Why Cardiff won’t break down Arsenal

Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s defence in recent times. A couple of years ago, it would have unthinkable to have suggested that Thomas Vermaelen would be dropped from the Gunners’ starting XI, but after a drop in form and a few injury lay-offs he now finds himself firmly in the shadow of the Mertesacker – Koscielny union.

Often criticised for his lack of pace and awareness, Mertesacker has transformed himself into one of the best defenders in the Premier League in 2013 and his understanding with Koscielny has been a huge factor in this change. And although the Frenchman is known for the odd lapse in concentration, he has been, just as, if not more, imposing.

Their styles complement each other perfectly with Mertesacker being the more dominant presence and Koscielny combining his ability to read the game expertly with his fantastic acceleration which allows him to track back efficiently. They have missed just three Premier League games between them in 2013/14 as they have built on the partnership that began last season.

Only Southampton have conceded less than the Gunners so far, meaning that they will be vital again if Arsenal are to stop Cardiff scoring at the Cardiff City Stadium this weekend.

The Bluebirds have scored just 11 goals in the league this season with five (45.5%) of those goals coming from set-pieces.

Meanwhile, 43.3% of the 83 chances that Cardiff have created this season have come from wide areas, meaning Mertesacker and Koscielny will have to be on top form this weekend as they look to cope with the crosses that will inevitably be swung into the box.

The main source of creativity for the Bluebirds will come from the boot of Peter Whittingham, who has the ability to get remarkable dip and swerve on his deliveries from wide areas. His tally of 20 chances created is double anyone else in the whole Cardiff squad and 70% of them have comes from the wings. Whittingham’s dangerous corners and free-kicks have been crucial to Cardiff getting results this season.

However, there is no doubt that Mertesacker and Koscielny have the capability to deal with these dangerous deliveries. The German monster has won 68% of his headed duels in 2013/14, winning 25 headers in total. He has also made 43 clearances, showing that he is no stranger to dealing with a cross.

The Frenchman is able to boast a tally of nine defensive actions per game, an average of three more per game than any other Arsenal player. His record of 63 clearances dwarfs Mertesacker’s but it shows how he has been able to sweep up behind the German should he happen to lose an aerial duel. Koscielny is more than capable of winning a header himself, winning 56% of his total aerials so far this season.

During this much publicised eight year trophy drought, Arsenal have often been criticised for being ‘too nice’ and lacking a quality defensive partnership at the back. Although the midfield rightly receives the acclaim for their attractive football, the defence also deserves great credit for becoming much harder to break down in 2013.

There is no doubt that set-pieces will be key to this game for Cardiff as they know that dead-ball situations is their best hope against higher quality opposition. The Mertesacker – Koscielny partnership will have to show its worth for Arsenal to keep the Bluebirds out. But as the two Manchester clubs have found out this season, it will not be an easy task.