da blaze casino： With Arsene Wenger coming under increasing pressure after two consecutive defeats in the space of a week, Arsenal’s lack of summer transfer activity is, naturally, waiting to be criticised once more.
da betway： The long-serving manager has stated on countless occasions that he believes in the ability of the players in his current squad, with the Frenchman more loyal to those at his disposal than most other Premier League managers. Despite this blind allegiance to the Arsenal players inciting frustration in a section of the club’s fans, one area comes inot particular focus following defeat to Chelsea.
With important fixtures coming up, the North London side are set to potentially be without their first-choice central midfield.
Over the last six months Wenger has opted to partner defensive stalwart Francis Coquelin with the creative enigma that is Santi Cazorla – but both left the Stamford Bridge in acrimonious fashion at the weekend.
The Spaniard is set to serve a suspension after seeing red against the reigning Premier League champions, while, more worryingly, the Frenchman is facing a stint on the sidelines after picking up an injury.
The extent of Coquelin’s knock is yet to be fully clarified, but his potential absence against local rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane will certainly spark a rejig of the team’s boiler room.
Arsenal have been linked with a host of central midfielders over recent transfer windows, but Wenger has opted to maintain faith in those already at his disposal.
With the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin available over the summer, Gunners fans had to watch on as he, and loads of other potential additions, moved elsewhere. The decision not to add another central midfielder could well be set to come back and haunt Wenger now, as Coquelin has gone from a fringe player to one of the most important members of the starting XI in the last six months.
In the former Charlton man’s absence, it is likely that Mikel Arteta will get the nod to deputise, while Mathieu Flamini is another that could be deployed. Looking at these ageing options compared to the midfield components at fellow Premier League title challengers gives an insight into a major flaw in the Gunners’ squad.
Yes, Jack Wilshere is on the sidelines for longer than expected and Aaron Ramsey can be moved back into a central role, but Arsenal are still lacking a ball-winner in the heart of their side. Arteta is an able and experienced footballer who plays in a deeper role, but he lacks the physicality and presence to be a top enforcer.
The reliance on Coquelin as the only real defensive midfielder of note is foolhardy, as even if the Frenchman stayed fit all season he would surely become fatigued with constant football both domestically and on the continent.
It is a critical time for Arsenal’s season, with the inconsistency that robbed them of a prolonged title challenge last term apparently creeping in again.
With important games coming up in the next fortnight, Wenger will be sweating over Coquelin’s fitness given the lack of a an adequate deputy.
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