It never rains but it pours - or should that say "poors" for recent Arsenals performances, and especially in rain soaked Swansea.
Another poor performance from Arsenal with many question marks appearing - with no answers.
Arsenals poor performance in last weeks Champions League game against Anderlecht was then followed by a poor performance at Swansea. Just not good enough if they are serious about winning trophies this season.
Many are blaming defeat at Swansea at Monreal for another ineffective performance in central defence, but we all know that Monreal is not a central defender. So whose fault is it he has to play there?
Again, its Arsenals transfer policy and defensive qualities that needs to be looked at. Simply not good enough.5 Goals conceded in past two games against good -but not great teams.
The real question is "Are Arsenal REALLY serious about winning the Barclays Premier League -or the Champions League?" - obviously not.
Any champions needs a rock solid defence. Thats obvious - but Arsenal just dont have one. Nowhere near solid enough.
Arsene Wenger will be under pressure -and so may be his position as manager if he does not address the defence options he has, and act quickly by buying 3 quality defenders in the January transfer window.
The balance of midfield is not right. Too many similar players -each trying to do the same job. Cazorla, Wilshere, Rosicky, Podolski, Ramsey, Ozil are too similar.
Its not as simple as having quality players. In simple terms Arsenal need to have an equal or better squad than their major threats to winning trophies. The question must be "Would Giroud , Welbeck, Cazorla, Flamini, Sczzesny, Arteta, Debuchy, Monreal, Mertesacker, or Rosicky, get in the Chelsea, Manchester City or Manchester United team?" -......................No they would not.
Arsenal have big questions to be answered -and soon - but will they be answered and get Arsenal to be where they want to be?
Arsenal, yet again, shot themselves in the foot in yesterdays Champions League game against Anderlecht. 3- 0 up after 58 minutes, and smiles are everywhere in the Arsenal camp - and thats the problem!
If Arsenal would have been 1-0 up at 60 mins they would have stayed focussed. Concentration would have been good, and they certainly could not, and would not have taken their foot off the pedal. As they did!
The only positives to be taken are that Arsenal will probably still qualify for the next stage of The Champions league , and in some way more importantly -they must learn the lesson from last nights game. ie In the Premier League or The Champions League you cannot drop your performance for one minute.
Arsenals weak points were highlighted yet again. With huge question marks with the defence. It will be interesting to see who Wenger signs in the next transfer window in January 2015 to attempt to improve this area of the Arsenal team.
Are Arsenal serious about really wanting to win the Champions League? or the Premier League? If so, Wenger must get the cheque book out and buy quality in key areas. Which areas and players are fairly obvious. Central defence is not strong enough, and there are serious question marks over players such as Arteta, Monreal and Flamini.
My guess is that Wenger will buy one quality player -and that will be it. Arsenal fans will still live in hope ,yet knw deep down inside that its not enough.
Today Arsenal welcome Burnley and nothing less than a good victory will do for Arsenal. This is a must win game for the Gunners. The league table is starting to take shape, and the interesting thing for Gooners is that cracks are appearing in the title charge of Liverpool, and also Manchester City. Today gives Arsenal a great chance to keep in the title race.
Liverpool travel to Newcastle United, and Manchester City play at home to Manchester United on Sunday. Both Liverpool and Manchester city may well drop points this weekend, and Arsenal can take advantage.
The return of Theo Walcott will boost Arsenals squad, and Arsene Wenger may well choose to play Theo for at least 45 minutes against Burnley.
One word of warning. Burnley will not lie down easily. They are finding the Premier League tough, but will give 100%, and Arsenal need to be at their best. Having said that, I can see Arsenal scoring 3 or more goals today against Burnley.
