Misfiring Arsenal yet to convince fans

Make no mistake. Arsenal is one of most established football clubs in the Barclays English Premier League but the Gunners have been misfiring in the new campaign, thereby leaving their fans wondering what the season has in store for them.

Friday, September 07, 2012
Joseph Kamugisha

Make no mistake. Arsenal is one of most established football clubs in the Barclays English Premier League but the Gunners have been misfiring in the new campaign, thereby leaving their fans wondering what the season has in store for them.Arsene Wenger’s team drew goalless their first two league games against Sunderland and Stoke before they turned the table on Liverpool at Anfield last weekend. After their captain Robin Van Persie crossed to arch-rivals Manchester United, Wenger signed three full internationals in Germany international Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud (France) and Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla to boost Arsenal’s attack.At Arsenal, RVP used to operate as a lone striker with either Ramsey or Mike Arteta supporting him or playing just behind him. Walcott, Gervinho, Alex Oxlande Chamberlain and Arshavin could provide the ammunitions from the wide attacking areas.In a new look Arsenal strike force, Wenger seem to opt for the striking triad of Podolski, Giroud and Gervinho.  Arsenal have played three games and picked 5 points against middle table teams although their win at Anfield could restore their confidence.Cazorla and Podolski have performed fairly well but not to their full potential. They both scored in the 2-0 win against Liverpool for Arsenal’s first league goals. However, Frenchman Giroud has been at the center of early criticism for fluffing some easy scoring chances when well placed.At Montpellier, Giroud used to score goals for fun, he used to be so good with aerial balls but at Arsenal, he has been running after ball like a headless chicken. He seems to be playing without much confidence and it’s affecting him immensely.Despite winning at Anfield last weekend, Wenger is still forging a permanent strike force for this season in search for a winning formula as he seeks to improve in last season’s third place finish.He has been experimental in his last three matches. Against Stoke City at Britannia stadium, Wenger opted for Podolski, Giroud and Gervinho in the goalless draw.Against Liverpool last weekend, he dropped Gervinho in favour of Chamberlain. The trio performed better in attack no wonder the Gunners picked their first three points of the season.In spite of early poor shownig from Arsenal’s attacking force, Wenger told BBC sport that  he was confident  his new-look strike force would begin to score goals soon as he tries to take a different approach to one used in the previous three matches.The experienced Frenchman still has faith in players like Ramsey, Walcott and Abou Diaby to shine.Frenchman Diaby has been drafted in the midfield to replace departed Cameroon international Alex Song, who has joined Barcelona. Walcott has not sparked again with his pace and Ramsey is not at his best yet.The Gunners have not played one of the top four teams and have only been well tested Liverpool, who despite playing well against Arsenal, have slumped in overall performance.Next for Arsenal will be newcomers Southampton, who have proved difficult to beat especially against big teams at St Mary’s stadium.Southampton have showed against the big boys Manchester United and Manchester City that no team will leave St Mary’s stadium with three points very easily.