Holding Midfield
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On the face of it, the premise seems ridiculous: Robin van Persie was undisputedly one of the best strikers in the world last year – this site named him Premier League player of the season in May – so, initially, Arsenal losing him and Man United gaining him is an immediate negative for the former and a positive for the latter. A more detailed examination reveals a different interpretation however. Cesc Fabregas’ move to Barcelona was far from surprising, dragging on for several years until he finally moved last year, but Samir Nasri’s transfer was less expected, and their only replacement was the last minute acquisition of Mikel Arteta – adequate but not equal. Arsenal looked in trouble, yet Van Persie saved them. For the first time in years, he was able to get through the season uninjured, so Arsenal didn’t lose their only real goal threat. Credit must go to Arsene Wenger for shifting him from a floating false nine-esque role to a more standard striking role, but equally credit must go to Van Persie for providing such a potent threat in what could have been a calamitous season for the North London side. What differentiates this year from [...]
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