Arsene Wenger’s Defensive Dilemma

As most of the Arsenal side are away on international duty, Arsene Wenger has a few decisions to make regarding his back line. Arsenal fans were screaming all summer long for a central defender and Wenger duly obliged by signing 26 year old German international, Per Mertesacker.

Now most would of been happy with a Vermaelen and Mertesacker pairing at the back, but since Laurent Koscielny has stepped in whilst Vermaelen was injured, he has improved dramatically producing consecutive world class performances. Whilst Koscielny is great on the ball and brilliant in 1 on 1 situations, Mertesacker gives the aerial presence.

So where does this Vermaelen? He returned from injury and has slotted straight back in to the back four producing a great performance over WBA last week, that including a well taken goal. He is surely guaranteed a first team place, so Wenger must decide between Mertesacker and Koscielny to partner the Belgian.

Not only that but the situation at left back, with Gibbs nearing full fitness, Santos might be dropped but Santos has improved greatly in recent weeks. Andre Santos provides a lot more going forward but can sometimes be caught out of position, but so does Gibbs! With Sagna out the right back position seems to be Jenkinson’s but Koscielny has played there before and should Wenger choose Vermaelen and Per at centre back we could be seeing Koscielny drafted out into the full back position.

A genuine dilemma for the Arsenal manager who’s side travel to face Norwich City at Carrow road on the 19th. What would you do?