Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Stoke compounded more misery on Arsene Wenger. While these are still early days into the season; the fans were irate at seeing the manager make the same mistakes over and over again. The mood around the club for most of last year was toxic. There was negativity all around as results were going against the Gunners on a regular basis. Arsenal’s visit to Stoke gave the fans the jittering memories of last season.
They face Liverpool up next at Anfield, a daunting prospect for any team. Liverpool seem to have found their stride after managing to get the victory and a clean sheet against Crystal Palace and will go into the game with their confidence slightly higher in comparison to the visitors. Arsenal need to address several issues before making the trip to the North.
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Dropping Ozil to the bench
Mesut Ozil is the first name on Arsene Wenger’s team sheet. He has established his position as a starter; even if he fails to perform in the previous game. While the game against Liverpool is indeed massive, dropping Ozil to the bench might be good for two reasons.
One, Ozil will know that he can be dropped if he underperforms and will try to keep his level of performance up. Two, Oxlade Chamberlain has been a bright spark at RWB and LWB and will excel if given a role much higher up the pitch. Many fans fear that Ozil will want to leave if he’s dropped from the starting XI but no player is bigger than the club.
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Players in the right position
Another of the baffling decisions Wenger made was to play Kolasinac as a LCB. He had Mertesacker on the bench, who missed the first match due to a head injury sustained in the Community Shield. His presence on the bench means he’s ready for first-team football. He could fit right into the starting XI as the pivotal CB in the back 3. Kolasinac is a beast; but he’s more of a threat going forward than at the back. If Wenger wants to get the best out of his summer signing, he needs to play him in position. Same applies to Bellerin, who is a natural RB. Playing Bellerin and Kolasinac at RWB and LWB respectively might reap rewards going forward.
Liverpool will come all guns blazing at Arsenal’s timid midfield and defence; and with the pace of Mohamed Salah and Mane, they could cause more trouble than Stoke. Rest assured, their trip to Anfield will test their resolve and determination to come out strong after a poor result and performance.
