Certain Things That Arsene Should Consider Doing

Previously, I touched on what had happened to Arsenal, and their capitulation toward the end of the season was there for everyone to see. This season, their points total from March to May compared to the previous five seasons is the worst by far, collecting 1.14 points a game. That is far from championship-winning material, and there is very little that can be denied. After the game this morning when Roberto Mancini's side managed to get an away win for the first time since Boxing Day put them four points ahead of Tottenham and interestingly, only five points behind the Gunners with a game in hand.

Arsene Wenger has come out and said that it was mostly his decesion-making that contributed to the Gunners somewhat mediocrity at present. Theo Walcott however, has been interviewed saying that the players have under-performed and that the Boss is coming out with so many of these statements to take the heat of the team. It is good that he is not blaming other parties for it i.e referees and linesmen. Well, lets look at some of the things that needs to be done by Arsene, and some important one at that.

1. Cesc Fabregas Has to be Sold
   
   For the past couple of months, the Spanish maestro has looked slightly jaded, in fact, since the 2nd leg away to Barcelona in the Champions League. Moreover, I think his mind hasn't been here since then. Yes, he came out and apologised for the performance at Catalunya, but that doesn't do anything much actually. When he has been on form however, he is on par with any player in the world, there's not doubting that. That begs the question as to whether Barcelona will fork out the required 'dough' to get him a ticket to the Nou Camp. Personally, I would like to think that upwards of 35 million will be enough for him, but Arsene Wenger is a business one, and a very good one at that. Judging by reports in the summer, the bid by Barcelona was about around that price, but Arsenal were looking for 42 million at least. Considering Fernando Torres was transferred for the now infamous '50 million', then the fee might be reasonable. Whether or no Fabregas manages to shove aside either Iniesta, Xavi or Busquets remains to be a big question, and it will take some doing. Even a former Liverpool stalwart in Javier Mascherano is not a certain starter in that famous Barcelona midfield.
   
   
   
2. Arsene has to come up with a Plan B
   
   Teams this season have managed to analyse Arsenal pretty well, and it is doing the Gunners no good. Most of the time at the Emirates, the visiting team has appeared to be able to stifle the play of the men in red, and puzzlingly, the manager, the once famed tactician of the game, has failed miserably to counteract the tactics of his counterparts. Sunderland, Blackburn, Liverpool notably have come and put men behind the ball. They allowed Arsenal to tap the ball around, and trying their very best to keep their shape, and evidently being extremely successful. Arsenal enjoyed much of the possession at their home ground, but goals have been hard to come by. I would like to see some variety in the style of play, not totally changing the system because in has helped the Gunners a lot. Maybe reverting to the old 4-4-2 where Van Persie lines up behind target-man , Chamakh, with Walcott and Nasri on the wings. In this formation, Song will be dropped in favour of Wilshere and Nasri. However, there is also a system which enables them to keep their current formation, but with jut a couple of tweaks. Van Persie the lone man, flanked by Walcott and the returning Vela. Nasri to deployed behind the Dutchman and Wilshere and Ramsey to complete the midfield. The downside of this formation is the inability of the Arsenal players to change positions frequently. If they manage to accomplish this, then they can be a hell of an attacking force. The trio of Vela, Walcott and van Persie have to constantly swap positions among themselves to confuse the opposition. It is evident that Walcott and Vela are comfortable playing the centre forward role, and Van Persie is also mobile. Finally, the toughest one, but probably the deadliest. This situation would probably bring back memories of THAT great Ajax side, employing their 'total-football ethos. This would also require another defensive midfielder to be brought in as I think Alex Song has the ability to be constantly caught out of position. Players that come to mind are Jan Vertonghen and Yann M'vila, both within Arsenal's budget. The formation in this sort of free-for-all system will most likely be a 4-1-4-1 where Theo Walcott will be the focal point upfront, being played as the sole centre forward. The attacking four should be made up of Van Persie, Nasri, Wilshere and Ramsey. These four would be vital to their attacking play in coming seasons. They should be deployed as the attacking four, with NO fixed position, thus again, enabling them to constantly shift positions, popping up anywhere across the line and not really worrying to defend as much. Emphasis on attack should be placed, however, controlled aggression would be the appropriate term. That is the reason I pointed out the need for a defensive midfeilder, and an adapt one at that. The role might suit youngster Emmanuel Frimpong, but whether he can retain the level of consistency is remains to be seen.
   
   
   I will have a follow up on this article whereby the final touches are added in what should at least make Arsenal a trophy contender next season.
   
   
   Till next time, Goodbye