On August 7th, Arsenal officially confirmed that Calum Chambers had joined Premier League newcomers Fulham on a season-long loan deal.
What’s the story?
Barely one month prior to this surprise temporary switch, the young defender signed a new contract with the Gunners.
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In Arsenal’s official confirmation of these fresh terms, new manager Unai Emery stated that Chambers would “be part of my plans this season.”
In the subsequent weeks however, the Spanish coach must have changed his mind on the Englishman’s involvement, resulting in his loan move to Craven Cottage.
Two games, two defeats and five conceded goals into the new campaign though, Emery may now be regretting his hasty decision to eject Chambers.
Living to regret it
The newly installed centre-back partnership at the Emirates Stadium of Shkodran Mustafi and new signing Sokratis must be given time to gel. The potential frailties this pair may have are immediately obvious though.
Neither the German or the experienced Greek are natural leaders or organisers. What’s more, both lack pace. These weaknesses leave the heart of the Arsenal back line susceptible to being caught out by long balls and runs in behind. Both Manchester City and Chelsea have identified and exploited these deficiencies to goalscoring effect this season.
Whilst Chambers has his own issues in his game, he is the most experienced Arsenal defender – aside from the injured Laurent Koscielny – to offer an alternative style of play to either Mustafi or Sokratis. Yet, he is no longer an option for Emery to call upon.
If the current centre-backs can’t get their act together quickly then the Gunners may soon find themselves reliant upon the likes of Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos – neither of whom have the experience required to marshal a top level defence.
At that point, the decision to loan out Chambers would have to be considered a very poor one indeed.
