Sagna return provides a welcome boost to Gunners’ defensive uncertainty (Video)
With all the attention on Jack Wilshere’s potential return in Arsenal’s Premier League clash with basement side QPR, it has perhaps been missed that Bacary Sagna is also set to make his return from a second broken leg in 12 months.
In recent weeks, Sagna has unfortunately only made the Arsenal headlines for reasons he will not have appreciated. Firstly, there was his public criticism of the Gunners’ hierarchy for their decision to sell Robin Van Persie and Alex Song in the summer, an opinion manager Arsene Wenger claimed was a mere mistranslation. Secondly, the form of deputy Carl Jenkinson has seen some suggesting that Sagna’s career at the Emirates could be drawing to a close.
Jenkinson has been excellent so far this season. He has improved tremendously from the rather rabbit-in-headlights figure that would take the field at times last season for the Gunners. However, it is a disservice to suggest that arguably the best and most consistent right back in the Premier League since 2007 should be shipped out to make the way for the future England international.
As the video shows below, Sagna at his best is absolutely outstanding. 100% commitment, defensive solidity, as well as an attacking intent going forward, Sagna is the archetypal modern full-back but vitally, he can also defend. His fellow professionals have often recognised Sagna’s ability, voting him into the Premier League team of the season for both the 2007-08 and 2010-11 seasons. Indeed, after Sagna made his return from his first broken leg in January last season, Arsenal went on a superb run of form that would eventually take them above Tottenham into third place in the Premier League table.
Jenkinson is undoubtedly the future but for now, perhaps even more so considering Arsenal’s problems in the last couple of weeks, Sagna’s presence could be the boost that Arsene Wenger has been looking for.
Adam Mazrani
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