In need of fresh tactics and a hairdryer treatment - Not the start we wanted!

"4-3,  Blackburn! You've got to be kidding me". I will never forget this sms as my boss sent me a text message during the Perak vs Sabah game. Fully focused on the game, I received a jolt when one of my friend called and said Arsenal is losing 4-2. 

The moment I got to know the score, i was like ehhhh?? Blackburn?? What on earth did Wenger do wrong this time. The other reporters were in disbelief when I told them the result. After 90 minutes, my boss texts me and informed me about the 'good news'.

Pat Rice, Arsenal assistant manager stated that their season has just started and the team will go great for the coming guns. He told during a press conference after the Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund game at Signal Iduna Park. I was skeptical of his comments because the new players are taking time to acclimatise themselves but I was optimistic as Arsenal were beginning to chalk out results though in unconvincing fashions.

What just happened to Arsenal during their game at Ewood Park. What just happened! I asked myself, did Wenger's tactics go wrong? did the new players fumbled against the likes of Samba and Pedersen? did the rain affected their play? all this questions started to ring into my mind.

Neither of those questions were relevant to this game as the players had themselves to be blamed. A virtuoso performance by Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker was overshadowed by a harrowing display by Laurent Koscielny, Alex Song and Bakary Sagna.

I watched the highlights of the game, and it was an 'enlightening' experience watching it. The defense just crumbled against the likes of Christopher Samba, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Junior Hoilett. Now we wished that Arsenal signed Christopher Samba as his no nonsense approach was just perfect to nullify Arsenal's attack.

Laurent Koscielny, whom I think is a good defender will need to buck up if he were to remain with Arsenal. The 25 year old French had an average season last season as his partner, Sebastien Squillaci pulled his grade down(BTW, where is the so called experienced player la? lama tarak tengok dia) only for Djourou to come in and comprehend well with Koscielny.

In yesterday's game, his positioning was suspect and his awareness was appalling. If Mertesacker wasn't there, things would have been dire for Arsenal. I just want Vermaelen to return back as Arsenal is missing his drive and determination to steer the team forward. For me, although Van Persie is one of the most senior players in the team but Vermaelen deserves the captain's armband as he looks much suited for the leadership role.

As for Van Persie, he might be the eye of the crowd but to me, he is not in his usual element. Being the lone striker in the team does not bode well with the Dutchmen. Though, he may have the ammunition of Theo Walcott and the impressive Gervais Yao Kouassi aka Gervinho, but he needs a partner to comprehend him. Maroune Chamakh impressed in his cameo against Blackburn and I think Wenger should give him more game time as the Moroccan can take on the 'Adebayor' role.

The tactics and formation drafted by Wenger was fine but the defensive problems has been an issue for the Frenchman. In my opinion, he should revert back to 4-4-2. This seems to be the right option as Arsenal have got good holding midfielders in Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song and a brilliant playmaker in Mikel Arteta. When Wilshere returns, the midfield will be much stronger as Wenger will have the oppurtunity to tinker with his midfield.

Wenger should also start playing Park Chu Young. The 26 year old striker cum playmaker would give the team a fresher approach and i feel that he should be partnering with Van Persie. Wenger can rotate his forwardline and Park would be an asset as with Monaco, he showed his prowess by becoming one of the mainstays in the team.

On the bright side, Arsenal can look forward to Mikel Arteta's contribution towards the team. We may have lost Fabragas but the 29 year old former Rangers playmaker has showed great tenacity and composure in his last three games. His passes, set pieces and the ability to move the midfield is a sight to behold. Wenger's signings have not disappointed so far as Mertesacker and Andre Santos seem to be decent buys.

This is the worst start of the season for Arsenal and as a fan, I just hope that the team will bounce back and redeem themselves. Arsene Wenger is going through a pressure test and i still feel that he is the man to bring Arsenal forward. The wait for a trophy will surely end one day but Wenger has to move fast and make sure that his players are with the team and not playing for the fame of playing in the Premier League.

Avinesh's hope: Long season for us..Top 4 can be reached but winning the Premier League..I think we have to be realistic this season..A trophy from any of the cups will do..and January will be an interesting month because i reckon that Wenger will bring in fresh faces to the team..Hopefully, Cahill and Hazard comes in!