HOW IMPORTANT IS FLAMINI TO ARSENAL’S TITLE CHALLENGE?

At first the news of Arsenal resigning Mathieu Flamini back on a free after he left for AC Milan rejecting a contract extension did not sit well with the Gunner’s fan but with time, his signing is shaping up to be the most important signing of the summer or dare I call it the best signing of the summer.

Since his comeback in the London derby against Tottenham, he has been a key figure for the Gunners playing in all of their matches except the Capital One Cup game against West Brom in which he was rested.

After Flamini’s departure in 2008, Arsenal have used a lot of players in the holding role but none seem to do the job as well as the French man. From Denilson, the Gunners midfield had not been properly filled thereby not adequately protecting the back four.

His goal performance during the 07/08 season even kept out Gilberto from the starting eleven.

Goal Against Chart During His first Spell (When He Broke Into the Team)

                            GA          GAH       GAA

06/07                     35           16           19           (Flamini was used as an utility player)

07/08                     31           11           20           (Flamini played in the holding role)

Goal Against Chart When He Left

                            GA          GAH       GAA

08/09                     37           16           21

09/10                     41           15           26

10/11                     43           15           28

11/12                     49           17           32

12/13                     37           23           14

GA          -             Total Goal Against

GAH       -              Goal Against at Home

GAA       -              Goal Against Away

The stat above shows a deterioration to the time when he was around. His grittiness and hard tackling have been greatly missed. Even on Saturday, Arsenal controlled the match until he went off after a collision with Tettey.

The news that he would be rested for the game against B. Dortmund because of the concussion he suffered in the match against Norwich would have some Gunners worried.

Albeit the criticism Wenger received for signing Flamini, he seem to be right afterall and very important to the Arsenal team who are pushing for their first title in 8 years.