Arsenal Find Balance, Ozil Enjoys Himself

Arsene Wenger firmly defended record signing Mesut Ozil in his pre-match press conference yesterday.  The Arsenal manager, along with the always-loyal contingent of Ozil fanatics, stuck by the German through his extensive dip in form, a shred of loyalty which paid off today at Villa Park. 

The obvious and correct assumption to make about Ozil’s excellent performance today is that playing him centrally makes all the difference.  Starting underneath Danny Welbeck, Ozil’s license to roam the pitch was returned to him.  

In recent matches, Ozil would start on the wing and still drift into the middle of the park, but starting him here makes a huge difference.  

This way, Ozil was able to pick up the ball in the middle with 360 degrees of options with which to choose from as opposed to being bogged down on one of the touchlines.  His movement off the ball was fantastic as well, maintaining a certain level of fluidity with his playmaking mate Cazorla.  

Early on, it was evident Ozil was enjoying himself.  His first touch was astronomically more confident than it has been since the start of the season, and a side that lacked Arsenal's two best players from last weeks 2-2 draw benefited as a result.   

However, the positional shift is just part of the reason why Ozil enjoyed such a fruitful afternoon.  Without Alexis and Jack Wilshere in the side, more space was allocated in the middle for the German, and as a result there was much less congestion in the area of the pitch he is most dangerous in. 

Wilshere had been arguably the best Gunner in the past two fixtures, but he can’t play every game, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Aaron Ramsey on the bench next time out for Arsenal.  He needs a rest, and his dip in form has reached a boiling point.  

Similarly, Alexis’ exclusion was also necessary, as the Chilean has been tireless in his recent performances which have yielded three goals in four games.  Santi Cazorla deserved his start today, as did Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who has been a spark plug in each of his substitute appearances for Arsenal.    

Without a doubt though, the confidence Arsene Wenger instills in his players was on full display today.  Ozil, so often criticized both fairly and unfairly in his Arsenal tenure, has always had the support of his manager.  

Patrick Vieira, captain of the Invincibles side from 2003-2004, claims that the French manager’s biggest strength is the trust he has in his players.  Through thick and thin, Wenger has trusted Ozil and made sure he keeps the billing as Arsenal’s biggest and most important signing.  

Wenger could have subbed the German later on, but opted to leave Ozil on the field; he was simply enjoying himself too much to be taken off.  

Going into the match, Aston Villa were lauded for their early-season form, but Arsenal had other ideas.  Playing Ozil underneath the striker had a lot of to with it, but the balance that Arsene Wenger found in his side was phenomenal.  

Today Arsenal featured a side without one player playing out of position; something we’re not very accustomed to seeing.  It isn’t necessarily about getting all of the best players on the field at once, it’s about getting the right ones, something Arsene Wenger nailed in today’s statement win on the road.  

Arsenal Must Improvise

Do what you can, where you are, with what you have was always an idea instilled in me growing up.  The transfer window closed two weeks ago, yet what seems to be the biggest concern among Arsenal fans still is the failure to sign a defensive midfielder.  

Rather than sit in front of a computer and find a creatively profane way to berate Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis, or Mesut Ozil on twitter, one must look at what the club have available to them at this exact moment.  

Yesterday’s game against Borussia Dortmund was indicative of the fact that Mikel Arteta is not the answer at the base of midfield for Arsenal.  Arteta appears to be getting slower by the fixture, and his once sharp ball-retention isn't what it once was.  

Anyone who watches the Gunners knows that Mathieu Flamini is just as subpar of an option.  His intensity and work rate are outstanding, as is his on-field leadership.  Like Arteta though, he is slowing down physically.

Per Mertesacker and Laruent Koscielny have not been as sharp as they were last season thus far, but there is hardly any cover in front of them.  Arteta’s listless display showed a change is absolutely necessary, but since buying a top player is not an option for a few months, the Gunners must improvise.  

It wouldn’t be so farfetched of an idea to try and play Aaron Ramsey out of position at the base of midfield.  The Welshman has endured a poor start to the season, and albeit he has scored some clutch goals late on in matches, his overall quality cowers to that of last season’s.  

Ramsey is a tough tackler, an excellent passer, and his work rate is outstanding.  Arsenal fans will point to the fact that his offensive game lifts the team, but right now the Gunners are so thin in front of their back line that other needs must be addressed.  

Ramsey’s struggles are not as well-documented as those of Mesut Ozil, but they are arguably just as bad at the moment.  Dropping him into a deeper role may not be the flashiest move in the public eye, but who else does Arsenal have right now?

