Do Arsenal Have A Fundamental Problem?

We continue the trend of introducing new writers to the AFG crew today, with a post from Adam Scillitoe.

What has happened to the Arsenal we know and love? As Arsenal fans we have become accustomed to seeing a side that plays beautiful,
flowing football that cuts sides open time and again. Although we have not become spoilt, we have dined off the reputation as the most attractive and entertaining football side in the Premier League for many years.

This season, however, something is different. The fluidity and pace that we have become known for has been replaced by error strewn passing, a lack of cut and thrust up front and too much tiki taka. But what is the reason for this? Is it the formation? Is it confidence? Is it the players? Have the players lost faith in the manager?

There may be a number of reasons why we are struggling to perform this season but I believe the formation is the biggest issue. The start of the season promised so much, with clean sheets a-plenty, a great draw at Man City and a decent performance against Chelsea that deserved more than it got.

Since then, our decline has been dramatic, excruciating and incredibly depressing. We have lacked width, pace and verve upfront and Giroud has been poorly supported by the midfield and his forward counterparts. The formation is to blame for this; we are playing too many players out of position, Walcott, Podolski and Ramsey to name but a few, and we cannot exploit the weaknesses in opposition defences.

A simple change to 4–4–2 could make all the difference. The Capital One Cup game, albeit against a poor Reading side, showed that our players are not only suited to playing this formation but also enjoy doing so. Giroud was able to hold the ball up to someone alongside him, Walcott and later Arshavin were finding space down the wings and our central midfielder was able to exploit the gap between Reading’s defence and midfield.

I have been very impressed with Giroud this season and feel he has not got the respect he deserves. For him to really excel, he needs two things; someone playing alongside or just off him centrally and players that are willing to cross the ball to him. The game against Fulham today showed what a quality player he is when he gets good balls crossed to him in dangerous areas. 4–4–2 would give us this option and would also leave our wing backs less exposed.

My fear for Arsenal is Wenger’s stubbornness. He seems extremely hesitant to mix things up, which is strange for a manager of his experience. I do wonder how much influence Steve Bould is actually having? Is he perhaps another yes man? I hope not but it remains to be seen either way.

Our players also seem to be inhibited by a lack of confidence. Of course, bad performances and results can affect players in this way but I wonder if there are other factors in this? Rumours all over Twitter suggest that certain players, including
Sagna, Vermaelen and Walcott are unhappy and seeking moves. Whether this is true or not, the performances do hint at that a little.

All players want to win and I just wonder if some of our current team are enviously looking at players who have left, such as Clichy, Nasri and Robin Van Persie, who are part of title-winning and title challenging sides. I hope not, for our sake but I fear there could be another mass exodus this summer if we do not show signs of improvement.

I am not in the ‘Wenger Knows Best’ or ‘Wenger Must Go’ camps. I am somewhere in between but at times I do wonder whether a change would be worthwhile. A fresh approach and change in ethos might work wonders. Of course, it could easily go the other way but that’s the risk we will have to take one day. I’m not saying we should sack Wenger; I’m just raising a question that is probably in everyone’s thoughts, even if just deep down.

Whatever the reason, one thing remains the same. This is our Arsenal and no dip in form will ever stop the true Arsenal fans from supporting the club they love. Get behind the manager, get behind the players and let’s all work together to get this club back to where it belongs.

Up the Arsenal!

Get to know Adam, and make sure to follow him on Twitter!