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Despite going on a 22-match unbeaten run spanning from a 3-2 loss to Chelsea on August 18thto a 3-2 loss against Southamption on December 16thArsenal’s defence has been a constant weakness.
The Gunners have only recorded three clean sheets in 21 Premier League games this season, the same amount as rock bottom Huddersfield Town.
Unai Emery had attempted to address the weakness by bringing in experienced European defenders Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Stephan Lichtsteiner from Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. The Spaniard would have hoped that these experienced heads would solidify a back line that conceded 51 goals last campaign. To put that into perspective, relegated West Brom, who sat rock bottom of the Premier League last season conceded just five more goals than the north London club.
Sokratis instead has often found himself in the middle of controversy, highlighted by his tunnel bust up with Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk after Sokratis believed he shouldn’t have been penalised for a clumsy foul on Mo Salah during his sides 5-1 loss at Anfield. Whether the correct decision or not, the repeated behaviour of the Greek international, who has also been involved in altercations with Burnley’s Ashley Barnes and was also a central figure in north London derby problems, reflects a rash defender, in an Arsenal side who are often in need of a cool head.
Swiss defender Lichtsteiner has often been deployed as a centre-back instead of his normal full back role with the former Juve player struggling to make an impact in the centre of the defence. The injury to Rob Holding has been a real blow for Arsenal as the former Bolton player had just begun to establish himself as their best central defender before the rupture of his anterior cruciate ligaments ruled him out of the rest of the season.
Defensive midfielder Granit Xhaka has been deployed at centre back by Emery as he searches for options and answers to his leaky defence (Photo: Arsenal)
Despite their unbeaten run the Gunners failed to lead a game at half time in the Premier League until matchday 18 at home to Burnley. The attacking reliance on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been clear to see as teams like Brighton and Southampton have taken points off Arsenal when the Gabon international isn’t firing on all cylinders.
The introduction of Lucas Torreira has gone some way in attempting to provide a shield for a vulnerable defence but real investment must come in January or the summer to address the issue sufficiently.
Their most expensive defender in the club’s history Shkodran Mustafi has failed to live up to the expectations and standards he achieved in La Liga with Valencia whilst club captain Laurent Koscielny looks a shadow of his past self after being plagued by injuries.
In order to challenge for the top four in the future, Emery must trust his defence to be able to shut out teams such as Fulham, Cardiff and Burnley. The inability to keep clean sheets will ultimately cost the Spaniard’s side with the Europa League now starting to look like Arsenal’s best chance of Champions League qualification.
Arsenal’s attentions for turn to FA Cup action as they take on Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.
