Arsenal vs Hull: Defender watch
Gleenn Moore was on hand at the Emirates to cast his eye over the makeshift Arsenal back-four
Emirates Stadium
Saturday 18 October 2014
Were they in the right positions?
Left-back Nacho Monreal (below) was out of position at centre-half but Arsene Wenger had no choice. With Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny injured and Calum Chambers suspended, Wenger was down to his last four defenders (plus Francis Coquelin on the bench).
How will they cope against Anderlecht in the Champions League on Wednesday?
Anderlecht lead the Belgian league and drew at Galatasaray in their opening European game, but were then beaten 3-0 at home by Borussia Dortmund so Arsenal will expect to win. Nevertheless, Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, a Liverpool target, could cause problems.
Arsenal 2 Hull 2 match report
How did they cope with Hull City?
Not very well. The first goal was a foul, but Mo Diamé still beat Monreal too easily and Mathieu Flamini should have been stronger. Per Mertesacker (below) was at fault for the second. Otherwise. the back four had very little to do.
Where does Wenger need to strengthen his squad?
There is no point developing players like Hector Bellerin if they never play, so Arsène Wenger does not need a raft of recruits, but having failed to replace Thomas Vermaelen Arsenal need an experienced centre-half. A high-class defensive midfielder is also required.
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