Selection Headache For Arsenal Manager: Who Is The Right Man During Midfield Crisis?

Things might be looking a tad bit better for Arsenal after the FA overturned the red card which Gabriel got against Chelsea in the Premier League, he should be able to take part in the Carling Cup tie against fierce rivals Tottenham. Arsenal though will be without the services of Francis Coquelin, the midfielder was taken off at half-time in the loss against Chelsea and this will be a huge blow for Arsenal as they look to start their cup campaign with a win over tough opposition.

Coquelin had been one of their most consistent players from last season and had even made the defensive midfielder’s role his own at the club. The combative youngster not only provides Arsenal with a great cover for their defence but also helps in midfield by making key interceptions and tackles to break up the opposition attack. His injury, which is being termed as a short term might be a huge miss in the game but just what should Arsenal do to take care of this issue?

New formation or play the tried and tested?

Most managers normally have two players for every position in the team and that should be no different for Arsenal either but the fact that Flamini has not been the best when played in the defensive midfielder’s role does create a headache for Arsene Wenger.

Coquelin had done such a great job in midfield that replacing him like for like is not easy but Arsenal do have one option which they can try in Calum Chambers. The defender played the second half of the game against Chelsea and despite fears, he actually did alright in spite of being a defender.

Chambers might not be the most comfortable in that role, but this idea if better than changing the entire formation of the team. Arsenal have found a way to play and they should stick to that no matter what. One more player who could play in that role is Aaron Ramsey, sure he does not provide the same defensive cover as a Flamini or Chambers but his dynamic running and ability to play in midfield should be looked as the perfect option in place of Coquelin.

The Welsh international has been played in a more advanced role since the second half of last season but that might not be his best position, after all he is known for his ability to play brilliantly from the centre of midfield and with Coquelin out, Ramsey could be the player to step up and provide that steel in midfield that Arsenal so badly need in these games.