Arsenal Review - Just another brick in the wall

Ramsey is essentially becoming the prime cog of Arsenal’s midfield. Arteta shores up the first line of defence that was vacated by the departure of Alex Song. Cazorla, Wilshere or Rosicky are burdened with the creation of chances or running the business end of things behind the front-line. Walcott and Podolski on the flanks do the infrequent runs in towards the center while usually delivering crosses after collecting the ball from the midfield. Ramsey, on the other hand, does a little bit of it all. He covers for Arteta when necessary, presses forward during an emergency or simply passes to maintain distribution. A typically Spanish, all-in-one role as embodied by the legendary Xavi at Barcelona. Though not at the same level, Ramsey does maintain the ability to reach at least a fraction of the Spaniards greatness.

After having been voted as Arsenal’s Player of the Season, there is no reason to take away any of the glory from the highly underrated diminutive player from the Asturias region of Spain. While his stats might not weigh up to the level of Juan Mata or Eden Hazard for Chelsea, or Philippe Coutinho for Liverpool in the second half of the season, Cazorla has been worth thrice the value the club have paid for him.

Immediately after his arrival in north London, Cazorla was dropped into a role that was never suited to his style of play – just behind the lone center forward, in the hole. A role that was neither that of a traditional second-striker or that of an attacking midfielder. Yet his stellar performance against Liverpool that saw him bag a goal and assist another made him Arsenal’s new talisman for the season, and hopefully for many more to come. Until December, Cazorla was the sole star in a squad that was plagued by defensive issues and goal-scoring problems. Cazorla was creating chances and winning games single-handedly as well. Cazorla’s match winning performance in October against Man United supplemented his credentials as the best passer across the top five leagues in Europe, ahead of Xavi, Schweinstiger and Mata. It was a sheer game of tactical brilliance, as Cazorla’s deployment as a second-striker meant he dropped back to collect the ball and then surging upwards to score with his sweet left foot.

With Tomas Rosicky available for selection post-Christmas, the burden was eased off Cazorla’s shoulders and the duo could split creative duties. While not as significant, Rosicky’s contribution to Arsenal’s creative side of affairs must not be undermined this season.

It remains to be seen if Wenger will purchase another creative midfielder to support the ageing Rosicky. This will certainly take the pressure off Cazorla further, who can then be deployed on the flanks allowing him to cut in occasionally and join in attack.

Mikel Arteta. This man is the glue that holds them all together. Last season was about Robin scoring goals freely with a number of other structural deficiencies being masked by the overall brilliance of the Dutchman.