In recent weeks, Arsenal have been described as ‘a one man team’ and of course this refers to goal machine and captain Robin van Persie’s influence; so the signs were ominous when Wenger decided to leave the Dutchman on the bench for the weekend’s game against Stoke City. Admittedly, the Gunners didn’t replace the goal scoring threat the former Feyenoord striker brings however, have they have found a ‘Captain Fantastic’ replacement should the obvious happen and RVP and vice captain Thomas Vermaelen get injured?
A very proud Alex Song deputised in the absence of van Persie and The Verminator, describing the chance to lead out ‘Arsène Wenger’s red and white army’ as a great way to “show the boss that I am one of the leaders in the team”. Despite an assured performance from the combative midfielder, is Song really the leader Arsenal have lacked since the days of Patrick Vieira?
Like all great arguments there are two sides but drawing up a list of ‘pro’s’ and ‘con’s, well lets face it, is just boring. How about I put Song in different scenarios and see if he is captain material?
If Arsenal (God forbid) suffered the same fate as Chelsea on Sunday and were down to nine men by half-time would Song have picked up a deflated side and dominated the second half like Chelsea did? It’s hard to see it. For all his power and steely determination, Song like the majority of the current crop of players, let their heads drop when the team falls behind and don’t dig deep.
Next situation. Cast your minds back to the now infamous ‘Gallas meltdown’ against Birmingham. Ok, it’s not hard to be a better captain then the Frenchman was on that day, but when Arsenal’s season was at a pivotal moment after Gaël Clichy conceded a penalty, would Song have composed the team? Can anyone really compose ten ‘headless chickens’?
Although such scenarios make or break captain’s, a real captain will be there for his teammates for the duration of a season and at the moment we don’t have that in van Persie, let alone Song. However, despite what I’ve said, I’ve always beat the drum for Song for captain and if the Cameroonian sorts out his lack of discipline with regards to formation as well as cards, then who knows Wenger may just start singing a new song.