Supremely talented attack-minded midfielders were always a hallmark of Arsenal sides under Arsene Wenger, particularly towards the second half of his reign.
They were the stars of a trademark irresistible brand of football. The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky were central to many a breathtaking passing move.
Two still remain in Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey but both have failed to secure prominent roles under new management, while the latter’s departure on a free transfer at the end of the season is already set in stone. Ozil meanwhile, has been dropped for certain games and – perhaps a little too conveniently – injured for others.
UNWANTED MEN
Whatever the physical condition of the German, he’s been rendered dispensable as Unai Emery’s Arsenal has ticked with either holding or box-to-box midfielders. The Spaniard is an astute, uncompromising tactician and, at the Emirates, seems to favour a double pivot, offering a leaky defence added protection while providing a launching pad for attacks.
The bulk of the attacking thrust is instead generated by a three-pronged forward line and the utilisation of industrious wing-backs overlapping to provide width in the final third.
Ramsey’s all-action style still has its value in Emery’s preferred system and he demonstrated as much through his impact off the bench in the north London derby victory over the weekend. He would presumably have a significant part to play within this set-up if not for his impending departure.
Ozil on the other hand appears to be a luxury Emery is only willing to afford his side against considerably weaker opposition, who sit off and need to be picked apart with that extra bit of guile when space in behind the defence would be at a premium.
However, what’s considered surplus to Arsenal is the envy of their opponents on Wednesday night, Manchester United. The Red Devils are consistently lambasted for the lack of intensity in their performances. The midfield in particular is guilty of being ponderous in possession while failing to provide the drive and creativity to facilitate the attack.
The tactical inputs of Jose Mourinho are as much to blame but in the absence of quality attack-minded midfielders, the Portuguese has been forced to rely on Paul Pogba with whom he now endures a toxic relationship. It has also had a detrimental effect on the Frenchman’s game. With little to work with around him, Pogba often tends to try too much and ends up being over-elaborate, often losing possession in dangerous areas in the process.
STATS DONT LIE?
Take the 25-year-old out of the equation and the duo of Ozil and Ramsey alone comfortably surpass the rest of United’s midfield for attacking contributions despite playing a combined total of just 1435 minutes in the league this season (Pogba has clocked 1122 minutes).
Ozil and Ramsey have been responsible for 36 key passes this season, four goals and seven assists during this Premier League campaign. Marouane Fellaini, Fred, Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard together have combined for only 32 key passes, three goals and two assists during a total of 3107 minutes.
No player has provided more PL assists this season than Aaron Ramsey (6 assists). #afc pic.twitter.com/8YcG3AgG5T
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 2, 2018
Of course, this isn’t ‘Moneyball’. A convincing Jonah Hill leading Brad Pitt to simply factor in Ozil and Ramsey’s numbers into United’s set-up doesn’t automatically equate success. However, there’s no doubting the capacity for a marked improvement, particularly given Ozil’s success at Real Madrid under Mourinho.
The United boss has always been a fan of the World Cup winner and should he be driven to leave Arsenal, would presumably love to take him on board. Ramsey on the other hand is appealing to most sides given his availability on a free transfer, although the Reds may be hesitant given the way Alexis Sanchez’s United career has played out so far.
The contrasting fortunes of the two sides in this storied Premier League rivalry is astounding, especially when you consider that two players Arsenal could so easily cast aside might justifiably prove integral in United’s ranks.
