Huddersfield 1-2 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2018-19

#2 Koscielny puts in a captain’s performance

Koscielny was immense at the back

The 2018-19 season has unfortunately assumed a similar trend for Arsenal. The injuries have piled up through the winter and unsurprisingly, the Gunners are short of numbers defensively.

Thus, with Emery burning the midnight oil to assemble a half-decent defensive line, it is imperative that the likes of Koscielny stand up to be counted. And boy, didn’t he do that at Huddersfield.

Arsenal were put under the cosh by Huddersfield for the entirety of the game. Hence, the Gunners needed to bring all their defensive qualities to the fore. While Mustafi, Maitland-Niles, and Kolasinac did live up to their reputation of making an error or two, their captain, Koscielny hardly put a foot wrong.

The Frenchman repelled nearly everything the Terriers threw at Arsenal and was immense at the back. Moreover, his leadership qualities ensured that the Gunners didn’t crumble in the face of adversity.

Koscielny returned to peak fitness only a month ago yet has quickly become Arsenal’s most important defensive cog. With the transfer window shut for good, Arsenal has to make do with whatever options they have in the defensive third.