The Arsenal midfield needs some grit and determination

Here’s what I miss the most about Arsenal football (other than the lack of goals). I miss an attacking midfielder who is willing to put his head down and drive through the defense while looking for that open striker.

Again, I make a comparison to the NFL. When the ball is on the goal line, and it’s 4th down, you need a running back who will put his head down, square his shoulders and go for the touchdown.

Arsenal does not have an attacking midfielder who is either willing or capable of doing that. I really thought Dani Ceballos might be that guy. He has shown some glimmers to push the ball through the defensive wall, but unfortunately, it has only been a few glimmers.

I harken back to the days when Englishman Jack Wilshere and Welshman Arron Ramsey had such grit and determination when on the ball close to the box they would attempt to drive through the defense. Now, this didn’t always pay dividends, however, when the defense collapsed on them, it sometimes opened a passing lane, and many time resulted in goals.

Now, I’m not saying we bring back either player to Arsenal (though I wish they were here right now), but I do hope Mikel Arteta and Edu look back on old game film and see what a real attacking midfielder can provide for a team lacking goal production.

In those days, Arsenal has Ozil providing the neat and nifty passes, while Wilshere or Ramsey were plowing their way to the goal. Currently, we see a lot of balls going backwards, or put high and wide over our forwards’ heads. Nothing is connecting.

The Gunners’ defense has shown some guts and strength, but the offense has shown on small doses of hope in the 11 Premier League matches.

Yes, the Gunners need creativity in the midfield, but they also need that one guy with grit and determination.

COYG!

Gunner1953