How did he look in his cameo at the Hawthorns?
Curious to know as we may well need our skipper not just for Norwich, but the run in full stop. I think his form is most definitely recoverable, and I think it is fickle gooners who think otherwise.
Also, rather controversially, I am starting to think a return for Nasri at the Emirates would not be so bad. Tbh, I am not sure how I would feel about him in an Arsenal shirt, but the idea of having the options of Santi, Rosicky and Nasri as our creative guys in that attacking three, along with more direct threats like Theo, Poldi, the Ox and Gerv, makes me think we would have some greater attacking depth. And that doesn't even include Jack as a number 10, or the younger guys coming through. Also would mean the ever popular Rambo would not be shifted to the wings with regularity.
Vermaelen
posted on 9/4/13
Nasri is a class above all of our creative midfielders bar Cazorla
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Really? He's been poor at City for 2 years, average with us for two and a half years and quality for three months.
His passing is slow and ponderous, he doesn't work hard, get stuck in and can't stand in a wall.
posted on 9/4/13
People overrate Nasri's talent. He's not so good that it wouldn't be better and cheaper to sign someone without his attitude but with the same ability.
posted on 9/4/13
Vermaelen has to rescue his arsenal career, he is lucky mertesacker is suspended otherwise there is no chance he was coming back into the team.
Nasri is anything but class, very average player who hasn't proved anything in his 5 years or so in england
posted on 9/4/13
I've noticed a little bit of ribbing aimed at Mertesacker on these boards lately. Just my opinion, but I find it impossible not to acknowledge that he's been by far Arsenal's most consistent centreback this season, by some distance! Sure he's got all the pace of a Sinclair CG and we've all seen milk turn quicker. But his positional sense is second to none (usually) and he's a calming influence.
Vermaelen HAS been poor this campaign and it's hard to put a finger exactly why that's the case. After a very shakey start to the season by Koscielny, coupled with some niggling injuries, Koscielny is finding his feet and looks like the defender we've come to appreciate and love in a very platonic sense. For me, Koscielny is Arsenal's most gifted defender, but this season Mertesacker is by far the most consistent!
posted on 9/4/13
I think Mert has been one of our players of the season. There is a reason its either been him and kos or him and Verm as our regular cb partnership.
Verm has a long way to go to earn back his status as a regular for me, but has a great shot thanks to a, rare, very poor performance by Mert.
posted on 9/4/13
Mertesacker has an inherent flaw which no amount of tactical nous can overcome, IMO.
If we attempt to press higher up the pitch, his lack of pace can easily be exploited by a mobile channel-running striker, as we've seen all too often this season.
Whilst it may not be a mistake that he chooses not to follow a forward into the channels (since his immobility would be exploited), it's just as costly as, say, Vermaelen stepping up and letting a runner in behind him, as we have also seen far too often.
Vermaelen doesn't always have these lapses in concentration, but Mertesacker always has physical inadequacies.
Further, it's worth noting that Mertesacker's distribution often leaves a lot to be desired, which we saw again at the weekend when he played a suicide ball across the defence to Koscielny, which was intercepted by Long and forced Koscielny to commit a foul.
For me, Koscielny is one of the first names on the team sheet in this Arsenal side, which leaves us with either Mertesacker or Vermaelen to partner him.
I like Mertesacker, and I certainly think he can be a very good option, but more often than not, I'd rather Vermaelen.
posted on 9/4/13
Fair points DaStuDogg
But one thing that never fails to escape my attention; the fact that in terms of a central defensive partnership, a duo of Koscielny & Vermaelen (to me) looks less at ease with each other (these days) than a duo of either Mert & Kos, or even Mert & Verm.
There's strong rumours that another centrehalf will be signed this summer. That's not to say that they'll be a nailed on starter, irrespective of IF Vermaelen does move, because Squillaci will be released and it looks likely that Djourou will be sold.
posted on 9/4/13
To be fair, I've never really felt they've had enough game time together. Hopefully, they can display a good defensive understanding over the next 3 matches.
posted on 9/4/13
Mert started the season very well, but he's been an absolute joke for a few weeks now.
Vermaelen should keep his place for a weeks if he plays well against Norwich, just to give Mert a kick up the backside.
And Nasri is a very pointless player, I wouldn't want him back.
posted on 9/4/13
I've never been Nasri's biggest fan i have always thought he was overrated and had an attitude proves my point really.
Vermaelen is a very poor defender, in terms of actual defending. He's good technically but awareness and positioning are awful
His goals made people blind to his mistakes - he has awful defensive positioning.