Quote Originally Posted by Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie View Post
I'd agree if Ramsey actually gave us any defensive protection but he doesn't.

I actually think Cazorla runs back and tackles more than Ramsey, who just trundles back with no urgency
If we need an extra body than we put him in there in the last twenty minutes when instead of trying to slowly grind Villa down to no effect we would have blitzed them and can sit back and play keep ball
Ramsey does his bit. He was leading every opta stat around last year inc. tackles and interceptions. He's not the most savvy, but because of his ridiculous stamina his numbers are always good. Wilshere and Cazorla have a bit more awareness but much less energy.

With Coquelin next to Ramsey we'd be ok. Cazorla has done well but his contribution to our winning run is slightly overrated imo. He 'sits' and gives the illusion of helping us hold some shape but it's only because he can't run quick enough to join attacks. And when he's not hitting a dead ball, he's utterly useless near the box now. Similar to arteta in that sense. Cazorla doesn't hit many penetrative passes or open defences. Performs the same role as Coquelin with slightly more accomplished footwork.