Ramsey and Giroud spare Mertesacker's blushes

Article by Neil Leverett

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Amongst the hoardes of Arsenal fans there lies a belief that their team has two on-field personalities; very good or very poor. There is no middle ground. Or at least that used to be the case. In both opening games of the 2014/15 Premier League campaign, Arsene Wenger's side have been distinctly average with Aaron Ramsey bailing the Gunners out on both occasions. Against Crystal Palace it was enough to secure a late win and at Goodison on Saturday it led to a point. Most importantly however, it kept Arsenal unbeaten at this early stage.

Four points from six reads as more than acceptable given Arsenal's penchant for a sloppy league start and after two games their they are better off by one point having scored the same total of goals. As documented prior to season's start - despite the addition of Calum Chambers - Arsenal's main concern was always going to be their defensive nouse or rather lack thereof it with the laboursome Per Mertesacker at the heart of the North Londoner's defence and so it proved on Merseyside at the weekend.

With the Gunners exposed by Seamus Coleman's unmarked far post header, as a result of Mesut Ozil's typically languid style, the big German then received a caution for a late challenge on Steven Naismith. Then moments later after the Gunners attacked looking for an instant reply the ball came out to Romelu Lukaku and Mertesacker elected to rush out - into Everton's own half - towards the Belgian striker to both prevent the patented Roberto Martinez counter-attack and continue on the offensive.

Now make no bones about it, the World Cup winner was fouled and Lukaku's run in on goal and subsequent pass to the peeling Naismith was offside. Yes. But why would Mertesacker, having been cautioned moments before elect to gallop up field to intercept? More pertinently who told him that was okay to do? It would perhaps be acceptable if the big German defender had pace to burn and the ability to get back, but sadly speed and Mertesacker are words which do do not go hand-in-hand. Surely having received a yellow card his next move would be of calmless and not sheer exuberance?

Mertesacker's lack of pace has been a sore point for Arsenal fans, but his displays as a strong uncompromising centre back - together with the occasional goal have been enough to get him by. As we saw in the World Cup, the former Werder Bremen stalwart was replaced by the pacier Jerome Boateng for the latter stages of their winning run and the absence and ponderous nature of Mertesacker was obvious for all to see. This season for the Arsene Wenger, with a new defensive unit, his hand may be forced by his BFG and is where Arsenal may fall short again.

Having gone with Alexis Sanchez to lead the line during a poor first half display versus the Toffees, one couldn't help but feel he was made a scapegoat for, but the Chilean was off the pace. Olivier Giroud was brought on in his stead and made an impact versus a physical Everton and not as someone dipping his toe in the Premier League water in an out and out forward role as Sanchez was.

Opinions on Giroud are divided. His heading ability cannot be argued, nor his superior holding up play. But when it comes to running away from physical teams and defences, he simply does not have it in his locker. Still his contribution and sublime equalizer late on from Nacho Monreal's bye-line cross gave the Gunners a escape card and for confidence moving forward the goal may be crucial in the coming weeks. That is particularly true in the light of the light of the news that Giroud may be ruled out until Christmas with a hairline fracture of the foot. GIroud's late contribution could be his last for some time.

Arsenal again showed their mettle that before may have eluded them. In all honesty this particular fan had written the game off at half time and it does show the mental strength of the team has improved. But these situations have to be avoided in the first instance. With games versus Man City and Chelsea upcoming, where they have suffered heavy losses last campaign these errors must be eliminated if Arsenal's brightest squad in years are to mount a serious challenge to Pellegrini's crown.

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