Arsenal have always had some of the best midfields in the Premier League era. Viera, Petit, Fabregas and Gilberto Silva have all graced the turf for Arsenal as they looked to quench their silverware thirst.
But now that thirst has developed into a drought. It’s been eight years and counting since Arsenal won a trophy and I think, in recent years, this silver-plated dehydration has been because of a poor setup in the middle.
Going forward Jack Wilshere looks to be the character of which Arsenal build around but fitting him into a system that suits Arsenal isn’t easy. He works well with Arteta, linking the play and turning over possession; but having Cazorla in a central role limits his movement and his angles of distribution.
Wenger may have looked at Luiz Gustavo, he could still glance at Sami Khedira and he might make a late cry for Lars Bender but in honesty the missing link in Arsene’s armory is still stored in his battalion. Abou Diaby, when fit, is the midfielder they need: a leggy, confident, strider of the pitch who isn’t ashamed of his ability. He isn’t the prettiest player but his tireless work rate and unequivocal sense of individuality is something Arsenal lack.
However, it’s Diaby’s injury woes that lay at the foundations of Arsenal’s midfield problem. They have the player the fans demand in Abou, but his incapacity to stay fit is frightful to all that look on. You cannot, as a manager, rely on him for more than 15 games a season; the only solution to that would be to buy a replacement. On the other hand, you could pile the abundance of cash produced by the new stadium into extra-soft cotton wool to wrap him up in.
Putting injury aside, the gangly Frenchman is no shortfall of the calibre expected at The Emirates. He senses opportunity and leaps at the chance of space in front of him, shielding the ball like an estranged Ostrich protecting its brood. Not only is he powerful but he is a caresser of the football; plying it with dainty touches and clever flicks: but only when called upon.
Alongside him, Mikel Arteta provides the support in Wenger’s alternate 4-3-3 systems. The Spanish metronome assists both in attack and defence and is the perfect compliment to Diaby’s explosive style.
Diaby in a ‘2-1’ midfield (holding with Arteta but with the license to roam) gives Jack Wilshere the creative freedom he desires. The young Englishman can buccaneer forth and chase back challenges to his heart’s content without the hindrance of Santi Cazorla.
This doesn’t mean Santi Cazorla should be dropped. He shouldn’t. He’s Arsenal’s best player. But he is more than capable of playing from the left. If Wenger wants to see the best from his midfield, Santi Cazorla can’t be part of it. He disintegrates the balance.
In Monreal and Gibbs, Wenger has the two perfect fullbacks that allow Cazorla to roam inside. Both of the aforementioned players like to ramble down their respective touchline and overlap their winger. With Walcott on the opposite wing, this again adds balance to the team.
It’s far too simplistic to say that it’s just the midfield’s fault for Arsenal’s lack of title success in recent years, as it isn’t, but I do believe it’s a large part of it. Resolve the midfield problem and you have the base of a core-strong team.
Keep Diaby fit at all costs this season; it might even save you a bit of cash.
