The full-backs shouldn't be the fall guys for Arsenal

By John Cross

Published 06:02 18/03/10

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Arsene Wenger has pulled off a minor miracle this season even by keeping Arsenal in a three-horse title race.

The Gunners' crippling injury list, coupled with having smaller resources than Chelsea and Manchester United, make the achievement all the more impressive.

But there are two players who deserve even more praise than most because they have been pushed to the limit over the past few months.

They are the team's full-backs, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy, who have been horribly exposed at times by the 4-3-3 system.

It has worked brilliantly going forward, but the lack of natural width in midfield has really left the full-backs up against it.

Sagna and Clichy have been asked to defend rather than get forward and that has taken its toll, particularly on Clichy's natural attacking instincts. It has really impacted upon his game.

Sagna is first and foremost a defender and in his first season in the Premier League was voted as first choice right-back in the PFA's Team of the Year.

But he is now struggling to keep his place under pressure from Emmanuel Eboue and both full-backs have taken some stick from the supporters.

In truth, however, they deserve extra praise rather than criticism as in previous years Arsenal have played with width.

They had it in the year of the 'Invincibles' when Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg played as conventional wide men who offered protection to their full-backs, Lauren and Ashley Cole.

But Sagna and Clichy don't get that from the narrow three-man midfield. And the two players supporting the main striker - be they Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, Andrey Arshavin or whoever - do more attacking than defending.

Earlier in the season, Arsenal were particularly efficient at playing the pressing game. In fact, they mastered it. In the 6-1 win at Everton on the opening day, it was perfection in attack, closing down and defending.

But since late autumn, Arsenal have been all about attack rather than anything else.

For Arsenal fans and the neutral, it's been a rollercoaster ride with brilliant victories, attacking football and once again Arsenal have been the best footballing team in the country.

However, the full-backs may not agree. Clichy, in particular, has taken a hammering. Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen called his display against Manchester United at the Emirates "the worst bit of defending he has seen in 30 years".

Clichy came back sooner than he should have for the good of the team because Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore have been injured as well at different times.

As a result, you have had a half-fit Clichy barely able to sprint, his confidence shot to bits and exposed by a lack of protection. Because he's been down and over-used, Clichy has even forgotten the basics at times. Like coming off his post at corners.

Clichy has retained Wenger's faith, however, even if Gibbs - when fit again next season - may be ready to really push him for his place.

However, there is a growing belief that Sagna may be on his way out because often, in the big games, Wenger has used Eboue, who looks far better at full back than as a wide midfielder.

Arsenal have been checking out a couple of potential right-backs for the future. Osasuna's Spanish Under-21 starlet Cesar Azpilicueta  is on the radar for around £3m.

Wenger has also been scouting Ajax's Dutch international Gregory van der Wiel, who would cost more, but has caught the eye.

Most fans would think there are bigger priorities than a right-back. A keeper, midfield back-up and also a striker, although Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh will be an Arsenal player next season.

However, in my view, Clichy and Sagna have actually grown as players this season rather than had nightmares. They have not had their best seasons but have done a job for the team.

In a title-winning season - as Arsenal hope it will be - the players who put personal glory to one side for the good of the club deserve the most praise of all.

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