The fall and rise of Laurent Koscielny
On Sunday the 27th of February, Laurent Koscielny’s Arsenal career hit rock bottom. On the day that it was seen as a near formality by most that Arsenal would overpower Birmingham to record some long overdue silverwear, a comical mix-up with Szczesny squandered the tie and butchered Koscielny’s reputation in the process.
The Carling cup final, along with continued calls for the signing of a new, top class centre back in the summer, meant that Koscielny’s days as Arsenal’s first choice centre back looked numbered.
However, this has proved not to be the case, with Koscielny looking a completely different animal this season. While he sporadically delivered good performances, predominantly in the Champions league (and in particular in the first leg of the Barcelona tie), he looked very shaky at times as was forced to acclimatize to the fast, physical and relentless British game.
However, this season he has added a steely element to his game which has taken him to the next level. Much was said of Arsenal’s aerial fragility in the summer but Koscielny has really stepped up to the plate to provide an internal solution.
His improvement is evident from a statistical viewpoint, winning 14% more of his aerial duels. This rate eclipses that of any other Arsenal centre back, even falling just 2% short of 6 ft 4 inch tall mammoth Christopher Samba, reported summer target as well as
| Koscielny | Koscielny (2010/11) | Samba | Cahill | Mertesacker | Vermaelen | |
| Aerial duels won (%) | 67% | 53% | 69% | 61% | 56% | 54% |
Although he is now solid enough in the air, his real strength is his superb reading of the game. Nicknamed “Bosscielny” by the Arsenal faithful because of the fact nothing seems to get past him, he impressively averages the joint most interceptions per game in the league (2.7) alongside Vermaelen as they counteract attempted through balls past Arsenal’s high defensive line.
Koscielny also looks a lot more aggressive in the tackle, which has payed off dividends. His imposing style means he is no longer bullied out of games, and more often than not finds himself victorious in his duels with centre forwards, averaging an impressive 2.8 tackles per game, also more than any other centre back in the division.
To put those numbers into context, I have compiled a table comparing Koscielny to some of Europe’s finest centre backs. While stats are only stats and , at the end of the day, nothing beats the naked eye when judging a player, it more than shows the rapid improvement Koscielny has made.
| Koscielny | Thiago Silva | Kompany | Vidic | Vermaelen | Piqué | Puyol | Terry | |
| Interceptions per game | 2.7 | 3.3 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 2 |
| Tackles per game | 2.8 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 1 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2 |
These tackles are also very clean and successful. In an article composed on premier league centre backs by WhoScored.com on the 18th of January, Laurent Koscielny (93%) was found to have the the highest tackle success rate of any player in the league.
Possibly one of the most exciting things about Koscielny is that he is yet to play alongside Vermaelen for a consistent this season. With the full back crisis forcing Vermaelen into the left back slot and Koscielny into right back, Arsenal fans have been denied the sight of watching what could possibly be the best centre back partnership at the club since the days of the invincibles and the Campbell/Toure partnership. The statistics behind the partnership only help to water mouths. They have played only six competitive games together in the heart of defense, conceding just two goals at a rate of 233 minutes per conceded goal whilst collecting four clean sheets. While it would be foolish to expect this high standard continuing throughout a whole campaign, the future looks bright in the heart of the defense.
Koscielny has been one of the few bright sparks in an overall disappointing season for Arsenal. Although some opposition fans still remain skeptical of him, the vast improvement of Koscielny has meant he has become firm fans favorite with the Arsenal faithful. If he continues in this manner, there is no reason to believe why not “Bosscielny” can not earn the respect and admiration of the Premier league as a whole.
Mikel Arteta- panic buy of the century?
When Mikel Arteta was announced as the last item on Wenger’s deadline day shopping list, the reception from fans and “pundits” was mixed. Firstly, fans were pleased that a quality player had been brought in to steady the teetering Arsenal ship. However, a handful of pundits suggested that Wenger had again opted for the cheaper option, bringing in a poor man’s Cesc to lead a poor Arsenal side into an unspectacular season.
Thankfully though, the Spaniard has proved to be exactly what the side needed. Blessed with an abundance of technical ability and battle hardened by six years in the Premier league, Arteta has played a pivotal role in not only steadying but leading a much improved Arsenal side back into the race for a place in the top four.
The 29 year old midfielder has become what most Arsenal fans hoped Denilson could. Lying deep (often the deepest of the midfield trio) Arteta has become a slick, efficient dictator of the ball. While his passes are often short, crisp passes to a nearby team-mate as he looks to keep the ball rolling, Arteta is also more than capable of of plucking a 35-yard pass out of thin air or a telling through ball in order to stretch the play.
This ability to stretch and dictate the play alongside his evident passing ability lies his often overlooked defensive contribution. His position on the pitch usually means he usually finds himself in 5’7 cute little playmaker territory. And, when need be, Mikel Arteta is happy to break up the play. Averaging 2.3 interceptions and 2.1 tackles per game, Arteta’s defensive contribution is one that most predominantly defensive midfielders would be proud of (to provide some scale for Arteta’s defensive game, I’ve compiled a small table with a few players of similar averages).
This willingness to lie deep and dictate from there has also given Song a greater license to roam forward and contribute offensively. This has paid dividends with Song moulding himself into a fine all-round central midfielder. So far this season, Song has attempted 33 through balls, 12 of which successful at an average of 0.8 per game- the highest of any player in the Premier league (slightly ahead of Silva 0.7, Modric 0.6). This impressive contribution is a huge up on last season, when he attempted just 32 through balls all campaign, with 10 of which being accurate. This third source of creativity has played a huge part in filling the huge creative boots left by Cesc Fabregas in the summer. Although it would be wrong to pin Song’s increased offensive contribution down to another player rather than his general improvement, I think the Arteta factor has played a part in recent success of “Songinho”.
