29 Oct 2012 21:05:33
I have been so surprised how Mertesacker has been solid, its really upsetting to see Koscielney on the bench though as he had such a strong season last year.. We have a big Dilemma with those two.
TomArsenal
As much as I hate to say it, drop vermaelen, give arteta captaincy
29 Oct 2012 22:13:27
Still struggling to get used to the fact a world class CB like Laurent is sitting on the bench :( . Mertesacker has been exceptional so far though.
I remember posting about this last season. I said then that my first choice pairing would be Kos and Big Per. Unfortunately, by giving the Verm the captaincy, it kind of makes it hard to now drop him. I think AW shot himself in the foot with that. Don't get me wrong, I love Verm, he's hard as nails. However, I can't help but notice he's been at fault for a few goals conceded this season.
Slick Mick
For me koscielny should be first choice cb
Mertesacker is first choice all day - at the beginning of last season when all where dropping like flies, this fella keep a steady ship - for me its Metesacker with Kos and TV fighting it out for the second spot
I am surprised how well Mertesacker has been considering how poor he was last season. Unfortunately Vermealen has been putting to much responsiblity on himself to help create some chances and has therefore been poor in defence. I still think Kos and Verm are the partnership we should use though. We dropped Jenks and he has also been epic this season
Since the invincables we possibly have the best three cb's needed. u cant say drop verm because if u remember the chelsea game kos was at fault. yes verm hasn't been great but he is still playing good verm and merts are playing well together and just wait till the back four is completely back together.
Vermaalen's been at fault for a couple of goals but has also made crucial and spectacular interventions, particularly when others around him cock up. i am instantly reminded of his amazing header on sat when Santos let SWP in on the right and sent in a cross which would certainly have found Cisse. he is the first CB on the teamsheet for me.
Otherwise, you have to just go on form. Koscielny is the better player but Mert has been outstanding. The one time when Koscielny started he was pretty poor. For all of our errors, we still have the best defnesive record in the league right now and our main back 4 has to be credited. the only defender that majorly worries me is Santos (as much as i quite like him....)
Most of all, I am so glad we finally have this problem! When was the last time we had genuine competition between 3 top CBs? This is the sort of thing that makes the difference over a season. I am more concerned about our lack of choice in CF.....
Oleg Maputo
Perhaps Verm on the left w/ Kos and Mert in the middle until Gibbs is back. Santos has been ok going forward, but his defending is horrid.