It appears that Hector Bellerin has totally knackered his knee .Minimum 6 months out and most probably 9 months.
In my opinion, an in form Hector is an integral part of our team, he provides something no-one else does … pace on the wing. Not just pace but pace allied to excellent close control and an ability to bring others into the game; for a full back, he is an assist master.
Tackling may not be his strong point but we defend better with him in the team as can be seen by our results when he is missing. Sadly, Catwalk is going to be spending his days traveling between the treatment table, the gym and stupidly expensive designer fashion shops.
Should Mr. Emery buy/loan a replacement or use other members of the squad at right back? Let’s look at the alternatives.
1. Mr Lichtsteiner. As far as I can tell the Swiss Chap has played some role in 17 games, 9 in the PL. Whilst he as been on the pitch we have managed ONE clean sheet (PL). He has yet to perform to the level I expected from a man with his CV and reputation, I like the fellow, he is a master of the Dark Arts, something we have been lacking for many years, but can he really play week in, week out at his age? Does he have the stamina to get forward and back for 90 mins? I doubt it.
2. Mr. Maitland-Niles. Super prospect. Big bloke, strong, energetic, confident, an eye for a pass. In his few games at full back he has yet to make his mark. Let’s face it, the man is a midfielder and is being shoe-horned into a position which he is not qualified for – yet. I know Flamini managed it a few seasons ago but he was an experienced player, AMN (Cons) is not. However, this is a huge opportunity for Ainsley (who calls their child Ainsley??), one he may well take with both hands.
3. Play a Back 3. I have only one word to say about this …. Mustafi.
4. Sign a loan player. Is there anyone out there who is good enough to immediately fit into our team. If he is, then why would a club allow him a loan loan move in January? Clyne might have worked.
My guess is that Mr. Emery’s solution will be a mixture of all of the above (perhaps not a signing). For him, and for The Arsenal the injury to Bellerin is very unfortunate.
written by BR.
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Did I miss the part where the Corporal gets a mention, only joking, thanks for the read BR
Thanks, BR.
I’d imagine the solution would come from within. He’s going to be a big loss though.
A.M-N is maybe a natural winger so up and down the right flank might suit him. Or wing back in front of that right side in a back three.
Hey ho, let’s see what happens.
p.s. thinking about right backs takes me back to school where the most rubbish kid was either shoved at full back or winger. Times have changed.
You were a winger, weren’t you, Micky?
Damn, I completely forgot The Corporal. Must get a better research assistant 😀
2 of our defender gettin long term injury while another one just coming back from a long term injury hmm
Thanks Raddy, the options donn’t look great do they … I’d plump for A M-N for the important games with Lich to give him a rest in the easier (supposedly) fixtures.
We should not forget Zech Medley. At 6ft 5in he’s more of a CB … but he could play a part in a back 3 … or play Mustafi as a wing back?
There are many permutations, the above are just a few. We would try out the other Greek CB and play Kos on the left of a 3. Or Nacho. Or Jenkinson. Plus, plus.
We have alternatives but none as good as Bellerin.
Medley is very left footed, so right back or right wing back is a big ask.
Mavo should be back shortly and none of us know his full range of talents……..
Jenkinson is around still…
Don t forget Mustafi was a RB before shifting to CB so we have many options…
Mustafi, Sok, Kos, Kola
AMN, Torreira, Guendouzi
Ram
Laca Auba
You put AMN in there to add more width and pace as Mustafi would have a hard time doing this during a full game
Thanks, BR,
These things have a way of sorting themselves out, after all, Moustache Man got his chance when the then incumbent was badly injured, and Corp Jenks hit a slump and was out on loan — step forward the young tyro, Belli Button.
The U23s have some really good kids and there may be a new star waiting to be unleashed.
Thanks Raddy,
While Bellerin is very fast his ventures up-field have left us exposed in defense far to often. It has been an obvious weakness that our opposition has exploited on many an occasion. His crossing ability is mediocre and his tackling ability is suspect.
I feel that this is now and ideal opportunity for Emery to have an in depth look at his options among existing players or a new addition.
With our poor defense I don’t even think bellerin staying back would actually make a difference
Also I agree he needs to improve his crossing, lacazette should have had a tap in on Saturday but I think he has improved it recently
You could be right Fred, it may well be a tactical issue as it happens on both sides of our defense.
what a sad story for E. Sala who reecntly joined Cardiff from Nantes. It is crazy…
Fred
How do you rate our defensive performance against Chelsea, I saw it as being pretty good.
GN5. We will have to disagree about Bellerin. I think he is one of the best FB’s in the PL and easily our best
Have a closer look
The Australian womens coach was sacked last week – 4 months before the womens world cup.
Each day I’ve been checking the news to see when Montemurro – Arsenal womans coach will be announced.
News so far –
The head coach of Arsenal’s women’s team is emerging as the primary target of Football Federation Australia to replace Alen Stajcic as coach of the Matildas through the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Joe ‘Pepe’ Montemurro, one of Australia’s most decorated coaches in women’s football, is understood to be in FFA’s crosshairs, with the organisation weighing up a major move to sign the coach directly from the Gunners.
Raddy, I accept your opinion but I just feel that far too many goals are scored while he is on “walk about” – but I have no idea if it’s due to others missing their assignments
On another subject……………
No matter what this husband did in bed, his wife never achieved an orgasm. Since it is written that a Jewish wife is entitled to sexual pleasure, they decide to consult their Rabbi.
The Rabbi listens to their story, strokes his beard, and makes the following suggestion: “Hire a strapping young man. While the two of you are making love, have the young man wave a towel over you. That will help your wife fantasize and should bring on an orgasm.”
So they go home and follow the Rabbi’s advice. They hire a handsome young man, and he waves a towel over them as they make love. But it does not help, and the wife is still unsatisfied.
Perplexed, they go back to the Rabbi. “Okay,” he says to the husband, “Try it reversed. Have the young man make love to your wife, and you wave the towel over them.”
Once again, they follow the Rabbi’s advice. They go home and hire the same strapping young man. The young man gets into bed with the wife, and the husband waves the towel. The young man gets to work with great enthusiasm, and soon the wife has an enormous, room-shaking, ear-splitting orgasm. The husband smiles, looks at the young man and says to him triumphantly, “See that, you schmuck? THAT’S how you wave a towel!”
Brilliant……………
Santi….oh how we miss him. Joy to the World.
NEW POST
GN5. Great joke 😀
Yea it was pretty good, Koscielny had a great game Sokratis worry me a bit how he gets tight to opponent and sometimes easily turn
Kolasinac will have something to say able that BR
Lol