Defensive Shambles Costs Gunners Dear

Arsenal’s season reached a new low on Saturday as their 4-3 defeat at Blackburn left them just outside the relegation zone and already out the Barclay’s Premier League title race.

In spells, Arsenal did look as though the valuable point picked up against Borussia Dortmund in midweek had marked a revival in the Gunners confidence and play, as for periods in the first half against Blackburn they knocked the ball about with ease and looked to be in total control of the match against Steve Kean’s men.

However, defensively, Arsenal were a shambles and a calamity waiting to happen. While it can be argued that any new defence needs time to gel and settle, the ease of which one of the Premier League’s weakest sides hit four past them must send shivers down the spine of all Gunners fans.

It is far too early in the season for Arsenal to panic, but there has to be a reality check. Their former captain is now in a Barcelona shirt. Arguably their best player in recent years in Samir Nasri is with Manchester City and the club are in real danger of making the top four this admist strong competition from Tottenham and Liverpool.

Of the new signings, I felt neither positive or negative about Andre Santos in his first match. He did ok, nothing more, nothing less, although he does look capable of putting in a tasty delivery to the penalty box, something Arsenal have arguably lacked in recent seasons. Of course, without the ability in the air of Marouane Chamakh it could be argued this is a redundant policy.

The signing who has most impressed me so far has been Gervinho, although I can’t help feeling he is playing out of position. Although he is a good dribbler and is not doing a bad job on the wing, I feel his main strength is running in behind defences which was epitomised by his well taken goal on Saturday.

As much as Arsene Wenger loves his 4-3-3 formation, the truth is it’s not working and perhaps a return to a more conventional 4-4-2 could be what spells a return to winning for Arsenal. Certainly those in the Arsenal football shop will be hoping this is the case.

It’s not too late for Arsenal to start climbing the table, but Arsene Wenger faces the challenge of his career to instil confidence once again in his team.

Written by Colin Hill, a sports blogger who writes about Serie A shirts.

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