Praise deserved for Arsenal’s adaptable central defence
When Mertesacker first arrived at Arsenal, the first thought for Gooners and football fans in general was the mouth-watering combination of the German and Vermaelen, together in one line-up. Two such experienced leaders – and among the best defenders in their respective leagues – playing as one central-defensive partnership was a pleasing prospect. Now it seems that the dream of an enviable pairing is materialising.
Wenger’s post-match comments didn’t focus on the central defence in particular but he did point out the effectiveness of the duo: “Vermaelen had a good game and Mertesacker was solid tonight, Santos as well and Jenkinson has just come back – he lacks experience in some situations but overall he did all right. The positives are that we didn’t concede a goal and Marseille had one shot on target…”
Koscielny was described as being ‘just another Cygan’ after his unstable first few performances for Arsenal but he has matured quickly and has now become one of the most on-form defenders in the Premier League. His partnership with Mertesacker was looking to be a vital one, with some suggesting that the former Werder Bremen captain’s occasional misjudgements and lack of speed were being rectified by the Frenchman. However, playing alongside Vermaelen last night proved that Mertesacker too can adapt to play with any other central defender.
The fact that only one on-target shot was allowed by the defence – and that no goals were conceded – suggests that Wenger can ‘mix-and-match’ to a point, something that will allow for the inevitable injuries, suspensions and need for rests.
Could frequent changes to the central defensive partnership work well all season?
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Nice game, i fell in love with our defence, and Song was on point, but maybe starting Park was a bad idea, Robin needs rest yes but we really needed a win to ease pressure, Guardiola plays Messi like every crucial game, Park needs some few games to get in touch with the team n flow, 3-1 win against WBA in weekend, go go Gunners
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credit where credit is due.
The central defense looked solid. I was concerned by Santos in the second half as he did not track back as much and forcecd Song and Arteta in one vs one situations at the back.
Ramsay looked up for the game and will be a force to be reckoned with when Wilshere gets back.
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Kept shouting all through because of Santos’ inability to track back
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One word, for united’s defence, vidic,
one word, 4 chelsea’s, terry
one word for shitty’s, kompany
one word for liverpool’s, carragher
one word for supds, ??????????who cares anyway
one word for our beloved arsenal, “vermalean”
ARSENAL TIL I DIE
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Central defense looked the part with TV but Santos seems to have no idea what a left back should be doing.
Totally lost for large parts of the game as he was with Chelsea so a bit of concern there.
The team did not really look up for it but a clean sheet is always welcome.
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It id much easier to Rest Messi when there are very few quality sides in la liga. We sit forth in the EPL so every game is crucial, RVP has to rest and if he played and got injured everyone would have jumped on Wengers back.
Park was very poof though I prefer Chammmak
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Wenger rates Kozzy very highly. He was stubborn enough to not buy another defender and go with verm-kozzy pairing until vermaelen got injured (thank god). But to adapt Premier league without an established premier league defender beside him is/was a very hard thing to do. He’s starting to show his class this season. In his defense, squillaci made him look bad. couldnt argue with that. Wenger knows.. yet again!
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i say start park again against wba!
he needs games and robin needs rest before the international. marvik, the slavedriver, will play him till he breaks.
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I didn’t realise Jenkinson was so quick. He’s got a lot of pace on him, and his balls in are pretty decent too. He’s got a good future, yes he does get caught out quite a lot, and makes silly mistakes but give him a season or two and Sagna will have serious competition.
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he has a great finish too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS4cjju_BoA&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active
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Truth be told, we are now defending better, and it is because we are defending more like a team,through the whole game last night.The wingers kept running back to defend. this is a good sign that the team is working together and no matter who partners who(with the exception of squilaci) the team will still defend well!!!! Go Gunners!!!
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Defence last night were very solid ! TV and Per looked a good partnership (especially when you consider it’s the first game they have played together) The Pole between the sticks is class (Although makes some stupid decisions at times, but hey I think you have to be a bit mad to be a top keeper !) Santos is a concern defensively but is force going forward and with Song and Arteta (Who were both solid as ever last night) covering him I think we are ok their (Gibbs is always picking up injuries.) Jenkinson may make a few mistakes but considering his age and relative lack of experience I think he will be top, top class (Plus he always digs in and tries to make up for any mistakes he makes, which is all you can ask of a young player) We definitely lacked sharpness last night which is no doubt to do with the Cheslki game at the weekend, but overall a draw was ok, the clean sheet is encouraging and hopefully after a bit of rest for Ramsey and RVP there will be added fuel for the fire to put in a few goals at the weekend !.
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fan can manage to live without Arsenal.but culb cannot be the club with out fans.
it’s time to kick out wrong person otherwise. suffer alone.as kroenke will recover his any how n get way out.
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we need to creative midfielder to replace Rosicky and Arshavin they didnt put much of effort last night
why dont we use Oxlade? he is young and hungry and would do much better than rosicky and arshavin
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Its not by luck that OM did not get a shot on target this Tuesday. Its all down to a rock solid defence. The back four deserve some serious praise especially PM and TV. Yes there are some issues on the LB and RB positions but these did not lower the standard. We played against a very mobile and powerful strike force and we really kept them under control.
I said it before and i will say it again Arsenal is a force to recon with and all our opponents must beware!
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