Our previous games have showed a lot in terms of defensive improvements.
Thomas Vermaelen and Per Mertesacker seem to have formed a solid partnership in the heart of our defence, only conceding two goals in all competitions so far (five games)
But where does that leave Laurent Koscielny, who was arguably one of the best defenders last season in the Premier League if not Europe?
The Frenchman has failed to start a game for us so far this season largely due to a knock he picked up in pre-season, though he has been assured by Arsene Wenger that he still has a first-team future at Arsenal.
But it seems he will have to do a hell of a lot to get back his place in the line-up.
Wenger said:
‘He is fit, he has not practiced a lot but he will come back into the team.
‘But Thomas is playing well, Mertesacker is playing well and we have competition.’
A competition for places is what we needed at the back, and Vermaelen insists it shows Arsenal’s depth and strength – the fact Koscielny, who is one of our best defenders, cannot get into the side supports the Belgian’s claim.
‘I think that is a good sign if we have a player like him on the bench.
‘He was maybe one of the most important players last season and he is on the bench so that means we are doing well.
‘It is always good to have a strong bench as well and we have that.’
I for one agree with our captain. This is good for our team. No one’s place in the squad is assured. Not only defensively, but higher up the field too.
At present the team looks very strong and when our best players can’t get into the side it shows we are moving forward as a club. It’s a good sign, and I’m sure Koscielny will return to the first-team when Wenger sees fit. I’m not sure whose place he’ll be tacking, but it will be interesting to see.
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He will def. Come back to first team but I think it is better if AW rotates some top players..it will keep them mentally fit…staying on d bench takes a lot out of players…expecting great game on sunday..gunners will win..3:1
The strength of a team is on the bench, kos can be use as a sub and in a game when we have to defend
Let d boss AW rotate his player it’s will keep dem happy dan left dem on d bench
who ever gets injured i doubt they will be able to get back into the team, not even our amazing midfield trio are safe now that wilshere and frimpong are back and ramsey is hittin form, this is good, it shows we do have good strength in depth
Koscielny is top class, so is Mertesacker, play them both keeping tactics in mind. Vermaelen is captain, he should play but against quick teams Koscielny should play. Against large physical teams Mertesacker should play, should be a great year to be a gooner. The real fans support you AW!
i agree with u buddy per metersacker did suffer against liverpool against the so called small speedy players like sterling n suarez against these type of players its suffer to play koscielny and Against large physical teams Mertesacker should play