Steve Bould is Arsenal’s signing of the summer (Video)

Arsenal have started this season a lot differently to last. After three games last year, the Gunners had conceded 10 goals already, including an embarrassing 8-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. However, in comparison to the new campaign, Arsenal are yet to concede a goal, despite tough encounters away at Stoke City and Liverpool, and picked up an impressive 2-0 win over the latter over the weekend.

The North London side look more resilient in defence and have shown reinforced steel in the back-line. A lot of praise must go down to new assistant manager Steve Bould. The former Arsenal favourite was appointed as Pat Rice’s successor follow the latter’s retirement at the end of the last season.

The former England international enjoyed a successful 11 years at Highbury, making 287 appearances for the club as part of the legendary defence that consisted of the likes of Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon. His no nonsense approach will greatly assist manager Arsene Wenger as he looks to strengthen a back-line that conceded 49 goals in the Premier League last year.

The 2-0 win over Liverpool was a testament to the sturdiness that can now be found in the Liverpool defence. With an injury to Wojciech Szczesny, many were expecting the Gunners to struggle against both Stoke and the Reds, but remain undefeated, with a number of Arsenal fans praising the impact Bould has made since his appointment earlier this year. While the North London side have signed Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla, it is Bould that looks to have been Wenger’s most astute acquisition during the transfer window. 

Comments

[nicky]

While I firmly agree that Bould has already stiffened the back division and deserves the plaudits for his work, he mustn't be regarded as a "signing". He was already on the Club's staff and has been yet another masterly promotion by Arsene Wenger.