Does Wenger need to dip into the January transfer window?
In what has become the norm, Arsenal have been unlucky with injuries this season. Hector Bellerin, Chuba Akpom, Mathieu Debuchy, Santi Cazorla, Per Mertesacker, Yaya Sanago, and Danny Welbeck have all been laid off with varying expected return dates.
For the first time in years, though, it feels like there is enough depth in the squad to cope. With the hectic festive schedule around the corner Gunners fans will be praying that lady luck is kind to the key players. But as it stands, Arsene Wenger may not feel the need to seek reinforcements in January.
Arsenal have had a flying start to the season, and are unbeaten in the league since the opening day defeat at the hands of Liverpool. After fourteen games they sat 3 points behind Chelsea in first, with the added bonus of having already beaten Antonio Conte’s formidable force (see video below).
YouTube: Arsenal vs Chelsea 3-0 EXTENDED – Highlights _ Sept, 24-2016_HD
Ironically, it was Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal that sparked Conte’s tactical shift to a 3-4-3 formation – a system that has seen the Blues embark on an incredible winning streak.
Wenger hadn’t beaten Chelsea in the league since 2011, however, so the curse may have been lifted. If the Gunners can do the double on Conte’s men this season it would make for a mouth-watering run-in for the title. Stamford Bridge Arsenal tickets at Ticketgum are already available.
As it stands, Arsenal have the stuff to go the distance. The main losses have been Bellerin and Cazorla, but Bellerin is expected back soon and Wenger now has other creative options in midfield to cover for the two-time European Championship winner.
Now that Theo Walcott has found some form and cemented a place down the right-hand flank, Aaron Ramsey has found it hard to break into the starting XI. The versatile midfielder can slot in as a straight substitute for the Englishman as he did against West Ham, but he could also provide creative cover in midfield.
Granit Xhaka has provided extra options in Cazorla’s absence, and Wenger has used a combination of the Swiss international and Mohamed Elneny or Francis Coquelin in his preferred 4-2-3-1 system mainly this term. Xhaka has provided solidity in front of the defence, allowing the attackers to roam more freely.
YouTube: Lucas Perez Hat trick vs Basel – Champions League 2016/17
Lucas Perez’s return to action in the Champions League tie against Basel was explosive. The summer signing grabbed a hat-trick (see video above) and reminded Wenger that he has strong backup for Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud should one of his main strikers pick up an injury. Lucas will also allow Wenger to rotate more over the festive schedule which should hopefully help preserve the other key players.
On top of these encouraging factors, Welbeck is expected to return to action in February. The England striker could be a vital addition to a tiring team that could well be stretched by FA Cup and Champions League commitments, along with a title chase by that stage.
Wenger is in a strong position at the moment. He has enough depth to cope with the current injuries, but if there are more there is also the option of shopping in January. As it stands, the squad is well-settled, and Arsenal could finally have what it takes to go all the way and lift the title once again.