striker.
Now the defensive midfield problem can be fixed quite easily, by placing a central midfielder such as Arteta or Diaby in a holding midfield role, just behind the main central midfielder and then attacking midfielder, but it’s important that when you do pick a midfielder with an attacking flair, such as Diaby and Arteta to play that role, that the midfield as a whole protects the defence.
Alex Song is a perfect example of this problem, last season Song was great for us – attacking wise. Defensively he was average. He often left our defence open and didn’t do the job he was given to do. Song didn’t protect the back four as he was often up the pitch attacking and then when we lost the ball, the opposition would counter attack and then we would usually concede. I’m not saying Song was a poor player, I’m just saying he didn’t do the job he was told to do on the pitch.
So for a central midfielder to play as a holding midfielder, the midfield must defend as a whole. If Arteta (who is likely to play the holding midfield role) goes forward, then someone must stay back and take his place. That way the midfield rotates taking turns to add their individual qualities to the attack. It won’t always work but it will help the team as a whole and hopefully we can be stronger defensively as well as contributing to attack.
My personal favourite three man midfield to face Liverpool would be;
Wilshere —– Arteta ——– Cazorla
But obviously as Wilshere isn’t fit at the moment I would place Diaby in that position, or maybe move Arteta to where Wilshere is and put Diaby as the holding midfielder.
There are many options to rotate around with, Ramsey, Rosicky, Frimpong and Coquelin all available and it’s an important decision that Wenger needs to make tomorrow. I am sure he will swap things around during the season depending on how he rates the opposition, but if you were the Arsenal manager who would YOU choose for tomorrows game at Anfield?
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