One of Arteta’s finest performances of the season- the 3-0 home win against West Brom- for me epitomises what he is about. The Spaniard distributed a staggering 93 passes with an accuracy of 90% with such speed and decisiveness that the West Brom trio of Morrison, Dorrans and Gera were chasing shadows for much of the 90 minutes. Along with the simple, Arteta also stretched the play on a regular basis, launching eight successful long balls. Then, on the 75th minute mark Arteta arrived at the edge of the area with a well timed run to place a beautifully struck shot into the bottom corner as he starred in a comfortable victory.
All in all, Arteta is efficient and extremely effective. He’s not Cesc Fabregas, but still a vital cog in the balanced midfield trio which has been key to Arsenal’s resurgence. While not the most glamorous of signings, Arteta’s quality is (as it has been for some time) undeniable. Last-ditch panic buys are not advised this Christmas- unless of course you are a wily Frenchman by the name of Arsene Wenger!
Arsenal inquire about German star Reus
Borussia Monchengladbach coach Lucien Favre has revealed Arsene Wenger personally phoned him about German international midfielder Marco Reus.
Arsenal invincibles member Jens Lehmann informed Wenger of Rues’ talent , and the Arsenal manager appears to be wasting no time
in his search for “super quality” players to blow some of his sizeable transfer kitty on.
“But I am coach of Monchengladbach and I would like to keep hold of him.”
Farve revealed, “ I know Arsene very well and I just told him the truth: that Marco is a very, very interesting player.
Despite this interest, a January move looks unlikely. Lucien Favre added, “It would be good for Marco to stay one or two years here and, who knows? Maybe we will be up at the top the anyway.
“I think he can turn them down.”
Arsenal join battle for French prodigy
Arsenal’s extensive knowledge of French football looks to of unearthed another gem in the form of Jeremy Balmy- although they have competition should they look to finalise any deal.
The 17-year-old from Le Havre has caught the attention of Tottenham as new financial fair play rules, alongside the minimum requirement of home grown players forces clubs to shift their policy to one similar to Arsenal’s current one.
Valencia are also in for the youngster, according to reports in France.
Ryo ruled out with ankle injury
Arsenal have today learned Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi will be sidelined for around 3 weeks with an ankle injury he obtained during the 2-0 reserves win over Fulham yesterday.
Chelsea v Arsenal team news
Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday at 12:30 looking to pile more misery on Chelsea at the end of a difficult week for the club.
Thomas Vermaelen returns to the squad and is in contention for a starting berth, although whether Wenger is willing to disrupt the recently solid partnership of Koscielny and Mertesacker remains to be seen. Starting Vermaelen at left back at Santos’ expense for a more defensively solid line-up remains a possibility.
Carl Jenkinson faces a late fitness test to fill the injury plagued right back slot. Personally, I see Wenger opting for Djourou. Despite improved performances from Jenkinson of late, the added experience of Djourou could prove key. Alongside that, the last thing Wenger needs is his last remaining natural right back suffering a setback from being rushed back into action.
Yossi Benayoun can not be included in the match day squad due to premier league rules.
Long term absentees Sanga, Wilshere remain on the sidelines while Keiran Gibbs is still a week off returning.
Despite being out of form, Arsenal fans will welcome the fact that bogeyman striker Drogba is out of the clash after his two footed lunge earned him an early bath and suspension at QPR.
Torres returns from his three game ban and is in line to start.
Wenger calls for unity at Arsenal
Arsene Wenger today pleaded at the AGM for supporters to stay united as Arsenal “fight” to finish in the season within the Champions League positions.
Arsenal have bounced back from the poorest start of Wenger’s tenure to win 6 of their last 7 games as they finally began to close the gap between them and other Champions league candidates.
With the side reducing Liverpool’s lead on them to just 2 points over the weekend, Wenger told the shareholders: ”Scepticism around us is too high. Trust us and we have a chance. I do not know where we’ll finish this season, but we’re ready for a fight.”
Wenger was also quick to defend his summer acquisitions, saying: “We lost two world class players but we have also signed world class players.”
He said not to “judge too quickly players we bought” as they had had a “difficult start, and under tremendous pressure.”
Arsene once again reiterated his belief in the self sustaining model, claiming the club can still “be competitive” with it against with oil generated rivals.
Credit to @timpayton, @Gingers4Limpar, @LittleDutchVA and @DarrenArsenal1 for providing these quotes from today’s AGM.
Ryo- Dutch stint has eased transition
Arsenal’s 18 year old winger Ryo Miyaichi has admitted that his loan move to Feyenoord has helped him adjust to life in England.
The Japanese youngster came off the bench last night in the 2-1 Carling cup win over Bolton looking to show the Arsenal faithful a glimpse of the mesmerising speed and skill which had earned him the nickname “Ryodinho” in Holland.
It was this impressive progress and an encouraging pre-season that had convinced Wenger to apply for a work permit for the starlet during the summer.
Although he is still finding some aspects of English life difficult, Ryo retains that it would of been a lot harder without his stint in Holland.
Miyaichi told Arsenal.com: ”It wasn’t a big shock really, especially because I spent six months in Holland with Feyenoord,”
“The real shock was the difference in football between the Dutch league and the Premier League. It’s a big change in level so I feel I need to get used to the style of the game here.
“I have been learning technique, tactics and physicality, and there have been a lot of new things over the past few months.
“I believe in Arsenal and know that I will get better as my time here continues.”
“But then it was a real shock to see the difference in accent here in London, and it’s often very difficult to understand what people are saying!”
