Arsenal have started the season with two 0-0 draws at the start of the season.
The opening day 0-0 home draw against Sunderland was very disappointing, but the stalemate at Stoke City earlier today must be regarded as a better result, just because the Potters are such a difficult team to play on their home patch.
Positives
Although the Gunners have yet to win this season there are positives to take away from the encounter at Britannia Stadium.
In particular the ability to handle the Stoke attack and physical approach to the game.
Arsenal have in the past been bullied at grounds like the Britannia Stadium. However, the Gunners never looked like being bullied out of the game and actually coped well with the rough approach of Stoke.
Another positive was the performance of Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla. The former-Villarreal midfield schemer was highly-rated before his arrival at the Emirates Stadium and he has set about proving that he is a top player.
Cazorla’s performances so far have definitely been a positive for the Gunners so far this season. He has been the best signing of the summer for the Gunners.
Defence
Arsenal’s defence was very leaky last season. Crucial centre-back Thomas Vermaelen was missing for much of the campaign and his presence will help Arsenal concede less goals this term. Another key factor in Arsenal’s more organised look is the fact that former-Gunners defender Steve Bould has now been promoted to assistant manager.
The Gunners look far more organised this season. Even at set pieces the Gunners look like they are more solid and unlikely to concede the bagful of goals they did last season.
Entertaining
Arsenal were one of the most entertaining teams to watch last season, simply because they leaked lots of goals but also scored lots. The Gunners were involved in some of the highest scoring games of the Premier League campaign last season.
Watching Arsenal games last season you were almost guaranteed to see goals. The presence of Robin Van Persie in the team obviously helped the Gunners get on the score sheet. Unfortunately Arsenal can no longer rely on the talents of the Dutch striker.
Misfiring
The new Arsenal attackers have misfired so far this season. Maybe the shadow of Robin Van Persie is hanging over French striker Olivier Giroud. The former-Montpellier has looked nervy and has struggled to find his feet so far.
Germany international Lukas Podolski started the Stoke game on the left-wing. He did however start the opening game as a central striker, but struggled to make an impact on the game. There are already questions about whether the pair will score enough goals to help the Gunners into the top four.
The early signs aren’t too good for the Gunners though. However, these are very early days for the fledgling Gunners attack. Both players scored goals last season, but the Premier League is a step up in standard from the Bundesliga and Ligue One.
The pair shouldn’t be judged until they have had time to settle into the club and country. Both are likely to need time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League. I’m sure after a few months of playing for Arsenal their performances will improve.
Improvement
Arsenal may not have scored a goal yet this season, but the Gunners have built the foundations for a good solid team. The defensive displays from the Gunners so far this season must be encouraging for Arsene Wenger and his staff.
Once Arsenal discover their goal scoring form then results will improve. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is likely to get some stick until that change of fortune in front of goal happens, but Wenger is an experienced boss and won’t worry about that too much.
Change
I doubt that Arsenal will continue their run of 0-0 draws for much longer. The Arsenal fans are accustomed to being entertained and I don’t think this season will be much different. Are Arsenal the new Premier League 0-0 draw specialists? I really do doubt it.
Are Arsenal the new Premier League nil-nil specialists?
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