My First XI

I thought I would create my first XI to help me see how many of what I consider to be starting players are missing from each game during the season.  In each match review I will compare the starting XI to the one below and we will start to get an idea if the squad is able to challenge for honours when it is missing its big name players. Many have criticised our lack of squad depth so now it will be possible for me to track how well the team does when without some of its first teamers. Feel free to post your own first XI in the comments section below.

Note: This first XI is picked if everyone was fit

Arsenal First XI

Gk: Almunia

RB: Sagna

CB: Toure

CB: Gallas

LB: Clichy

RM: Walcott

CM: Diaby

CM: Fabregas (Cpt)

LM: Nasri

CF: Adebayor

CF: Van Persie

Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Silvestre, Denilson, Rosicky, Eduardo, Vela

 

I doubt the team above will cause too much controversy among fans, the main sticking point is who to partner Cesc in the middle of the park, and here I have gone with the more physical Diaby over Denilson. I believe Diaby was earmarked as being the succesor to Flamini’s defensive mid crown, as shown by Wengers decison to pick him throughout pre-season, until injury struck and Denilson began to flourish in his absence. The young Brazilian started the season well, scoring against Newcastle and Bolton, and was looking good at the heart of the team. However, I believe Diaby’s height is a crucial aspect when comparing the two, as the midfield is I believe too short and lightweight when Denilson is with the trio of Theo, Cesc and Nasri. He is also too inconsistent at present, as anyone who saw our drubbing at City will back up, as he constantly gave the ball away and is not a player who will stand up and be counted when we are doing badly away from the Emirates. Diaby, who is returning to fitness, is a quality player whose ability to shield the ball and solid tackling make him a good foil for Cesc. He is being deployed as a more attacking player by Wenger at present and is doing well there, but I believe him to be able to become more disciplined and do some of the more unglamorous duties to allow Cecs to play his game.

Amongst the subs I have named two defenders, two midfielders and two strikers, including Carlos Vela over the more experienced Bendtner.  Now Bendtner is still a young player who will become better, but his finishing can sometimes be woeful, and he does not use his physical presence as Ade does to hold up the ball when playing the lone role. Vela, is an excellent sub; a quick, lively player who knows exactly where the goal is and has shown some unerring finishes during the Carling Cup run. He appears to already be a fans favourite after his hat-trick against Sheffield Utd.

One possible controversial point is I would put Rosicky in the first team ahead of Theo IF he were to come back to the form he was in until his “hamstring” injury last January. He is the succesor to Bobby Pires down the wing-a skillful, clever and importantly goal scoring midfielder who has an excellent shot. For a the first half of last season Rosicky was in the goals and injury free and was looking every inch an Arsenal player.  Goals from the midfield is something we badly miss after the heyday of Pires and Ljungberg who would chip in with 15 a piece each year, and Rosicky can provide them. Now to put him ahead of Theo would be sacriligious for some fans and even though I think Theo is an amazing player, and has shown this year he will fulfil his full potential, he is still only 19 and is still inconsistent. Admittedly, some games it appears Theo is the only player doing anything, someone who will just drive the team forward with his pace and forward runs, but he still doesnt always pick the right pass, and has only scored one goal for us this year. His pace alone makes him the perfect sub, and should Rosicky come back into form he would get the nod for me.

What do you think of my team? Let me know in the comments section below