da dobrowin： There’s no consistency to football anymore. Where an addition via the market may be questioned for their need – for example, why do Arsenal need Mesut Ozil? – a reverse of that thought will crop up moments later when Arsenal’s lack of depth is highlighted as the primary reason for their eventual downfall.
da betobet： You need a squad to win the Premier League. You need a squad to do most things, in fact. A charge on the top four can become feeble in the latter stages of the season due to a lack of quality personnel in the squad. Adding in the domestic cup competitions and the likelihood of European football too, there isn’t much that can be done with just a strong XI.
Which is why there shouldn’t be much of a concern for Arsenal’s swelled midfield core. Arsene Wenger may not know his best XI yet – a problem or issue that is rooted in the high volume of injuries – but is that such a weakness? If anything, uncertainty due to a large number of options can only aid in achieving the club’s ambitions come the end of the season.
Jack Wilshere is, for the moment, on the outside looking in. That’s due to the problem of his consistent injuries and that he’s rarely, if ever 100 per cent fit. But what an option to have. He may not get into Arsenal’s best XI, but he’s one of England’s most important players. Even now during this spell of uncertainty regarding his fitness, Roy Hodgson has still selected him for what are a couple of meaningless friendlies. Yet if he were to be included in Arsenal’s XI, there would be little compromise for the quality and productivity on the pitch – depending, of course, on his position.
For the moment, there are a small handful of attackers who are natural starters. Aaron Ramsey has been sensational this season, and because of his tendency to pop up with vital goals combined with his endless supply of energy, he’s a vital component of this current team. Mesut Ozil is another, and not just because of his £42 million price tag. His intelligence, ability to make the right decisions and presence alone makes the rest of the Arsenal team better.
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After that, you’d place Walcott into the mix due to the pace he provides. But what about Santi Cazorla, a player who should be classed as one of the best in the league? Is he more deserving than Tomas Rosicky, who is going through a renaissance at present? Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski, as well as the emerging Serge Gnabry, only add to the options, each able to bring something different but very much desired to the table.
There need not be any long-term sacrifices. For one, this team need to remain fresh due to the style of football they play. Rosicky and Cazorla could come in to the side for Ozil and another and have just as much impact. Importantly, it’s about looking at the collective. How many of these players would be deemed top class as just individuals? Rosicky combines hard work with his well-known creative abilities; he’s been excellent for Arsenal for well over a year now and there are no issues from the support when he’s included in the line up. As an individual, he’s certainly overlooked and underestimated in this league.
The other issue is that Arsenal will hardly ever have a fully fit squad. This is the first time, arguably, since Arsenal moved into the Emirates that they’ve had midfield options where each can legitimately claim to be a starter or first-choice. But they’re all yet to be fit at the same time. With each boost of confidence on the injury front comes another player lost. There’s cruelty in it, but it’s also very clear. These players are being overworked when the squad is short of numbers. It’s natural, therefore, that their bodies will eventually lose the battle to fatigue.
This team, good enough for fourth place in the league last season, have collectively been given a boost by the addition of Ozil during the summer. Each player’s role now looks that much more important because they’ve been able to find that extra 10 per cent; there’s a focus and a clear leader on the pitch now – though Ramsey’s performances have forced him into that category too.
There may still be doubts about Arsenal’s credentials as title challengers. But to be a successful team you need a strong squad. Following the additions of the past few windows, Arsenal are without question moving in the right direction.
Do Arsenal need to strengthen if they’re to win the title?
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