Ramsey would, of course, have to improvise as well.  His license to streak forward would have to be suspended, as would his affinity for audacious moves with the ball at his feet.  In the long run, it’s a stretch to say Ramsey’s future is in the defensive midfield.  But, that’s what Arsenal need right now and over time a simpler approach will benefit the Welshman’s overall game.  

People tend to forget that when Mikel Arteta was purchased from Everton, he was a #10, and not a steely midfielder.  Arteta has logged a few decent performances since Wenger moved him to a deeper role, but he doesn't have enough gas left in the tank to be the player Arsenal need.

For all the offensive weapons Arsenal have in midfield, they can afford to temporarily play someone out of position who has the quality to succeed there.  Jack Wilshere is another option, but he isn’t in the same physical mold as Ramsey and has a history of poor temperament. 

Calum Chambers is also an idea, and probably the best immediate solution.  However, Chambers’ talents right now need to be allocated to covering the thinnest back line in the premier league, especially given the fitness of Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal.  

The idea of Ramsey being utilized where Arteta currently is wouldn’t be a proper utilization of the Welshman’s talents.  However, it is a temporary solution, and could very well be the best one for Arsenal.  

Arsene Wenger will be keen to sign a defensive midfielder in January, but until then sacrifices must be made with what pieces are already at the club’s disposal. 

Welbeck 'That Guy?'

England put doubts to rest about the state of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a satisfying 2-0 win over Switzerland tonight.  A nation still suffering the after effects of a horrendous performance in Brazil, England can rest easy that their Three Lions are headed in the right direction.  

Jack Wilshere, albeit not in his best performance, gave a glimpse of what life after Steven Gerrard could be like for England.  Jordan Henderson, tireless as ever, filled his usual quota of long runs and defensive cover.  Often the whip of English fans’ criticisms, Wayne Rooney also turned in a good shift.

The star of the show was Danny Welbeck though.  Arsenal’s latest addition spurned a glorious chance in the first half, but atoned for his lack of opportunism with two goals to secure a winning start in qualifying.  

When he returns to London Colney tomorrow, Welbeck will get his first chance to train with his new Arsenal teammates, culminating in a weekend showdown with holders Manchester City.  It’s almost a guarantee that Welbeck will start at the tip of the Arsenal attack on saturday, today’s performance indicative of what he is capable of.  

Like Olivier Giroud, he brings more to the game than scoring goals, as evident in his excellent passing numbers and ability to interchange with his teammates.  However unlike the Frenchman, Welbeck has the pace to make runs in behind the defense.  This will suit Arsenal’s midfield, which is adept at finding pacing runs in the final third.

What he showed today though, is that he can deliver when trusted in the middle.  Welbeck’s qualities are not that of an ruthless goalscorer like Diego Costa or Falcao, but his all-around game will compliment those who line up next to him.  

At Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil led Europe in assists, thanks in large-part to the pace of Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s runs.  In the absence of Theo Walcott and the inclusion of Alexis last season, Arsenal were stagnant, often playing a midfielder on the wing and the less-than-quick Giroud up top.  

Welbeck brings another dimension to the forward position; he has the pace that Giroud will never have, and the size that Alexis needs to be more consistent in the #9 role.  The biggest thing to take from today was his ability to take chances, and there will be plenty of chances at Arsenal.

It’s imperative that Welbeck integrates himself with the side in the days leading up to saturday.  If Arsene Wenger can see this transition through, Danny Welbeck’s impact at the Emirates will be very positive. 

Same Old Wenger

A year ago, Arsenal fans were treated to one of the most memorable deadline days in history.  Arsene Wenger shattered the club transfer record and brought in Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, but there was no repeat of last years drama this time around.  

Arsenal have become accustomed to being linked with big names recently, so the ‘breaking news’ that Danny Welbeck had joined the Emirates was underwhelming to say the least.  Welbeck is a good buy though, because at the moment Yaya Sanogoals is living up to his unfortunate nick name.  

At Manchester United, Welbeck was usually deployed on the left instead of his preferred position at center forward.  At Arsenal, his wish will be granted and could yet blossom under Arsene Wenger.  At just 23, Welbeck joins an already strong core of British players.

People were understandably upset after the transfer window closed.  Danny Welbeck was not what they wanted, but this is nothing new from Wenger.  While most fans prefer to live in the moment and focus on the most readily available sources of banter, Wenger is always thinking about the future.  

