Fragile, feeble, frail, crumbly, decrepit, vulnerable - best describes Arsenal's defense after the meltdown-defeat at Swansea a few nights ago.
At 1-0 up, Arsenal was caught attacking with 7 players in Swansea’s half, leaving two players to paddle back and defend, hoping not to be hit by the opponent's counter attacks. That was not the case, as two quick goals sunk Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium.
Arsene Wenger started the match with Chambers at right-back, Per partnering Monreal at centre-back and Gibbs at left back. Although this is not Wenger's first choice to field his back four facing an in-form Swansea side, the quality of the combination should have been better. Much much better to be honest.
Having taken the lead from a well-struck goal by Alexis, Arsenal gave away the lead to draw level and then trailed 2-1 till the final whistle after Gylfi Sigurdsson struck from a beautifully taken set-piece and Bafetimbi Gomis scored three minutes after his teammate.
According to the Telegraph - Arsenal's coaching staff have serious doubts about Arsene Wenger's defensive tactics. Uncertainty and questions have been raised by former players and pundits in response to the Gunner's tendency to crumble under pressure, with Paul Merson labeling the club "clueless" last week.
The paper claims that there is "frustration inside the club" over the French tactician's defiance to alter his defensive set-up. Defensive coach, Steve Bould, is also seen as part of the problem, as "backroom figures were left dismayed" by Wenger's tactics during the weekend's defeat at Swansea.
Something is amiss, and while injuries have not been kind to Wenger, it's time for Wenger to ask himself "what else can he do with what he has got to improve things". Over the years, Wenger has proved stubborn and not easily swayed by public opinion. Although he is reluctant to change his tactics, Wenger is more than happy to splash the cash on new players.
The Daily Mirror, together with, the Guardian report that Wenger will be given £20 million in January.
A centre-half tops Wenger's priority in the new year, with a holding midfielder next on the list. Celtic's Virgil van Dijk and Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is on Arsenal's radar, while Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar could be accessible cheaply, according to the Mirror. Matija Nastasic is also reportedly being offered to Arsenal by Manchester City for just £5 million pounds.
That kind of amount should be sufficient for Wenger to secure the services of a decent centre-half in January. It is getting to the stage where Wenger will do what he needs to get more players on board, who can fabricate in their natural position.