Etienne Capoue
Arsenal’s defence and goalkeeper has received plenty of criticism this season – often deservedly so – but they would not commit nearly so many errors if there was genuine protection in front of them.
The Gunners make an individual error every 71 minutes this campaign, compared to one every 117 minutes last season.
That unenviable record can be attributed to the departure of Alex Song, who sat alongside Mikel Arteta in defensive midfield.
Of course, Song had a propensity to move forward, but he and Arteta understood that if one made an attacking run, the other would remain deep.
This season, there has only been Arteta in the holding position, with Aaron Ramsey slotting in occasionally. Neither is a natural anchor player, and the recruitment of Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue could be a great move for Arsenal.
It might well help cut out those errors.
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