The importance of Gilberto

Thierry Henry wondered if Vieira and Gilberto had played together all season. The answer to that is yes, on three occasions.

Arsenal have played 39 games in the Premier League and the Champions League. They have started with eight different midfield combinations in those games. The most frequent being Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas. As mentioned in an earlier blog, the best results have come with either Flamini or Gilberto playing. Gilberto have played 8 games averaging 2,8 points. Flamini have played 11 games averaging 2,4 points. By comparison captain Patrick Vieira is averaging 1,6 points from his 31 games. It illustrates the importance of having players like Gilberto in the team. Full listings below:

Vieira/Fabregas have played 13 games averaging 1,9 points.
Vieira/Flamini have played 8 games averaging 2,4 points.
Vieira/Edu have played 7 games averaging 1,6 points.
Fabregas/Gilberto have played 4 games averaging 3,0 points.
Vieira/Gilberto have played 3 games averaging 2,3 points.
Fabregas/Flamini have played 2 games averaging 2,0 points.
Flamini/Gilberto have played 1 game only that resulted in 3 points.
Fabregas/Edu have also played 1 game only and that resulted in 1 point.

That's a lot of rotating. By the way, Arsenal have been able to field their strongest back four (Lauren-Toure-Campbell-Cole) in just 12 of 39 games. That's less than one third.

I haven't checked, but I doubt that Arsenal have fielded their best side in one single match this season and still we are second in the Premier League having had our second best season since Arsene Wenger's arrival with regard to points acquired .

Now finally the team is coming together again. Sol Campbell also played the full 90 minutes in yesterdays reserve match. Beware, the Arsenal is on a roll!