As the November international break reaches it’s end, our series of 2015-16 team progress reports continues with an examination of Arsenal’s season so far.
What has gone right?
After a sluggish start, Arsenal hit their straps in the month of October by claiming four wins on the bounce, highlighted by a resounding 3-0 win over Manchester United, two gritty victories over plucky opposition in Watford and Everton, and a hugely impressive three points away at Swansea City, a place where the Gunners have not enjoyed too much success in previous visits.
A draw against their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur was seen as a creditable result considering the club’s current injury plight, and now come out of the international break sitting second on the Premier League table, only behind leaders Manchester City on goal difference.
The arrival of Petr Cech has brought much needed calmness and authority between the posts. The 33-year-old has made some crucial interventions at various stages of matches so far this year, proving to be one of the signings of the summer. His presence has breathed new found confidence into the back four, with Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny, and Nacho Monreal all enjoying stellar season’s to date.
Francis Coquelin has resumed from where he left-off last season, as he and Santi Cazorla continue their excellent partnership at the axis of Arsenal’s midfield. The imperious form of Mesut Ozil has seen him become the new talismanic figure within the team, while Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud have been the two main sources of goals, netting six-apiece.
Giroud and Theo Walcott have had opportunities to lead the line, both enjoying fruitful spells when given the chance. Their contrasting skill sets provide Arsene Wenger with much needed flexibility up front.
What has gone wrong?
Injuries, injuries and more injuries. For Arsenal to sustain a genuine title tilt they need their best players on the park for the vast majority of the season, and with the absentee list standing at 10 players prior to the Spurs clash, it seems inevitable that their season could threaten to be derailed by this latest epidemic.
Reports suggest that Bellerin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will return for the trip to West Brom this Saturday and Tomas Rosicky is close to a return after been given the green light to resume training again. Arsene Wenger will still be without Walcott and Aaron Ramsey for the short term though, while Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere are not expected back until closer to the new year.
What has also been concerning has been the form of the club’s fringe players. The likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs, all once first team regulars. have fallen on the way side this year, failing to stake any real claims for a recall in the midst of the fine form displayed by the first choice defence.
The performances of Debuchy and Gibbs in the North London derby will hopefully give them a jolt in confidence that they so desperately needed. Wenger needs to ensure a makeshift Arsenal back four can be just as organised as his usually settled defensive unit.
Best Player – Mesut Ozil
Once accused of ‘nicking a living’ by the Daily Mail’s Neil Ashton, Ozil has put any questions of his undoubted world class ability to bed with a superb opening to the new season. The German has lifted his output significantly already laying off ten assists in the first 11 games, setting a record for assisting in six consecutive Premier League games in the process.
Ozil is now starting to assert himself on games rather then drifting in and out as he is often culpable of doing, especially at times when Arsenal are in need of a creative spark, pulling the strings with such panache and sublimity. The 27-year-old has made it no secret that he wants to add to his solitary strike against Manchester United, something he will look to put right as the season progresses.
The World Cup winner’s vision and artistry has been a joy to watch so far this season, and reports have emerged that the Gunners are set to offer the playmaker a new and improved contract. A richly deserved reward for his superb start to the new campaign, but all fans will hope he can sustain his current form, with the hope of leading the club to the promised land in May.
PASS MASTER Mesut Ozil is the first player to provide an assist in SIX consecutive #BPL matches in the same season pic.twitter.com/KvXKRSldC8
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 8, 2015
What is next?
Arsenal’s next four games read trips to West Brom, Norwich City and Aston Villa, with a home match against Sunderland in between. Nothing less then four wins would suffice before the big showdown against fellow high fliers Manchester City at the Emirates on December 21st.
The international break has come at a good time for Gunners after their jaded performance against Spurs. Keeping key players fit and gradually minimising their current injury list will be crucial, especially with the hectic Christmas schedule on the horizon.
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Consistency is always something that has eluded Arsenal for a number of years now. They will be looking to maintain their current league form, with the objective of being right in the thick of the title race at the turn of the new year.
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