Comparing this Arsenal squad with the squad of a decade ago

Arsenal 2021

Comparing this Arsenal squad with the squad of a decade ago

By Jack Lacey-Hatton

Mikel Arteta has already rode out some tough moments as Arsenal manager since his appointment in 2019.

He still maintains the support of the vast majority of the fanbase and has already overcome a difficult start to the current season, with his team finding form in recent weeks. 

However, despite some good summer signings, it is still difficult to gage just how good this group is and whether they are moving in the right direction.

Maybe a comparison of the current players with the squad from exactly ten years ago, will give us a clearer picture.

 

Goalkeepers & Defence

New arrivals Aaron Ramsdale, Nuno Tavares and Ben White have settled well at the Emirates since their arrival and the trio have greatly improved both departments.

Without these signings it would be difficult to make a case for Arsenal having a strong backline, but all three have made a difference.

A decade ago, Arsenal’s goalkeeper was Wojciech Szczesny. A decent shot stopper who gave good service, but probably never reached the form shown by Ramsdale recently.

In defence then-manager Arsene Wenger had good options at centre back with Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, and Thomas Vermaelen.

Injury problems hampered Koscielny and particularly Vermaelen’s time in North London, but when on the pitch, both were top class defenders.

They would probably be selected ahead of Gabriel or Ben White if selecting a combined XI between the two teams.

The current full backs are superior to those from ten years previous, with Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu all young, and showing the potential to go the top.

The class of 2011-12 had a ‘past-his-best’ Bacary Sagna and Andre Santos, a signing that, to put it nicely, can’t be considered a roaring success.

 

Midfield and Attack

The squad in October 2011 did feature a number of talented playmakers, including the current gaffer Mikel Arteta.

He was joined by Jack Wilshere coming off his best season for the Gunners, Aaron Ramsey getting back to top form after his injury and Tomas Rosicky. Alex Song had such a good season he earned a move to Barcelona.

Assessing the current midfield is trickier, partly because Albert Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey are still adjusting to English football.

But this group also aren’t short of creative talents with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard, both have been game-changers for Arteta and developed the midfield.

The comparison up-front is slightly skewed by the fact that a decade ago Robin Van Persie was embarking on his greatest personal season at the club, one of the best campaigns of any Arsenal striker in any era.

He was at times unplayable that season, a campaign only overlooked because of his controversial departure the following summer.

Neither captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, or Alexandre Lacazette are currently near the level of RVP ten years ago, although that is not to say they don’t bring power to the frontline.

In terms of depth, it could be argued the forwards of 2021 edge out the team from back then.

Arsenal could call upon fine servant Theo Walcott back then. But they also had the slightly less reliable Marouane Chamakh and Park Chu-Young.

In fact, Arsene Wenger was that desperate for better options up-front he decided to re-sign an ageing Thierry Henry in January, albeit a decision that was solely validated by that goal against Leeds.

Henry 2012

 

Verdict

The 2011-12 crop of Arsenal players was an extremely capable group. They overcame a rough start, to finish third and qualify for the Champions League, with only the two big-spending Manchester clubs finishing above them in the Premier League.

But with a view towards the longer-term, it would be a brave decision to swap the current squad for the one from ten years ago.

This is because players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney and Ben White all hopefully have their best years ahead of them.

While the 2011 team might have had a stronger starting XI, when analysing the entire squads, Mikel Arteta’s team edge it on sheer potential.

There was a feeling ten years ago that it was the beginning of the end for Wenger, a manager who was the master of long-term planning, was starting to make it up as he went along.

Arteta will have tough days ahead with this team, but the feeling that he is building something strong at the Emirates shouldn’t be overlooked.


Photo Credit: Getty Images

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