Going for another Song?

Alex Song has not always been as well-loved at the Emirates, many fans condemning him to the scrapheap before his Arsenal career had even started, but now he is proving his doubters wrong and has become a key element of Arsenal's play.

His burgeoning ability to control midfield from deep allows his teammates to push further forward in the knowledge that he will cover. Last night with two very attacking full-backs Song's job was even harder than usual. When Kieran Gibbs joined the attack from the left, Song moved to left-back to cover, when Eboue joined the attack he moved to right-back and when Gallas or Vermaelen went on marauding runs forwards he dropped back.

Song's stamina is impressive and his distribution is improving at an alarming rate, no wonder Wenger was reluctant to splash the cash on a defensive midfielder in the summer.

As always though, there is a problem, one which has hit Arsenal hard in the past- the African Nations Cup.

The decision to offload Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure would seem to be a wise move given the start to the season, but even more shrewd given the two players will be missing for most of January while they take part in the competition. Eboue and Song will also travel to the competition in January to represent the Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively.

Eboue will be a loss, but one for which Wenger has adequate cover, Song's absence meanwhile will have more of an impact.

Alternatives include Denilson, Abou Diaby and youngsters Francis Coquelin, Craig Eastmond and Emmanuel Frimpong.

Denilson has been injured for much of the season, but would remain the prime candidate to cover Song. The Brazilian started last season as Cesc Fabregas' defensive foil but his lack of strength allowed teams to dominate us at times. The former Brazil under-19 captain is undoubtedly a good player but not in the key defensive midfield role.

Abou Diaby has the strength Denilson lacks, but his lack of discipline - dallying on the ball - would be suicide on the edge of our own box. His bursts forward would expose our defence and also increase the defensive responsibilities of Fabreags, curbing the Spaniard's effectiveness in attack.

Craig Eastmond surprised many starting ahead of Francis Coquelin in the Caring Cup, but his assured performance against Liverpool could be enough to give him a chance. Eastmond keeps things simple and has the intelligence, stamina and strength to play in the position, but some may suggest he would lack the experience to play in such crucial games at this stage.

Francis Coquelin has been earning rave reviews from Steve Bould, the under-18, and Nick Banfield, the reserve team, coaches in recent months. Coquelin has incredible stamina and surprising strength for his size. He is a tough-tackling all-round midfielder and has shown he is capable in the reserves, but the step-up to the first team is always a more daunting task.

Emmanuel Frimpong was hailed as the key holding midfielder for years to come last season, but niggling injuries and a slight loss of form have seen his reserve team opportunities limited so far this season, he would be the outsider.

Samir Nasri has also been mentioned as a possibility but like Denilson, he may lack the strength to play the position.

If Wenger does sign anyone in January it would probably be a straight replacement for Song, but someone who, when Song returns would be willing to move aside. A loan-deal may be the best option but possible candidates include Marcos Senna, who is currently playing for a Villarreal side languishing in the bottom half of La Liga, while Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieria has also been mentioned.