Oddly enough, Arsenal has taken their motto this year to be “Forward”. The historical club that was first named Dial Square, before shortly switching to Royal Arsenal, started out in 1886, and so they celebrate their 125th anniversary this year. It’s supposed to be a special year in the club’s rich history, and this is where the idea of the new logo on the shirt with the word “Forward” came from. Ironically though, Arsenal have been struggling to find the way forward – or even standing still, so far.

This summer’s transfer window was supposed to see a complete overhaul at the club. Wenger promised a busy summer in which he would get rid of the average, or not so useful players at the club, namely Denilson, Almunia, Bendtner, and Eboue – although I think that the latest would be severely missed in the dressing room. Moreover, Arsene promised an improvement over the squad that he already has, in an attempt to walk that final mile and finally win a trophy that has eluded the prestigious team since 2005. Fans were optimistic, the mood was good, and it looked like Arenal could finally get forward.

However, the mood kept gradually changing at London Colney, to the extent that Wenger had to come out and say “it’s not all doom and gloom at Arsenal at the moment”. A few factors contributed to this darkness that looms over Arsenal at the moment; the loss of their captain, and talisman Cesc Fabregas is the biggest of which. I’ve extensively discuss the departure of the midfielder before , so there is no need for me to repeat myself here. To briefly sum up though, it’s a huge loss to the club. Coupled with what seemed to be an imminent – and has now been confirmed, departure of Samir Nasri , and lack of satisfactory signings so far, it’s clear that Arsenal are now a weaker side. I’ve vowed not to discuss the signings till the transfer window is officially closed, so there will be another day for that, but it’s safe to say that fans are not satisfied so far. Add this to a long list of injuries, suspensions, fluke goals, wrong referee decisions, very bad luck, bad discipline, and you’ve come to the reason Arsenal have had such a dodgy start to the season to the extent that Wenger had to come up with such a comment to try and lighten up the mood at the Emirates.

Not to be overly critical though, there is some shining light that can be seen through Arsenal’s misery. Arsenal actually didn’t play bad at all against Liverpool. A team of youths and reserves – bravely lead by Thomas Vermaelen, battled nicely against a rejuvenated Liverpool side and were arguably on top, until Frimpong’s moment of madness cost them the game. Vermaelen, Szczesny, Sagna, and even the hot-tempered Frimpong all excelled and showed their worth to the team. They showed that with a spine of Szczesny – Vermaelen – Wilshere – Van Persie, there is a way forward for this team. Just a few ramifications and improvements are needed.

Arsenal have been looking for a replacement for Cesc Fabregas for a long time now, but how can you replace a player of such calibre? Gems like Fabregas aren’t abundant, and finding a replacement of his quality may prove impossible even for the trustworthy eyes of Arsene Wenger. Instead, what Arsenal should look for, is a change of shape. The 4-2-3-1 that Arsene has developed in 2009 was built around Fabregas. It was used by Wenger to allow the playmaker to use his strengths to the maximum effect. However, with the player gone, and with the inevitability of Wenger finding it extremely difficult to replace him, may be it’s best to change the formation once again.

There have been calls for Arsene to switch back to his hugely successful 4-4-2 during last season. At times, Arsenal lacked penetration with their trusted 4-2-3-1, and the fans seeing Manchester United dominate the league with their interpretation of the 4-4-2, started calling for a change of shape. After all, it was Wenger who mastered the use of the 4-4-2 with great effects during the hugely successful late 1990s – early 2000s era. It was him who showed how lethal it can be. Using Bergkamp deep of Thierry Henry, with Pires and Ljunberg on the wings, and Viera and Petit in the centre of the pitch, Arsenal have dominated so many teams in their run to an unprecedented success in 2003-04, a season in which they were unbeaten throughout. They were arguably even better in 2001-02 – inspired by some unmatched performances by Robert Pires. It was evident that in 2001-04, Arsenal were truly unmatched.

Having seen Cesc left, going back may ultimately prove to be the way “forward” for Arsenal, and the 4-4-2 could be hugely beneficial to the team. In terms of personnel, Arsenal would still need some recruitments, but they are affordable ones. The defence is pretty much set. Despite what is being said in the media, Arsenal has very strong defenders in Vermaelen, Koscielny, and Djorou. They only need to replace the awful squillaci with another centre back. Right back is set for now, and left-back only depends on Gibbs’ fitness. If he can be fit throughout the season, he would prove to be an inspired choice by Arsene Wenger. Otherwise, a left-back who can walk right into the starting XI would help ease some of the anxiety the fans get every time Gibbs starts limping ,or holding a muscle. Song and Wilshere have already established a successful partnership together, and would be the automatic choice in midfield. Frimpong and Ramsey would provide back-up, while players like Diaby, Rosicky, and Lansbury would act as reserves. Arsenal would need to recruit a winger; they are currently in talks for Lille’s Eden Hazard, and he would be a world class signing. In the meantime Walcott or Gervinho can occupy the other wing. Now having seen Nasri leave, Arsenal will ned to sign a striker to partner Van Persie – because neither Bendtner nor Chamakh are good enough, and using Wlacott or Gervinho up there would cause shortage on the wing. May be Benzema or Higuain could be signed, may be Huntelaar, or dare I say Rossi? Regardless of the player signed – and I’m sure Wenger can sign a quality striker, Arsenal would need someone in that position. Wenger would ultimately also have the choice of using either Walcott or Gervinho up front with Van Persie, but only if necessary. Gervinho is no stranger to the position, and Walcott has said many times that Wenger agrees with him that he will eventually play there. With Walcott and Hazard on the wings, Arshavin, Gervinho, Miyachi, and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain would act as back-up. While Chamakh wouldbe joining Gervinho and Walcott to act as cover for the strikers. Arsenal would have a world class first eleven, with a very strong bench too.

Of Course the flaws of the 4-4-2 are still there, the biggest of which would be Arsenal risking getting dominated against teams playing with 3 players in the midfield – something which would create a 3vs2 situation in that area, but what formation doesn’t have a flaw? To counter that, Van Persie would be asked to drop deep and occupy the third midfielder when Arsenal don’t have the ball. Admittedly Arsenal would not keep possession as much as they are used to, but they would be more direct, more quick on the attack, and they would undoubtedly score more goals. With pacey, and reliable defenders like Vermaelen, Koscielny, and Sagna, and with the protection of Song, and the spirit Wilshere puts in his tackles, they should also be good to go at the back. Moreover, Song and Wilshere would also provide a platform on which attacks could be built. I should also refer here to the fact that Arsenal’s best season in their last 6 trophy-less years came when they were playing an exciting 4-4-2. That was in 2007-2008, when they looked unstoppable until a certain Martin Taylor from Birmingham produced an awful tackle that broke Eduardo’s leg, and broke Arsenal’s spirit with it. Of course it was a 4-4-2 with a slightly different feel to it, but it’s fairly similar to what they would have now.

Wenger might be hooked on his possession-based 4-2-3-1, but the old 4-4-2 could actually prove to be the way “Forward” for Arsenal.