Arsenal need quick start to take next step
ARSENAL will feel it has been a decent season if they finish second and win the FA Cup — but there is plenty they could learn from Chelsea, not least the way their opponents hit the ground running at the start of the season.
Arsene Wenger complained that the World Cup made it difficult, with Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil key players who were both affected, but all the big clubs have to contend with that. Arsenal certainly have to look at why they’ve been starting seasons slowly. Last season they did start well but that has been the exception in recent years, when they have left themselves too much to do.
What should encourage them most is the 2-0 win at Manchester City in January. They always want to be in possession but for me they are made for the counter-attack.
I’ve been saying for years that they need to develop this aspect of their game — there’s nothing to be ashamed of in conceding possession strategically at times. They are so much better when they defend solidly as a unit and if they want to go further in the Champions League they’ll have to work on that. It was bizarre that they should revert to type with an awful defensive display against Monaco.
Olivier Giroud has given them another dimension, so they can put crosses in the box but they need to go and buy a physical presence in midfield who can distribute the ball well. If they can keep Jack Wilshere fit alongside that new midfielder and bring in a goalkeeper, maybe, just maybe, they will edge a little closer to the title next season.