Check out this list of ten things learnt from Arsenal’s opening ten games of the Premier League season. Including Alexis Sanchez’s impact and mistakes against Chelsea…
Arsenal have had a somewhat erratic start to the 2014/15 campaign, but still manage to find themselves in the top four and in contention for top spot in their Champions League group. It has already become clear that the Gunners have a number of issues this season which need to be addressed; but what are they?
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Here are ten things we’ve learnt from Arsenal’s opening ten games in the Premier League:
10) Defensive Failings
Not replacing former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen at the start of the season is looking like a big mistake on Arsene Wenger’s part.
It certainly seemed like the right time to sell the Belgian defender, and getting £15m for him from Barcelona looks now like a fantastic bit of business by the Frenchman.
He needed to be replaced however, and even improved upon if possible. A number of defensive injuries have already threatened to derail Arsenal’s season and a centre-back in January is an absolute must.
9) Wenger still can’t handle the big games
One of Arsenal’s main problems last season was their woeful results against their top four rivals, and they don’t look to have improved greatly in that department this campaign either.
Draws with both Tottenham and Manchester City at the Emirates were not acceptable for the Gunners, and their 2-0 loss against Chelsea was a disappointing, if somewhat predictable, result.
8) Kieran Gibbs needs to stay fit
Left-back Kieran Gibbs has been fantastic for the Gunners so far this season, proving defensively sound as well as providing a fantastic attacking outlet down the left along with Alexis Sanchez.
Injuries are still a huge problem for the Englishman however, but if he can stay for the entire season then he will surely by a vitally important part of any title challenge Arsenal are hoping to mount.
7) Super Pole between the poles
Arsenal have not had two top quality goalkeepers in a long time, and the young Pole Wojciech Szczesny has often been criticised for becoming complacent when he has no real competition.
When Lukasz Fabianski temporarily became Arsenal’s first choice last season Szczesny was forced to up his game, and it seems the same has happened this season with the acquisition of Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina.
6) Where is the Welsh Wizard?
Aaron Ramsey was an absolute revelation last season, his 12 goals and nine assists making him one of the best midfielders in Europe.
He has failed to start this campaign in the same vein however, and has looked a shadow of the player he was in 2013/14.
5) Real steel is needed
Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta have been fantastic servants for the club, but it has become clear to most that they are no longer of the standard required at Arsenal.
A powerful defensive midfielder with energy and pace is definitely needed, ideally in January but next summer at the very latest.
4) £32m Chilean bargain
Alexis Sanchez seems to have been an absolute bargain at £32m. For a player of his pedigree and ability we are now used to seeing fees more than double that.
He is quickly becoming one of Arsenal’s most important players, and looks capable of great things in the Premier League.
3) Mesut Ozil mystery
The former Real Madrid star has struggled slightly since coming to Arsenal. His performances may not have been as bad as the media have made out at times, but he has certainly failed to live up to his £42.5m transfer fee.
Having suffered a nasty injury he will now be out until the new year, but will the German ever come good at Arsenal?
2) Wenger knows best
For the last few seasons a number of Arsenal fans have been clamouring for Arsene Wenger to be replaced. Having ended the Gunners’ lengthy trophy drought last season and making a number of superb signings this summer however, it looks like the Frenchman is still capable of doing a job.
1) Welcome Welbeck
Danny Welbeck may not be the new Thierry Henry like Arsenal fans suggested following his Galatasaray hat-trick, but he does look like exactly the kind of player the Gunners need.
£16m could prove to be a bargain for a young English player of his quality, and given time up front he could become a real talent.
Once Olivier Giroud returns from injury Arsene Wenger will be given the kind of selection headache he has only dreamed of in the last couple of seasons.