Getting right down to business, this season for Arsenal has been more or less a disappointment. Last season, Arsenal won the FA Cup, led the league for several months, and were generally consistent against the lower teams on the table. Sure, there were several negatives from last season but winning a trophy and being a part of the title race instead of spectators surely would stoke the competitive fire within in their ranks right? Well, that has turned out to not be the case. A combination of injuries and bewildering form has made Arsenal resemble their counterparts of two seasons ago, in which they struggled mentally and made numerous mental errors defensively. Doesn't exactly seem right because the talent level at the current club is arguably the highest its been in awhile. However, despite this lack of consistency, Arsenal still can claim a solid spot on the table.
It has been a rather weird season in the Premier League, though normalcy would seem to be returning. Arsenal has gotten good results in their last couple of games and are in a good position heading into the New Year. Perhaps the Gunners are ready to go on a run. Anyways, its time to continue to assess how the season has gone so far.
Pre-season expectations:
I was optimistic about Arsenal this season but not to the extent of expecting them to win the league. They made some nice signings but failed to address the needs that have been evident for years (lack of defensive depth and a CDM). My expectation was similar to last year, the Gunners would have their moments, maybe even lead the league for a bit, but ultimately would finish 3rd or 4th.
Reality:
Pretty much what I expected but at times worse. The Gunners have shown the ability to kick it around with the best, their first half performances against both Manchester clubs proving that. However, the Gunners are still too wasteful and lack composure against not just top sides but lower tier sides as well. The common script for an Arsenal game is typically to dominate and waste chances before conceding a cheap goal. The team still doesn't impose themselves effectively on their opposition. They still find themselves second best in games against the league's best. They barely got a touch of the ball in the first half against Liverpool were deconstructed by a clinical Chelsea, and punished for wastefulness by Manchester United. Despite this, they're where I expected them but may not be there without their MVP of the season.
MVP: Alexis Sanchez
There are absolutely no doubts with this one, which seems to be a trend when its come to Arsenal seasons of the past few years. One player (Robin Van Persie, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey) overshadows everyone else and their performances usually reflect how Arsenal do on the day. Sanchez has been the only player (at least on the offensive side of the ball) who has been in consistently good form. Not just good form either, Sanchez has been in impeccable form. The man has scored or created more than half of Arsenal's goals, his constant pestering of opponents off the ball is incredible, and the energy he brings to each game is without peer. However, his excellence has often overshadowed his teammates. While Sanchez has been brilliant, Arsenal need others to step up to match him.
LVP: Per Mertesacker
Arsenal's de facto captain this season has struggled heavily with a World Cup hangover and has been left out to dry in the absence of preferred partner Laurent Koscielny. I listed Mertesacker and Koscielny as dual MVP's of last season which has made Mertesacker's lack of form this year so difficult to watch. Without Koscielny by his side Mertesacker's lack of pace has been exposed. Not only that but he's much less composed. Arsenal's defense seems to lack a leader which is startling since Mertesacker has worn the captains armband more than the actual captain Mikel Arteta this season. Arsenal's defense of set pieces and counter attacks has often been dreadful and source of most of this season's problems. The blame doesn't fall on Nacho Monreal or Calum Chambers since they're not natural centre backs, its on the most experienced member there. Koscielny's return should help the big German as the games that he has played have been good defensive performances.
Missing In Action: Mesut Ozil
It is certainly unfair to critique a player who has spent so much time on the sidelines this season. That is why instead of slamming Ozil here, I'm actually going to come to his defense and provide some optimism for the German. Yes, Ozil has been a bit of a disappointment during his brief time as a Gunner, showing flashes but not providing enough to justify his large price tag. In fact, since his injury against Chelsea and Sanchez's brilliance, Arsenal fans have largely forgotten about the German playmaker. However, returning to training, the New Year is Ozil's chance to remind everyone that he is still a marquee player. He'll face competition for his preferred No. 10 spot since Santi Cazorla's form is phenomenal at the moment. Hopefully his recovery from injury will rekindle the fire in Ozil that made him such a force at the beginning of Arsenal's 2013 campaign. With all the spotlight on Sanchez, perhaps Ozil will face a little less pressure and criticism (which hasn't entirely been justified) than before. Not only that but he's still a world-class player and he has shown that this season at times. He'll fight and win back his spot and he could be the boost Arsenal needs.
Grading the Summer Signings:
Alexis Sanchez: 10/10 as explained above
Mathieu Debuchy: 8/10, he has arguably been Arsenal's best defender this season and has proved himself to be an improvement on Bacary Sagna in nearly every way. It should be noted that Arsenal's defensive struggles began shortly after his injury against Manchester City and since returning the Gunners have been more assured in that department.
