The Back 6

Again Moist

Arsenal's defence "evolved" after the Spurs loss, before Flamini arrived.

We only conceded 5 goals in the final 10 matches which saw us pick up 26 points to pip Spurs to 4th place by 1 measly point

We did all that with Ramsey and Arteta as the 2 in CM.

Flamini is just a proper hardman.

Even in this weather he plays with his sleeves rolled up and no gloves whilst all the others are wrapped up in Wenger coats.

I hope Vermaelen regains his form. He's one of my favourite Arsenal players. I remember how he gained a reputation for being indestructible in his first seasons, and was a great marauding player, if not perhaps the most conscientious defender. BUT that was Wenger's game plan at the time - 'never mind the defence, we just have to score more goals than the other team'.

Flamini wins the ball and gives it away. #worldclass

Again Moist

Arsenal's defence "evolved" after the Spurs loss, before Flamini arrived.

We only conceded 5 goals in the final 10 matches which saw us pick up 26 points to pip Spurs to 4th place by 1 measly point

We did all that with Ramsey and Arteta as the 2 in CM.

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Totally agree with the evolution of the defence. And I acknowledge and appreciate the "change" began pre-Flamini re-signing for the club.

But I do feel that having Flamini anchor a midfield gives Arsenal more protection and a licence to play their natural, QUICK, incisive passing game.

There are ALWAYS exceptions to the rules, but I am a big believer, that a team who likes to play a quick/passing game, will nearly ALWAYS perform better with 1 dedicated player who will go about their business, putting out fires (metaphorically speaking), snuffing out danger before it happens and adding synergy with their desire to win the ball back and press the opposition. Flamini gives Arsenal exactly that, in a capacity that no other player in the squad does.

We did all that with Ramsey and Arteta as the 2 in CM.

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Totally agree with the evolution of the defence. And I acknowledge and appreciate the "change" began pre-Flamini re-signing for the club.

But I do feel that having Flamini anchor a midfield gives Arsenal more protection and a licence to play their natural, QUICK, incisive passing game.
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That says it all though right?

We needed 2 in Flamini's position for the same results. Now we use one player meaning an extra player in attack.

Personally Goonz, I'd like to see another, younger, Flamini type midfielder in the squad.

I think Wenger's preference is to have a very attack minded midfield, which is all well and good. But just looking at the difference in play (it's SO much quicker) when Flamini starts games, it speaks volumes (imo).

Agree with most of what Moist has said

I think we need something remarkably different from Flamini when our midfield finally does become complete, someone quite tall because we don't win aerial balls in the midfield Giroud always has to come back, also the likes of Yaya (and anyone remember how well Wanyama played against us?) still waltz through the middle.

Flamini is a great short-term solution but long term basically we still have to replace Vieira imo

I like the idea of having a Flamini type mf player along with Ramsey, Wilshere and a brute fighting for the 2 deep lying CM roles.

Pogba and Lars Bender to replace Flamini and Arteta long term would be the dream.

Pogba and Lars Bender

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I'd gladly take either.

Pogba is almost certainly gonna leave Turin sooner or later (reading between the lines). I'm fairly sure he'll end up at PSG, sadly... Bender is obviously someone Wenger likes the look of, having bid for him previously.