Mikel Arteta’s calm appeared to encase our side at the DW stadium last week.
The Spaniard is the ultimate orchestrator and provides the team with the perfect pivot. He knows when to hold onto the ball, when to quicken the pace and he is slowly finding more opportunities to contribute in the final third.
His goal last week came via some interesting goalkeeping but it indicated his growing confidence within the team and he has the perfect opportunity to highlight his progress this season in Saturday’s meeting with his former employers. Ex-players frequently score against their previous clubs but we rarely seem to be on the benefitting side, hopefully we will feel slightly differently at 5pm on Saturday.
Behind Arteta a reshuffled but very strong looking back four will be looking to banish the memories of Tuesday night from supporter’s minds. Such a capitulation couldn’t have come in a better match for Arsenal but it still highlights how fragile our goalkeeping replacements are. Szczesny will make a very welcome return and Vermaelen will move to left back to replace the injured Santos. Koscielny will move into the centre with Mertesacker and Djourou should retain his right back berth. Four centre backs should give us security from set pieces whilst Vermaelen and Djourou also have good quality in the attacking third.
Further forward Ramsey, Walcott, Gervinho and van Persie are growing into a devastating force. If Ramsey and Gervinho can find a more regularly assured touch in front of goal, silverware may not just be a glorious daydream in 2012.