Galvanized Gunners still lacking pizzazz before Christmas

Santi Claus arrived early at the Madjeski Stadium this week as it was none other than Mr Cazorla who bamboozled a meagre Reading side, netting a hat-trick in the process in order for Arsenal to win 5-2.
The much required win will indeed ease the pressure off a flailing Arsenal side that have appeared flaccid throughout the majority of the season. However Arsenal’s defence still appeared lacklustre and two schoolboy errors allowed Le Fondre and Kebé to break through and score. Thomas Vermaelen, a former PFA Team of the Year player, still looks languid when under pressure and Per Mertesacker’s lack of pace has shown that even the best of the best need to get to grips with the fast pace of the Premiership.
With 3 games remaining of 2012, it is fundamental for Arsene Wenger’s side to grab the maximum 9 points in order to boost the team’s morale going into 2013. Subsequently, the real test for Mr Wenger will be who exactly he will sign during the January transfer window as Mr Wenger has often been berated for his poor or merely lack of activity during the transfer windows of the past; with the £10 million signing of Gervinho in August 2011 serving as a case for this argument.
The Gunners have been linked with acclaimed frontman such as Klaus-Jan Huntelaar of Schalke 04, Llorente of Athletic Bilbao and midfield powerhouses such as Yann M’Vila of Rennes and Moussa Sissokho of Toulouse; with no defenders appearing in the transfer rumours. In reality, Arsene Wenger despite mounting pressure will be unlikely to spend the readily available funds on such players. The main focus should be on Arsenal’s flailing defence and lack of firepower up front.
If Wenger really wants value for money, he should look at FC Nordsjaelland’s centre back Jores Okore-whom despite being only 20 is already a Danish international and has experience playing in the Champions League. His never-say-die attitude is a stark contrast to the virtually laissez-faire attitude shown by Djourou, Santos and Mertesacker this season.
Ligue 1 has an abundance of attacking possibilities for Mr Wenger. Wissem Ben Yedder of Toulouse, Aubameyang of St. Etienne and Remy Cabella of Montpellier are all relatively young and have shown their attacking flair consistently throughout the season. Instead of placing his hopes in for example, Huntelaar, Wenger could sign 2 or 3 players like these in order to have more attacking options.