Could Laurent Koscielny's injury derail Arsenal’s title bid during festive period?

Arsenal’s humiliating defeat at the hands of goal-happy Manchester City on Saturday was further compounded by the loss of defender Laurent Koscielny to a serious knee injury, a deep laceration which could see the Frenchman miss Arsenal’s next four games, according to the Metro, including a crucial Premier League fixture against Chelsea and an FA Cup third-round clash with Tottenham

The Gunners backline had long been highlighted as their weakest point, but their defensive woes appeared to have subsided this season as the league leaders boasted the best defensive record in league before City stuck six past them on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s side’s impressive change in fortunes at the back is thanks in part to the form of the defensive duo of Per Mertesacker and Koscielny. With the latter now set to miss several weeks through injury, could it trigger a return of Arsenal’s defensive frailties?

The importance of Koscielny cannot be underestimated, he has a current Performance Score of 389, putting him in the top 10 ranked defenders in the Premier League so far this season. Only the free-scoring Aaron Ramsey, record signing Mesut Ozil and his defensive partner Mertesacker have higher Performances Scores in the Arsenal squad.

Koscielny’s replacement on Saturday was Thomas Vermaelen, who made just his fourth league appearance of the season and his third as a substitute. The out of favour Belgian is likely to be drafted into the Gunners starting line-up in the absence of Koscielny.

The 28-year-old endured a tough afternoon against Manchester City, as they hit four further goals past the hapless visitors following his introduction. With Arsenal playing host to Chelsea next Monday, it doesn’t get any easier for the former Ajax man.

The fact that the score was only 2-1 before Koscielny was forced off on Saturday, could be seen as an indication of the importance of the French international. He made eight defensive actions before being stretchered off in the 41st minute, while Vermaelen made just three after replacing him.

Overall, Koscielny has averaged 10 defensive actions per game this season and has made more interceptions than any other defender in the Premier League. He has won 52% of his average duels, including a 58% tackle success rate.

Wenger could also opted to use Bacary Sagna alongside Mertesacker after utilising the 30-year-old as a centre-back in pre-season and earlier in the season alongside Koscielny. However, his impressive performances at right-back this season may mean that Wenger is reluctant to move him into the middle.

Wenger looked to have finally solved his sides defensive issues this season and he will be hoping that the loss of Koscielny doesn’t signal the return of the once shaky Arsenal back-line. The next few fixtures will shape the Gunners’ season.