Arsenal have started off their season very strongly, putting in uncharacteristically strong and disciplined defensive performances that have earned the North London club a lot of plaudits this season.
The team is still practically new, with summer signings Olivier Giroud, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-Song-c4804 seem to have
been forgotten as this new look Arsenal team continues to impress.
Arsenal have been good going forward, and solid at the back. They’ve conceded the second lowest goals in the league, and have managed victories against the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 and a draw against the reigning champions Manchester City. If the Gunners can keep
it up, they’ll surely mount a serious title challenge this season.
From the figurative ‘one-man team’ http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 have turned into a solid unit, strong and capable in all areas of the pitch. Here’s a look at some of clubs strongest and most effective players so far.
Carl Jenkinson
Carl Jenkinson has probably been the biggest (and most pleasant) surprise of the season as far as Arsenal are concerned. The former Charlton Athletic right-back has improved dramatically, and it’s often hard to comprehend the massive strides he has made
ever since he joined Arsenal last season.
The player no longer looks like the weak, unsure and scared looking right-back that got sent off against Manchester United in the fateful 8-2 thrashing last season. Jenkinson was thrust into the first team set-up following Bacary Sagna’s injury, much to
the dismay and fear of many Arsenal fans.
The player has however proved that he is worthy of playing top level professional football, showing uncharacteristic strength, persistence and composure.
His performance against Manchester City was arguably his best of the season, where he was good going forward and constantly troubled Javi Garcia and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Zabaleta-c29022 on the right flank.
Jenkinson was also the man of the match in the 2-0 defeat against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786. Though he is still a raw talent, and far from a finished article, Jenkinson is already showing signs of being the club’s future first choice right-back.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Per-Mertesacker-c29680
The tall and imposing German joined the club amid a series of last minute transfer deals, and is an established German international. The defender was a regular member of the Arsenal squad, but injured his ankle against Sunderland last season, which ruled
him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Many rued his slow pace and his ability to contend for aerial balls was suspect, despite his towering 6’4 frame. The player has however shown that he does not shy away from a tackle, and he is already known for his excellent reading of the game.
This season, Mertesacker has improved tremendously, and has shown signs of improvement as far as his pace is concerned. But pace is something which you either have or you don’t, and the German has more than made up for his lack of speed by his interceptions
and excellent play breaking ability.
The German managed an impressive 7 interceptions in the game against Manchester City and was part of the team that kept 3 clean sheets in the first 3 games of the season. His absence from the side led to Arsenal’s first defeat of the campaign, and many who
had once slated him now sing his praises.
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