Arsenal half-term report: Gunners flatter to deceive as same old Arsene Wenger targets top of the class or else

Arsenal have flattered to deceive so far this season, as they could have been clear at the top of the Premier League and on their way to a first title since 2004. This isn’t just due to the Boxing Day defeat to Southampton, either. Arsenal lost winnable games to West Bromwich Albion and West Ham, while they still managed to suffer defeat to Chelsea despite the Blues going through their biggest crisis since Roman Abramovich took control of the club.

The Gunners also drew with Norwich in a game they should have won, and injuries have once again blighted their campaign. The win over Manchester City last week certainly showed signs of what Arsenal are capable of, but they must improve if they are to go all the way.

A lack of summer transfer activity should not take away from the fact that this Arsenal side should in the Premier League given what has happened around them. The addition of Petr Cech has solidified them at the back, although injuries have proven that Arsene Wenger should have moved for an extra defensive midfielder.

That said, with Chelsea and Manchester United struggling, Manchester City failing to convince without their captain Vincent Kompany and all others yet to prove their title credentials bar surprise contenders Leicester City, even Wenger will have to admit his disappointment if the Gunners aren’t lifting the trophy come May.

It’s simple, a defensive midfielder is the priority. With Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla ruled out with injury until the end of February at the earliest, Arsenal need reinforcements in midfield. They have been linked with Basel’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elnany this week, while Southampton’s Victor Wanyama and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho are also on the radar.

The likelihood is that Wenger will not sanction a big-money move in January, but rather a stop-gap transfer that will cover for Coquelin’s absence. Given Olivier Giroud’s recent form and Theo Walcott’s return from injury, Wenger is also unlikely to add another striker to his squad despite Danny Welbeck being sidelined until February, though the squad could really do with a world class striker to work with the likes of Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez.

There’s no looking over the fact that Arsenal need to win the Premier League title this season, otherwise the campaign will go down as a disappointing failure. Back-to-back FA Cup successes have proven that Arsenal are close to where they want to be, but even if they retain the cup for a third year, it’s the Premier League that Arsenal fans crave. The Champions League looks highly unlikely after drawing Barcelona on the first knockout round.

Grade: B-