Premier League Half Term Reports: Arsenal can do better
Published:Team Name: Arsenal
Current Premier League position: 8th
Giddy highs:
It’s been draws that have hurt Arsenal in the early part of the season with both Manchester City and north London rivals Tottenham picking up points in games at the Emirates the Gunners should have won.
Arsene Wenger’s men have shown in glimpses what they can do with a 3-0 demolition job – three goals in four minutes – against Aston Villa and an emphatic 4-1 win over Turkish side Galatasaray in Europe.
And if the FA Cup holders can reproduce that form on a much more regular basis then they can still be a force to be reckoned with in the domestic and European competitions this season.
Crushing lows:
The manner of defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League was galling to many Gooners. But just when they thought their team had turned the corner, Chelsea handed out another reminder of how far Arsenal currently lag behind the elite, even on the domestic stage.
The Blues’ comfortable 2-0 win over their London rivals has given boss Arsene Wenger plenty to ponder in the international break.
Watch Danny Welbeck’s first goal for Arsenal in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa:
Shining Star: Calum Chambers
An honourable mention must go to Danny Welbeck after the way he has settled in at the Emirates Stadium, while Jack Wilshere also looks to have become a key man in the Arsenal midfield after recapturing his form.
But without doubt Arsenal’s shining light so far this season has been new signing Calum Chambers.
What would the Gunners have done without the former Southampton defender?
The 19-year-old has featured at centre-back and is now a fixture in the side at right-back after the injury to fellow new boy Mathieu Debuchy and his form has seen him earn a call-up to the England squad.
Watch Calum Chambers’ impressive performance against Manchester City in the Community Shield:
Biggest Disappointment: Mesut Ozil
There’s no denying that when the German international is on his game he is one of the most fascinating players to watch in world football.
But those times have been few and far between in the red and white and Gunners fans are growing frustrated at the performances of the £42m man.
If Arsenal are to mount a serious title challenge they will need the former Real Madrid forward to find his best form and fast.
Grade: B –
Final Thoughts…
While Gunners fans will be disappointed with the manner of the defeats to both Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea it’s worth remembering Wenger’s men have only suffered two defeats in what has been a tricky start to the season.
Arsenal, who have once again had plenty of injuries to deal with, are yet to click into gear in the Premier League but when the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla nad Danny Welbeck finally do, they have the weapons to hurt any side (on second thoughts, maybe not Chelsea!) in the league.
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