Why does Squillaci make the Gunners squirm?

These were the very fans who rejoiced when Arsene Wenger signed the defender 2 summers ago. But what is it that makes the Gooner fans cringe when they hear the name ‘Sebastien Squillaci?’

Sebastien Squillaci was signed for £5m from Sevilla amidst great controversy. He literally forced his way through to Arsenal and had no regrets about doing what he did.

“If a French player receives an offer from Arsène Wenger, it’s practically impossible to turn down,” he said. “It was a sensational offer for me and I was happy Sevilla let me go. It was a difficult situation but I knew I had to take this chance. I knew if I played against Braga then I would not have been able to play for Arsenal in the Champions League.”

Not considered technically as a “high-profile” signing, Squillaci joined Arsenal at (as some may want to say) the right time. Thomas Vermaelen was on the side-lines following an injury which made him miss most of the 2010-2011 season and Squillaci formed a formidable central defense partnership with fellow signing Laurent Koscielny.

As a centre-back, his performances at Monaco have always been highlighted. And not to forget the 11 goals scored in 117 appearances!

Squillaci has been a decent-enough player without any strings attached and has been a useful back-up for Arsenal, but one can never overlook the high-profile mistakes he’s made on the field which have cost the Gunners a game too many.

You let the goal in Squillaci!!!

One of his scintillating slip-ups came in game against West Bromwich Albion on 19 March 2011, where a mix up between Manuel Almunia and Squillaci lead to Peter Odemwingie putting West Brom 2–0 up. The game finished 2–2, as goals from Andrei Arshavin and Robin Van Persie gained a point for Arsenal.

Another of his blundering errors came in the January 2012 match against Fulham where he replaced Aaron Ramsey in the last 10 minutes. Arsenal went on to lose the match 2–1 as Squillaci’s clearing header in the 92nd minute of the match, fell to the feet of Bobby Zamora, who scored a volley to give Fulham all three points.

On February 17, 2012, Squillaci came on as an early substitute in Arsenal’s fifth round FA Cup game at Sunderland, after Francis Coquelin sustained an injury, with regular defenders Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny already missing through injury. Squillaci had a torrid game, deflecting Kieran Richardson’s 40th minute shot into his own net, and was himself substituted in the 52nd minute as Arsenal went on to lose 2–0.

These three goof-ups were more than enough to turn the Gunner fans against Squillaci and it wasn’t very surprising when they began calling for his head. Since then, he has been put on the side-lines and rarely makes the substitution bench ever.

But is it wise to question Arsene Wenger’s faith in the man? Sebastien Squillaci who was described as a player who “reads the game well” and is “strong in the air and on the ground” has let the Arsenal fans down tremendously.

One might be of the opinion that if given more playing time, Squillaci’s game might improve, but can the Arsenal first team afford that? With the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou a regular starting back-four, place for Sebastien does not simply arise. And not to forget, the youngsters like Ignasi Miquel, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs who have already proved that they can be a part of the first team and perform when expected to.

The Frenchman’s contract expires in summer of 2013 but the chances of him featuring in any match seem bleak. Pocketing 50K a week for sitting on the bench (and sometimes not even there) isn’t entirely worthy of him. And with Wenger looking to bringing another centre-back in the summer (do not read as ‘Jan Vertonghen’), the money can certainly be put to better use.

You're out!

An Arsenal fan wisely summed up the whole situation,

“I am usually not in the favour of questioning the faith of players Arsene has trusted. I was never in the favour of Diaby leaving, but this case is different. Squillaci has to go. Call it lack of dedication or no commitment, Sebastien is not Premiership material, simply put. He’s is obviously a fifth-choice centre-back and we can let him leave without affecting the team. Squillaci isn’t a 19 year old youngster who can be groomed and taught how to play. He’s a full grown man who’s cost us some pretty important games this season.”