From Wenger’s point of view, he has a few reserve players who he’s willing to bet can challenge for the first team within a year or two.  Isaac Hayden is an excellent example of a young player Wenger rates very highly.  

Hayden possesses the exact skill set that Arsenal fans have been calling for; he’s a big and physical center back who can play defensive midfield too.  In the market, Wenger must weigh whether or not he wants to pay a transfer fee and dish out long-term contract for a player he reckons is already at the club.  

Serge Aurier looked Emirates-bound early on in the transfer window, but Debuchy’s signing proves Wenger knows what he’s doing.  With Bacary Sagna gone, the attractive option would have been to bring in the speedy Ivorian.  However, Wenger has Hector Bellerin coming through the ranks.

Bellerin impressed at the Emirates Cup and could make the right back spot his for the future.  Two years from now, Bellerin will be 21, Debuchy will be 31, and Carl Jenkinson will have picked up two years of premier league experience.  This is the best and most recent example of long-term plans being executed by Wenger.  

More immediately, Arsene Wenger is putting all the trust in the world in Calum Chambers.  Deemed ‘one for the future,’ Chambers is making his mark already at Arsenal.  His mistakes will become less and less frequent the more he plays.  Chambers offers cover in the defense and the midfield making his immediate value very high at Arsenal.  

Had Olivier Giroud not been injured, Arsenal could very well have not signed anyone on deadline day.  For who was available, and considering the business completed already, it isn’t too surprising that Arsenal ended up securing just Danny Welbeck.  

As a fan of the club myself, I was adamant that the boss needed at least one signing of a defensive player, whether it be in the midfield or back line.  The cruel nature of being an Arsenal fan however, is that Arsene Wenger doesn’t do it your way.  He does it his way, and this could be the best explanation for the lack of action in North London yesterday.  

Alexis Opens Account, Questions Remain

The relief amongst Arsenal fans is at a fever pitch right now, having just seen their team squeeze out a Champions League playoff tie against Besiktas.  Alexis netted his first competitive goal for the club, but Mathieu Debuchy was sent off with a quarter of an hour to go, making for a nervy ending in North London.  

For the sake of tradition however, Arsenal managed to make it to the group stages of the Champions League once again.  Arsene Wenger will be ecstatic that his men have hurdled this early season test, but questions still remain as to how he should set up his team, especially with the long-term absence of Olivier Giroud.  

Arsene Wenger confirmed after the match that he intends to play Alexis as the main striker while Giroud is on the sidelines.  This will not be enough to appease the fans, since the Everton game illustrated how the Gunners need a physical presence to lead the line at times.  Wenger did say after the match that he will pull the trigger on a striker ‘if he is good enough’ (in other words, he’s ready to spend).  

Credit to Alexis though, who harassed and chased the Besiktas back line for 90 minutes, had some flashes of brilliance with the ball at his feet, and most importantly scored the goal.  My dissertation of Alexis when he joined Arsenal was that he is a player with winger-like qualities, but striker-like instincts. 

The finish today was not a flashy one but it was almost a mirror image of the opportunistic goal he bagged against Brazil in the World Cup.  Arsenal fans will definitely appreciate the Chileans effort as well.  The relief on Alexis’ face after the goal was noticeable, and seeing him collapse after the full-time whistle was indicative of his work-rate and emotional investment in the club.  

The man of the match, however, was Jack Wilshere.  With Aaron Ramsey out following his red card in the first leg, Wilshere was tasked with filling the Welshman’s void in the middle of the park.  The 22 year old more than delivered, showing he isn’t ready to take a back seat to Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal.

In the dying moments of the game, there was one instance where the midfielder received the ball at the edge of his own box, turned beautifully through two Besiktas players, scampered past another two, and eventually found himself with the ball on the edge of the opposition’s box.  This kind of play is what we expect to see from Wilshere more often, but can he co-exist with Ramsey?

Wenger has a lot of thinking to do after this game.  Mesut Ozil was marooned on the left for most of the match, and looked far more effective in his visits to the the middle.  Santi Cazorla and Wilshere on the other hand, were placed more centrally and had better games as a result.  Ozil still had an impact on the game, delivering the assist for Sanchez’ goal, but one has to wonder why the club’s record signing is constantly being played out of position.  

