‘New season, same issues’ is a line that has been synonymous with Arsenal for nearly a decade. Again, Wenger’s men are undergoing a poor start to the season, lessons from previous failings seem to have fallen on deaf ears as Arsenal are, well, being Arsenal.
After an opening day victory over Leicester, The Gunners were brought back to earth by their bogey team Stoke City, a defeat that has ignited a familiar feeling amongst the Gunners faithful. Arsene Wenger’s inability to find the right balance early on during the season is hurting Arsenal’s chances of launching a viable title bid.
With their rivals already ahead of them, Arsene Wenger must find quick solutions to issues or be left behind as we have seen in previous seasons.
Finding the Right Balance
A big issue Arsenal has always faced is a lack of balance. Players don’t fit into Arsene Wenger’s set-up far too often thus resulting in a huge dissonance on the pitch.
Whether it’s 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1, the need to have players confident in positions they play can’t be over emphasised. in the last two games we have seen Arsene Wenger deferring on players positions, and this must change to avoid another miserable season.
Defence Issues
Defending seems a lost art at the Emirates, just as many seasons before, the Gunners lack a good level of solidity at the back, four goals have already been conceded this season with most coming off obvious mistakes that could have been avoided.
Their frail defence hasn’t been helped by Arsene Wenger’s decision to play Sead Kolasianc and Nacho Monreal in central defensive positions leaving out natural defenders like Rob Holding and Calum Chambers on the bench,
Arsene Wenger must start his natural central defenders or risk poorer defensive performances; gladly the suspended Laurent Koscielny will be available for their trip to Liverpool.
Finding Lacazette
The Frenchman’s goal scoring abilities have never been in doubt; the real big question has always been whether Arsenal will play to his strengths for him to flourish. Despite lively starts in games, Lacazette ends up a forlorn figure as the Gunners, despite mammoth ball possession, fail to create chances for him to finish. A more direct approach will definitely suit the ex-Lyon player.
Maybe Switch Back to 4-2-3-1?
The current 3-4-3 system seems to have lost its effectiveness as Arsenal have looked lethargic and disorganised in recent games, Arsene Wenger could yet need to revert to 4-2-3-1 in a bid to get Arsenal back to their best.
A 4-2-3-1 central midfield pivot of Granit Xhaka and Mohammed Elnenny will bring the control and stability Arsenal are lacking in the current system, it also gives them width up the pitch and less reliance on wingbacks to stretch the opponent.
What can Wenger do to get Arsenal back on track?
Try quitting..