M'Vila to be Arsenal's big January saviour

It is not Robin Van Persie or even Cesc Fabregas that Arsenal are missing the most.

It is Alex Song. And now Abou Diaby. Two unlikely, unsung heroes, that had they been around, could easily have made the difference to an otherwise talented new-look Arsenal team.

Against Fulham in the 3-3 draw Olivier Giroud showed why Arsene Wenger brought him to the Emirates.
Fine predatory skills and even some box to box play.

Where Arsenal lost the game, or rather, failed to win it, was in the middle of the park where they lacked a holding midfielder to boss the proceedings.

Song seemed to have mastered that role, but, was then, on cue, prised away from the Gunners.

Abou Diaby rose like a phoenix from the ashes of his own expectations and injury demons to give the Arsenal midfield that Yaya Toure-esque endeavor.

Then he fell to injury again. That has been the turning point for Arsenal this season.

Not Aaron Ramsey or even Jack Wilshere have the Diaby game for midfield.

As Arteta gave the ball away against Fulham and Cazorla worked his socks off, 2 goals up Wenger needed a Diaby figure to just close the game down for 10 minutes.

Instead, Fulham took control of midfield and fought back.

The January transfer window is likely to see Wenger buy a player.

More than an attacker or even a defender, the player he needs is probably Yann M’vila – a Song-Diaby type player that can boss midfield.

M’vila seems to be a Balotelli-type problem child in need of redemption.

The calming influence of Wenger might be ideal for a player who has now been banned by the French Football Federation from the national team until the end of June 2014 for going to a nightclub during the playoffs for the 2013 Under-21 European Championship.

He will miss the 2014 World Cup, which runs from June 12-July 13, the FFF said after a disciplinary committee meeting, which M'Vila attended.

M'Vila was also arrested this year for slapping a 17-year-old boy following an argument.

M'Vila’s international career is now in tatters as he has no chance of playing at the World Cup in Brazil if France qualifies.

A club Arsenal, and a player M’Vila in need of redemption, could need each other.

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