This is something Wenger must figure out, because although Cazorla and Wilshere were both effective today, 42.5 million pounds should not be utilized on a player who will only see the field out of position.  With Theo Walcott back in the fold, I expect to see Ozil take up his familiar central role, while Cazorla will likely be surrendered to the bench

Now that Arsenal have seen their qualification to the group stages, Arsene Wenger has to deliver in the dying days of the transfer window.  A guarantee of Champions League football will boost their chances of signing a top player or two, but the Frenchman must figure out how to use the players he already has at the club.

Giroud Injury Further Complicates Things for Arsenal

Just when the criticisms of Olivier Giroud were reaching a boiling point, the Frenchman proved how much he means to Arsenal in a second half appearance at Goodison Park.  Excitement was at a fever pitch heading into the opening kickoff, with new signing Alexis slated to take up a center forward position.  45 minutes later, it was evident that it wasn’t going to be the Chilean’s day, and Giroud was summoned from the bench.  

It was expected that many would criticize Arsene Wenger’s decision to take off the 35 million pound man for a striker who is enduring a poor run of form.  Wenger justified his substitution in his post-match press conference, citing the need for a physical presence up front.  He was right, and Giroud’s impact earned the Gunners a resilient point against Everton.  

The happiness generated from the valiant comeback win was suppressed not long after with the news that Giroud could be out for weeks with a chance of missing as much as three months.  In a way, Arsenal are lucky to some degree that this injury didn’t happen ten days later.  

With less than a week left in the transfer window there is still time for Arsene Wenger to add a striker.  Then again, the injury at face value will only prompt the Frenchman to rue his failure to secure the services of an out-and-out striker already this summer.  Everyone in Europe is aware of the Gunners’ now desperate situation, and will likely squeeze Arsenal for every dime in any attempt to sign a striker. 

Today, Everton signed Samuel Eto’o for free in addition to the permanent capture of Romelu Lukaku.  Yesterday, Manchester City showed that they could lose two of their best strikers and still field another two top players up top.  Without Giroud, Arsenal have no instinctual number nines with a knack for goal.  

Yaya Sanogo earns praise for his work ethic and effort, but if that was what Arsenal were looking for they would have kept Marouane Chamakh around.  Alexis can play center forward, but Everton laid the blueprint on Saturday for how to slow down the Chilean.  Joel Campbell is unproven, Theo Walcott is unfit and likely to feature on the wing, and Lukas Podolski has not proved he can play through the middle effectively.  

At this point, there’s no excuse for Wenger not to act fast in the transfer market.  He will have to pay top-dollar, but that is nothing more than a consequence for not acting sooner.  Danny Welbeck has been named as a possible candidate, but his addition to the Emirates will not appease fans.  

With that being said, don’t be surprised if Arsene Wenger is forced to unload more of his checkbook in the closing days of the window as he did last season.  The difference, however, is that Mesut Ozil was not needed like a striker is needed right now.  

Eto’o would have been an acceptable addition, certainly better than nothing.  Arsene Wenger reportedly turned down the chance to sign Loic Remy, something he probably shouldn’t have done.  Liverpool signed Mario Balotelli for just 16 million pounds, surely prompting Arsenal fans to wonder why Arsenal weren't in the race for the talented yet enigmatic Italian.   

Regardless, times are desperate at the Emirates, and after the Champions League game against Besiktas Arsene Wenger must do something fast.  It's clear that the club would like to add a defensive midfielder and possibly a defender, but now it's imperative that they move signing a striker to the top of their wish list.

Ozil Returns at the Right Time

Arsenal sat atop the premier league table for more weeks than any other team last season.  They proved to be steady against mid-low table teams, but the biggest setbacks always came against the title contenders.  Arsenal were promptly routed away from home by Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool as their title hopes faded along with the fitness of several key players.

After a busy summer in the transfer market, Arsene Wenger still has time to complete more business.  The task at hand right now is a visit to Goodison Park on Saturday which will be a formidable early season test for the Gunners.  It's imperative that Wenger gets it right with his struggling team this weekend so as not to show early-season vulnerability.

Mesut Ozil sounds ready to rejoin the side, as do Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.  Similar to last season, Ozil joins the Gunners belatedly, this time the reason being Germany's triumph in Brazil.  Arsenal looked sluggish against Crystal Palace and were lucky to survive with three points, then drew 0-0 in Turkey with Besiktas on Tuesday.  The Gunners are hardly looking in form as of yet but the addition of the German could be a huge lift for the squad.

Alexis' form will likely improve in time as well as with the return of the Ozil, also allowing Aaron Ramsey to sit a little deeper and conserve his energy.  Then again, a stoppage time goal against Palace negated the need to worry about Ramsey's short-term fitness.  In the long run however, less ground covered will equate to a longer season for the Welshman.

