Arsenal supporters are hoping their side will bounce back from north London derby disappointment with a win against rock bottom Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
But even a victory and avoiding a throttling from Nigel Pearson will do little to cheer up those Gunners fans whose pride is still wounded following Saturday’s defeat to a Harry Kane inspired Tottenham.
To make matters worse, the result meant that the Gunners bitterest of rivals have now moved above them in the Premier League table, and given Mauricio Pochettino’s men an advantage in that race for fourth place.
Prior to the north London derby surrender, Arsenal had been in their best form of the season.
But still the questions remain as to whether Arsene Wenger is the man to lead the club forward, with his dealings in the transfer market in recent times one of his biggest criticisms.
Here we have identified five issues the Gunners boss failed to resolve when given the opportunity in January.
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Click on Arsene Wenger to reveal the 5 issues Arsenal failed to resolve in the January transfer window.
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The signing of a top class DM
Arsenal have been on the hunt for that elusive defensive midfielder for far too long.
January seemed like the time in which Wenger would finally make his move but the recent emergence of Francis Coquelin following his early loan return from Charlton Athletic means he has put the move on hold once again.
The likes of Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho have been consistently linked, but Coquelin has the job it seems until the end of the season, despite his lack of Premier League experience.
The signing of a proven goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny has been dropped from the goalkeepers position following a couple of clangers and the odd cheeky cigarette. Summer signing David Ospina has come in and done a decent job up until this point, but questions remain as to whether he is the long term answer?
Rivals such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have shown the importance this season of boasting a world class goalkeeper, whilst the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have dropped points following mistakes from their number ones.
A proven goalkeeper could be something Wenger has to go on the hunt for in the summer.
A centre back with Premier League experience
Arsenal fans on the whole seem happy with the £11million capture of Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal. The problem may lie in the fact the Brazilian speaks no English, and has never sampled Premier League football before.
Arsenal remain short at centre back judging by the fact they have been playing full backs in the middle basically all season. Supporters would have been able to rest a bit easier knowing a proven Premier League centre back was also added, with West Ham United’s Winston Reid available for a cut-price last month given his contract situation at Upton Park.
Any hope of signing Marco Reus is now gone
Many have suggested Arsenal have been too heavily reliant on Alexis Sanchez this season. The Gunners have more money available than most, and were amongst the clubs that have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.
Fans were desperate to see Wenger splash some cash on a marquee signing to take Arsenal to a similar level to Chelsea and Manchester City, but no move for Reus materialised last month.
It looks as if the opportunity to sign one of the hottest properties in Europe has now passed Arsenal by, with Borussia Dortmund announcing today that Reus has signed a new contract with the club – cancelling out his well documented £20 million buy-out clause that would have become active at the end of the season.
No new coat, despite the January sales
Everyone knows the January sales are the best time to pick up some new items of clothing.
And Wenger could certainly do with a new coat – preferably one that fits, and one that is easy to zip up.
But judging by his look so far this month, the Arsenal boss failed to resolve his issue of ‘what to wear on the touchline’ over January as well.