Calum Chambers: 6/10, he's done well considering his age. His performance in the Community Shield over the summer may have set the bar a little too high. Injuries pressed the youngster into action early and he stepped up. He has shown some incredible talent as a right back and centre back. However, his lack of experience and pace has been exposed more than a few times. With Arsenal's defense returning to health he'll be able to catch a breather and develop in the way Arsene Wenger wants. His future may lie in the midfield.
David Ospina: 5/10, he hasn't played often and injuries kept him from stepping in for Szczesny when he was hurt. However, in the brief opportunities he has had to play he has shown himself more than capable. His saves against Galatasaray were indicative of that.
Danny Welbeck: 6/10, 7 goals in 19 appearances for the young Englishman is a decent return however he has not been the consistent goal scoring threat that Arsenal fans have craved and it should be mentioned that three of those goals came in one game. Welbeck does a lot of good on the pitch and works hard but the goal return needs to rise.
Best Game So Far: Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle
The problem with Arsenal this season is that their best performances have come in spurts. There was the brilliant 60 minutes they played against Manchester City, the first half against Manchester United, 10 minutes against Aston Villa, and the flurry of late goals to beat Burnley. However, they have rarely put together a complete performance. Wins against Dortmund and Galatasaray came against teams that were either: already qualified or already eliminated, so they can hardly be considered impressive. The Newcastle win probably stands as Arsenal's only wire to wire excellent victory. The Magpies were outmatched by a fluid Arsenal who were looking for a response to the previous howler against Stoke. Goals from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla had the fans at the Emirates singing Arsene Wenger's praises. They have had more impressive moments but this was probably the only one that was complete.
Worst Game So Far: Stoke 3-2 Arsenal
Going down 3-0 to Stoke City after one half of play is not the kind of situation Arsenal should ever find themselves in. However, the Gunners found themselves totally outclassed by a driven and well organized Stoke City side. Bojan Krkic was impeccable for the home side, running circles around a shambolic Arsenal defense. The Gunners managed to rally through Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey in the second half but a Calum Chambers red card put the game out of reach. Following the game Arsenal supporters put on a disgraceful display at the train station as the team was departing, taking shots at Arsene Wenger and the players. Quick note here, no matter how upset you get with your team, there is no reason to act in such a way. An atrocious and shameful day for the club and its supporters.
Grading Mr. Wenger:
The Arsenal skipper has managed to do quite well for himself despite some rather major gaffes. Not signing a centre back to replace Thomas Vermaelen was a disastrous mistake that probably cost Arsenal more than a few wins this season. His refusal to play Mesut Ozil centrally was also a bizarre choice. Arsenal still wilt in big games and lack focus defensively. Despite all of this, Wenger has still managed to guide his team to the upper part of the table, hovering around their preferred 4th spot. They also navigated their way through their trickier than expected Champions League group. All things considered, Wenger should be given credit for not letting Arsenal fall into crisis mode and typically his teams have not had consecutive poor performances. This still does not exclude him from criticism as the team has still performed below expectation. Not showing up for big games is a player problem but that it has happened so consistently shows that the manager is not preparing his team properly for these games. Wenger has a lot of work to do in the January transfer window. Grade: C
The Transfer Market:
When the January transfer window opens up, it is no secret that Arsenal is going to be targeting defenders. A dream window would see Arsene Wenger sign a centre back and the defensive midfielder that fans have been craving. However, nobody should expect Wenger to make a big money signing. The market is rather weak for top flight centre halves, Dortmund's Mats Hummels is probably the best on the market and his price could be well out of Arsenal's range. It is more realistic to expect a loan or a lesser known signing, the January market is not always the most fruitful. I think most Arsenal fans will agree that at least having a 3rd option at centre back is better than having Nacho Monreal there so frequently. It will also lighten the load on the young Calum Chambers. A defensive midfielder may be a summer project (its been one for a long time) so Arsenal fans should probably let those dreams of Paul Pogba in red and white rest. Signing someone like Sami Khedira from Real Madrid however could be an option. Either way, Arsene Wenger has talked about how Arsenal will be active in January and he's not blind how a lack of defensive depth has hampered the team this season.
So What's Next?
It is no mystery as to what the Gunners have to do after the New Year. The team is returning to health so now is the time to take as many points from as many games as possible. A Champions League spot should be guaranteed if they do that. However, that will also require a renewed dedication to the defensive side of the ball and better composure in big games. They need to turn their short bursts of brilliance into longer, sustained performances. The Champions League tie against Monaco could also be a launchpad for a run in that competition as well. Lastly, Alexis Sanchez needs to be joined by other players form wise. Strong performances from Santi Cazorla lately are encouraging but the whole team needs to start performing at a similar level. Overall, I can't see Arsenal finishing higher than third; Chelsea and Manchester City are too strong this year. However, it is more likely the team finishes in the familiar 4th position.
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