Ozil will be immediately tasked with penetrating Everton's defensive core of James McCarthy, Gareth Barry, Sylvain Distin, and Phil Jagielka.  Even without Ross Barkley, Everton are an exceptional team with outstanding defenders.  The key for Ozil will be his movement off the ball and whether or not he combines well with Alexis and whoever else will feature up front.

Olivier Giroud will likely get the nod over Yaya Sanogo as the former continues to find consistent form in front of goal.  If Giroud could be a little more precise with his finishing, it could mean the difference for Arsenal against Roberto Martinez' men.  Santi Cazorla had a much better game on Tuesday, but Gunner fans wouldn't be too disappointed to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain get the nod.

It will also be interesting to see if Calum Chambers makes an appearance at a position other than center back.  With Mertesacker back in the squad, Chambers could see time at either defensive midfield or right back.  Chambers could negate the need for an extra defensive midfielder, but it remains to be seen if he has the steel to consistently disrupt play with physicality.  Arsenal will need to good showing from whoever plays alongside Ramsey.

With all things considered, this could be Ozil's chance to make a splash in the league from the get-go as he did last season.  His cutting-edge creative abilities are undoubted, but it's his work rate in league play that needs to improve the most.  That, along with his long-term durability in the premier league are what people will be most keen to criticize.  With Germany he showed more hunger to chase the ball, and perhaps a taste of gold will elevate Ozil's desire for more trophies.

Can Everton Survive Without Barkley?

Considered by many to be the answer to England’s problem at the playmaker role, Ross Barkley looked ready to further improve his star status in the 2014/2015 season.  His injury which could sideline him for months is an unfortunate one, not just for the Toffees but the entire league and the Three Lions too.  

After a disappointing 2-2 draw at Leicester City on Saturday, Roberto Martinez is under even more pressure to deliver a result against Arsenal at the weekend.  However, the Spaniard was coy on the prospect of bringing in a replacement for Barkley this week.  He does point out that even with the idea of a grueling European schedule, Everton have enough depth to cope with the loss of such a scintillating player.  

Martinez admitted that Everton cannot replace Ross Barkley, and he’s absolutely right.  I say that because Barkley has such high value and given the club's commitments to both him and Romelu Lukaku, I can’t imagine the Toffees spending anymore money this summer.  

Thus, other players will take their turn stepping into the 20-year old’s shoes in the attacking midfield.  Leon Osman has been a loyal servant to the Merseyside club, but Steven Pienaar, Steven Naismith, and Kevin Mirallas will platoon the position as well.  As I wrote the other day, Muhamed Besic has yet to feature for the club and may very well be an excellent replacement.  

At the weekend, Everton will host a sluggish-looking Arsenal.  The Gunners haven’t impressed since their 3-0 romp of Manchester City in the Community Shield, but Mesut Ozil will likely return to the lineup.  In his first appearance, whether it be off the bench or in a starting role, I don’t expect the German to be at his best, but the prospect of him joining the Arsenal attack is scary for Everton and will boost the performances of his teammates.  

James McCarthy and Gareth Barry must put in a good shift in the defensive midfield if they are to slow down the creative players for Arsenal.  Per Mertesacker could also return for Arsenal, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the impressive Calum Chambers features again alongside Laurent Koscielny.  

Some may look to this fixture as a must-win for both teams, but I would argue it is more of a must-win for Arsenal.  Arsenal have to establish confidence against good teams this early in the season, while Everton are under much less pressure to deliver a title-challenging campaign.  

Long-term, I wouldn’t worry too much about Everton.  Roberto Martinez’ reputation precedes itself, and this is a good enough team to the point where losing one player, albeit their best player, won’t bring them down.  Seamus Coleman will probably be fit for the Arsenal game, a big boost for a club in need of one.

Martinez has shown he is adept at overcoming challenges, and even with the absence of Barkley they should be able to create chances and defend well like they always do.  Lukaku will be fit soon, while Everton can always count on loyal performers at the back like Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, and Tim Howard.  

If Everton were to not pick up three points against Arsenal, it would be far from the end of the world.  Away to a newly-promoted club and home against a top four club is never an easy tandem of fixtures to begin a season with, but the schedule lightens for the Merseyside club in the coming weeks.  Under the pragmatic Roberto Martinez, Everton should be fine with the vacancy left by Ross Barkley.