Monday 19 January 2009

Comment: Nasri and Van Persie are vital to our success

Wenger builds great teams. The 'Invincibles' were arguably the most entertaining team in Arsenal's history. Robert Pires and Thierry Henry were almost telepathic in their understanding and Dennis Bergkamp and Freddie Ljungberg also had a chemistry on the pitch which helped to propel us to the heights which may never be seen again.

There is, however, a new double-act on the scene. Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie have started to create an understanding shown to devestating effect against Hull at the weekend. Van Persie made three assists, including one to set up Nasri to put Arsenal in the lead in the 81st minute.

Van Persie seems to be in the run of form all Arsenal fans knew he could reach. The Dutchman has shown glimpses in the past, but injuries have always stopped him in his tracks. This season though, he has got better and better.

Samir Nasri, bought in the summer to replace Alex Hleb, has added a class and directness Arsenal were previously lacking. He is small, but difficult to knock-off the ball, and although he has been deployed on the left, he, like Pires, cuts in on his favoured right.

Nasri seems to be moving inside more than usual in Cesc Fabregas' absence which has so far produced good results.

More encouraging is the link up with Van Persie, which shows signs of being similar to that of Pires and Henry and Bergkamp and Ljungberg. If we can get Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor linking up to a similar effect, we could be onto a winner.

With rumours of Arshavin arriving, maybe Nasri will be moved inside until Fabregas is fit. With Walcott returning, a midfield of Arshavin, Nasri, Denilson and Walcott looks very interesting indeed.

No comments: