Can Arsenal continue their success in the league with their visit to the City of Manchester Stadium to face the EPL’s reigning champions? City’s last loss was against Arsenal at the Emirates 1-nil (April 8, 2012).
GettyImages
Another mid-September match against Southampton, which has been linked to being the catalyst to Arsenal’s season in the past. Can history repeat itself this season? I reckon they have a chance to compete for the title against the likes of Man City, Man United, and Chelsea. Too bad Giroud couldn’t join other Arsenal legends making their mark against Southampton in mid-September (Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry in 1995 & 1999 respectively) after being called ‘flop’ signings. Arsenal looks like a new re-energized side from last season. New players, a new face on the coaching bench, and their ambitious mentality is palpable.
The overall success of Arsenal this season is much attributed to their solid and organized defensive unit. Although they didn’t bring in any new defensive players, their introduction of Steve Bould to the team was a superb. Steve Bould, a former Arsenal player (with Winterburn, Adams, and Dixon), head youth coach, and now assistant manager, has worked with the defensive players in training and it is really showing. Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson, both under 23 years of age, are showing their pace, attacking flair, and defensive consistency to help the side from conceding a goal in their first 3 games. This is not an easy task, especially because Arsenal’s arguably best and most consistent defender of recent times is injured (French international Bacary Sagna replaced by Jenkinson). This was a great chance for Jenkinson to gain first team experience in vital matches both home & away. Looks like Arsene's youth is eager to show the world what they are made out of. Moreover, it is not only that their defense has been solid at the back, but they are contributing with the attack as well. Gibbs can be awarded with creating both of the own goals that were scored this past weekend.
Arsenal was the better and dominant side this past weekend. That doesn’t come as a surprise looking back at the fixture, but their passing play, chance creation, and goal tally caught me by surprise. They are showing sparks of the dominant Arsenal sides of the past. Santi Cazorla, one of the new signings of the summer transfer window, has been an integral piece in this Arsenal side. After the departure of Cesc Fabregas they were in need of a creative playmaker. I think Santi is the answer. His combination play with Arteta dropping back in the deeper role doing what he does best: playing the long ball and holding possession. Lukas Podolski, the German international and new signing to the Arsenal team, has been in great form. His free-kick goal was absolutely brilliant, comparable to strikes from the man he replaced, left-footed Robin Van Persie. Along with Podolski, Gervinho and the Ox have been great on the flank and seem to be clicking nicely with the new additions to the team.
Can Arsenal continue their success in the league with their visit to the City of Manchester Stadium to face the EPL’s reigning champions? City’s last loss was against Arsenal at the Emirates 1-nil (April 8, 2012). After City being held at the Britannia Stadium to a draw, this is the perfect chance for Arsenal to show how serious they are this season. Their ability to keep 3 clean sheets in 4 matches should be one reason they can win. I think the key is to show high energy in attacking work rate and continue with their consistent defensive success. Can Arsenal’s pace, defensive solidarity, and good form be the key to defeat Man City and climb to the top of the table?
By Suhail Tsay
No comments:
Post a Comment