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Troy Deeney, Watford Skipper, after their win against Arsenal, stated that 'lack of cojones' was the reason behind the Gunners' defeat. Watford came from behind to clinch the win but the loss was not as hurtful as the words. Arsenal's have responded well to the questions regarding their fighting spirit and since the defeat to Watford, they have won all the four matches they have played. And so far this season, perhaps the main source of character for Arsenal has been Sead Kolasinac.
On Saturday, Arsenal hosted Swansea at the Emirates and were trailing by a goal at the end of first half. Six minutes into the second half, Kolasinac levelled the scoreline with a powerful left-footed strike. Seven minutes later, he provided an assist for Ramsey for Arsenal to complete the comeback and secure three points. Yet again, there was no doubt that Sead Kolasinac provided the impetus when it was most needed and probably which Arsenal were lacking in the previous seasons when the chips were down.
Four months into the Premier League and one could easily ascertain that Kolasinac has been the signing of the summer. Since his arrival from Schalke on a free transfer, he has fitted into the Arsenal ranks with ease. Arsenal fans look convinced that he was a good signing for the club. Kolasinac seems to get along just fine with his team-mates as well in the dressing room with his multiple nicknames such as 'The Tank', 'The Hulk' and 'The Destroyer'.
Sead Kolasinac at Schalke
Schalke had a disappointing campaign last season, even though Koasinac was one of the best players in Bundesliga. His statistics for the 2016-17 season were phenomenal which earned him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season 2016/17.
He scored three goals, five assists and created 23 chances in 25 league appearances for the Bundesliga side. He had a shot accuracy of 45% and an average pass accuracy of 71%. His physique makes you presume he's one who commits a lot of fouls, but last season, he was shown just five yellow cards and was pretty disciplined on the pitch.
Sead Kolasinac at Arsenal
Kolasinac has continued his immaculate performances since leaving Gelsenkirchen for North London. His 32nd-minute substitution against Chelsea at the Community Shield Final was just the beginning of his glorious days at Arsenal. Fifty minutes later he scored his first goal for Arsenal with a wonderful header, displaying his good aerial skills and proving why he is one of the most talked about fullbacks in Europe currently.
Since his arrival, he has already matched his tally of goals from the previous season in Germany. Kolasinac has three goals under his name, has managed three assists and has been penalized with a yellow just twice.
He isn't afraid to put in a tackle or two and has a tackle success of 89% with 18 clearances out of which 11 had been headed. His game reading ability has been pretty impressive too, as he has mustered 9 interceptions.
Three at the back with Kolasinac....
It was against Middlesbrough in April earlier this year that Arsene decided to go with three at the back which resulted in a 2-1 win. The last time Arsene played with this setup was way back in 1197 against Derby. But it seems that he would be sticking to this plan from now on.
Kolasinac fits in the back three strategy perfectly as he is most comfortable playing in a left wing-back role. He can make quick runs on the left wing and his physical build also helps him tackle wingers, thus providing much-needed stability to Arsenal defence.
Arsene Wenger has brought the perfect contender to reinforce his back line. With less than two years left on Nacho Monreal's contract and Gabriel's transfer, fans could not argue for anyone better. But its not just about his physical build.
Yes, he is 6 ft tall, he has a lot of muscle yet he has quick feet and often makes powerful runs on the left flank which makes him an even better player. In his short span of five months at Arsenal so far, he has proved to be an all-round fullback.
Since the Invincibles side, Arsenal have never had a team that could outmuscle opposition sides. They still don't have a daunting team but are one step closer. So the inclusion of Kolasinac in the team makes even more sense. There are very few defenders in European football with his presence on the field.
Kolasinac turned 24 in June and still has his best years ahead. Arsene Wenger after the Swansea game stated that bargain buys still exist in the market. It's highly doubtful that the Gunners could get a better bargain buy than this, ever.
