If a photographer were to take an image of the Arsenal starting 11, it would resemble a Ferrari up front, a Holden in the middle, and my uncle’s rusty tractor in defence.
Arsenal fans such as myself have been screaming for seasons that the club needs a complete overhaul in the backline. Remove the deadwood and bring in some young, talented defenders. What is Unai Emery’s solution, might you ask? To buy a player only to loan him back for the entirety of the 2019-20 season.
This is all well and good, but after the recent actions Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny, it certainty wouldn’t be a farfetched suggestion that Emery might bid the Frenchman a vexed farewell.
The highly probable departure of Koscielny in the near future would leave the club with a severe shortage in defenders. Hector Bellerín, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, Carl Jenkinson, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Sead Kolašinac and the infamous Shkodran Mustafi are the only players under the age of 30, which leaves the ageing Nacho Monreal (33) and Sokratis Papastathopoulos (31) to undoubtedly lead the already frail defensive unit.
Unai Emery’s men maintained the 12th-worst defensive record during the 2018-19 season, and even with the potential inclusion of promising left-back Kieran Tierney I foresee a similar if not worse showing for the upcoming season.
The most frustrating aspect of Arsenal is their almost indignant stance towards the fan-base, who are practically begging the higher-ups for a defensive revamp. The statistics are there. Why can they not see the defence is a shambles?
On a positive note, Arsenal finally broke the bank and sealed the deal for Frenchman Nicolas Pepe. The unanimous sigh of relief among Arsenal fans was so prevalent that we almost forgot we had the worst defence of the big four.
I for one am itching to see Pepe complimenting Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front for the upcoming season. The attack will be purring.
But for all the grandeur of his signing, it’s merely a papering over of the cracks.
Patrick Mastertoun
Roar Rookie
Although I agree that Arsenal has the worst defence of any top 6 side. I also believe there is a problem as with United that their midfielders have an unwillingness to push back and help in defence. Thoughts?
Alexander Lowe
Roar Rookie
You legitimately can’t see Arsenal making any position higher than 8th? Curious.
Alexander Lowe
Roar Rookie
To explain “top 4” or ‘the big four’. ‘the big four’ has always been, to my knowledge, the most recognisable and dominant clubs in the league. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Having said this, I tend to prefer ‘the big six’, adding Tottenham and Manchester City who have really established themselves over recent years.
Alexander Lowe
Roar Rookie
Arsenal will always be regarded as a top four side. I say this based on the club’s merit. Asides from the last two seasons, a season each under Wenger and Emery, Arsenal have always been in the mix. Power Rankings in my opinion are as follows. 1. Manchester City 2. Liverpool 3. Tottenham 4. Arsenal 5. United 6. Chelsea/Leicester
Doug Graves
Guest
Well I'd rather you make it than ManU and I', sticking with my prediction as I reckon you've got a good shot as Solskjaer is hopeless and will almost certainly be the first manager sacked.
Ports
Guest
As an Everton supporter I can't see us finishing top 4. We are still lacking in defence with the loss of Zouma.
Peter
Guest
Explain top 4? Your article seems to imply Arsenal are in the top 4. They are more or less bottom of the top six. However, I understand what you are trying to say. I’m happy to see Arsenal spend but I think their place in the top six is under threat. Especially when you see the spending of teams like Everton and Leicester.
Doug Graves
Guest
Arsenal are always ranked number 1, in the pre season at least. Seriously though, I just don't rate Arsenal this season. I don't rate the coach, don't rate the transfers and I think Thursday night football with the Europa League will take a heavy toll on them. I think they'll be lucky to grab a Europa League 2nd Qualifying round spot when all is said and done. My Predictions: 1) Liverpool 2) Citeh 3) Spurs 4) Everton 5) United 6) Chelski 7) Leicester FA Cup: Citeh League Cup: Spurs
Tim Coghlan
Roar Rookie
The only time "Big" and "Four" can be used in the same sentence as Arsenal nowadays is that they are dreaming big by aiming for fourth.
Tony Yeboah
Guest
Is Arsenal still in the Top Four? Alphabetically maybe....