After a transfer window that promised so much, Arsenal haven’t gotten off to the best of starts in the Premier League. While their continued inability to beat the big sides has already been apparent, one of the main reasons why the Gunners have struggled so far is because of injuries. For the umpteenth time in the past couple of season, the North London side have been hit with a flurry of injuries.
What has made matters this time around is that most of them, have occurred at the back, where the Gunners are already short on cover. Although they don’t have either Olivier Giroud or Yaya Sanogo fit, the signing of Danny Welbeck seems to have eased the pain, just a little bit. But the promising thing for Arsenal is that once the players starting coming back, the side will look a lot stronger.
So let us take a look at the strongest available side to Arsene Wenger, if he had a fully fit squad to choose from.
Goalkeeper:
David Ospina
Although Wojciech Szczesny has done well in the last 18 months or so as the No.1, the simple fact is that the Polish keeper is still prone to the odd mistake here and there. The game against Galatasaray was evidence of that as the Pole decided to, for no reason come out and impede the attacker and the give the visitors a sniff in a game which the Gunners were comfortably dominating. David Ospina will be a far more reliable option for this season as the Colombian shot-stopper is an experienced campaigner, who can teach the Pole a thing or two about how to keep your concentration throughout the game.
Defence:
Debuchy – Chambers – Koscielny – Gibbs
At right back, Mathieu Debuchy has proven himself to be a more than adequate replacement for Bacary Sagna. Whether it was helping out his defence in times of need or going forward and contributing to the attack, the Frenchman is a solid, dependable and reliable modern full back. On the other flank, it is once again a straightforward decision. Ever since breaking into the side, Kieron Gibbs has shown that he has what it takes to be a senior international in the not too distant future.
Central defence is one area where the Gunners have struggled so far. But if they had all their players to call upon then Calum Chambers and Laurent Koscielny would represent the best possible pairing in the heart of defence. With Mertesacker getting on, and becoming more vulnerable to pace over the past month or so, Chambers and Koscielny would represent a modern centre back pairing as it consists of two players who are good on the ball and not just in defence.
Midfield:
Wilshere – Mesut Ozil – Ramsey
If his performances for England during the past few qualifiers are anything to go by, then Jack Wilshere might have finally solved Arsenal’s problem position, the defensive midfielder. In front of him, Aaron Ramsey is a certain starter as the Welshman has come a long way in the last year and has gone from a figure of frustration for the fans to someone who is the source of inspiration now. Who figures alongside him is perhaps the toughest decision that Wenger might have to take. Even though Mesut Ozil’s poor start to this season, he is still the best playmaker they have got in the squad. Wenger will hope the classy German no 10 will regain his magical touch soon.
Attack:
WalcottTheo Walcott – Danny Welbeck – Alexis Sanchez
Up front, if Wenger had everyone fit, the Gunners’ attack would be nothing short of brilliant when it comes to pace on the counter attack. The arrival of Danny Welbeck means that Arsenal finally have a player who can, not just hold onto the ball, but be effective on the counter as well. On right side, Theo Walcott is likely to take his place and the Englishman will bring plenty of pace and goals to the attack. On the left is the one that is likely to be the source of consternation amongst most Arsenal fans, but purely in terms of his form so far Alexis Sanchez merits a place in the starting line up. The Chilean attacker not only provides the side with pace, but is also someone who is capable of beating his man and also pressing high up the pitch.
Strongest Arsenal Lineup When no one is injured
