Arsenal’s midfield has chopped and changed over the past number of years with some relatively successful combinations among some very odd and dysfunctional ones. In truth, however, it’s been an area of the pitch that hasn’t been quite right for some time. Coquelin alongside Cazorla and the current partnership of Xhaka and Ceballos are probably the best combinations since the days of Cesc Fabregas. However, there is a sense that Arsenal were and are compromising-a sense that they could do better. Coquelin came in from the cold when Arsenal were in dire straits and steadied the ship somewhat but the aforementioned relative success of this partnership was mainly based of the talent and ingenuity of Santi Cazorla. The current midfield, which we will concentrate on, also sort of fell together and lacks balance. However, while It goes without saying that having a good quality midfield with players who are adaptable and interchangeable is a vital part of any teams success. With Arsenal, there has been far too much emphasis on finding the right partnership and not enough on building a midfield who have varying traits and attributes.
Granit Xhaka is a much maligned figure and while his success under Mikel Areta has somewhat repaired his reputation among fans, he remains imperfect. The Swiss international is good passer of the ball and his defensive discipline has improved under new boss Arteta, However, he doesn’t quiet have either the physically prowess or the technical ability to dominate a midfield which means his partner needs to compensate for by being both a defensive shield for the back 3 or 4 and also perform a role going forward. Dani Ceballos has done a relatively good job at times but there’s also been games where the Arsenal midfield have really struggled to gain any sort of control. West Ham at home this season was good example of the Xhaka-Ceballos limitations. They neither protected the defense nor contributed much towards Arsenals attacking play, albeit Ceballos did set up Nketiah for an equalizer. It’s these sort of games where the midfield tends to show its weaknesses. In the bigger games against better teams, Mikel Arteta can at least commit the midfield to a relatively simple game plan: ie protect the defense and keep the structure. Both Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos were impressive in Arsenal triumphant FA cup campaign last year. Both were excellent as Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-0 and Chelsea 2-1 to lift the cup for the 14th time. However, when there is more of an onus on Arsenal to assert their dominance, the need for reinforcement becomes apparent.
Arsenal don’t seem to have much problem controlling possession in these sort of games. They had 63 % of possession of the ball against West Ham but still struggled for control of the game. They didn’t create many chances and conceded too many. Against Aston Villa away last season, they had 69% possession but didn’t even have a shot on target over the course of the entire game. This points to Arsenal not being efficient in possession and perhaps not having the quality to open up packed defenses. In contrast, Arsenal had 29 % of possession against Manchester City in the FA cup semi final last season and won 2-0. In the final, against Chelsea, they had just 40 % and won 2-1. In the premier league, Arsenal beat Southampton and Wolves away from home with less possession than the opposition. In this sense, Arsenal’s quick, attacking wide players make them a dangerous counter attacking team that can take advantage of gaps left by the opposition searching for a goal. This is good asset to have and Arsenal were rewarded last year for their intelligent game plans. However, if they are to finish in the top 4 this year, they have to learn to control games.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Thomas Partey of Athletico Madrid and Hossem Aouar of Lyon as Mikel Arteta seeks a solution to the issues in midfield. These are two very different type of players that would both address certain issues. However, due to financial restrictions, it is unlikely that Arsenal will get both players so will have to choose or settle for the most plausible. Aouar feels like the most likely at the moment and could help alleviate Arsenal’s dearth of creatively. It feels like a case of either bringing in a talented attacking player that could help compensate for a relatively porous defence or bringing in a solid, physically dominant defensive midfielder that could help compensate for an attack that struggles to create chances and score goals. Arsenal are not in a position where they can cure their midfield problems with one signing but they don’t necessarily have the build the perfect midfield to be considerably better. They don’t have to become as good as Liverpool or Manchester City this season-they just have to be better than the likes of Manchester United and Chelse. Judging by the start to the seasons these two clubs have had, this is not exactly beyond the realms of possibility. Yet, Arsenal have to address the issue that has been holding them back for years.
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