A predictably disappointing result will largely overshadow an effort from the Gunners that was valiant and respectable for most periods of the game. Ultimately, poor defending from Arsenal gifted the win to United after a closely fought battle in which the sides shared spells of domination.
The starting line-up for Arsenal had a couple of pleasant surprises. Oxlade-Chamberlain was preferred over experienced players like Arshavin and Benayoun. Vermaelen was passed fit to bolster the defence.
The Gunners started strongly and controlled possession for the opening 20 minutes or so. But United were very well organized and limited the hosts to hopeful or rather wasteful attempts from distance.
Arsenal really could learn a lot from the way Ferguson’s men got bodies between the ball and goal. they fell back to the half-way line and cut off the passing angles. When Arsenal did managed to get past that initial line United almost always had players marking the forward players in Red and White. Van Persie didn’t get any space at all, neither did Walcott or Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Even when an Arsenal player found some space, like Walcott did when Jones went to ground with an injury, United always had covering players in excellent positions. To an extent the Gunners were also playing a cautious game and weren’t committing bodies forward which curtailed the creative options.
Around half-way through the first period United mustered their first shot on target from a corner that was laxly defended. Giggs was in acres of space in the Arsenal box after playing a simple one-two. His shot, from a very tight angle, was more hopeful than threatening.
After this shot though, the visitors found more confidence and were able to pin the Gunners back for sustained spells. Arsenal fell into the trap of crowding the penalty box and losing their shape in front of it. This meant the ball kept coming back and led to moments of desperate defending, even if the goal wasn’t being threatened that often, as United got into dangerous crossing positions rather easily.
When Arsenal did punt it long they weren’t able to put sufficient pressure on the ball and it came back into the defensive third in no time, often through a simple long ball towards Nani who was tormenting Djourou.
Up front Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain switched sides regularly but couldn’t produce much in terms of penetration. Theo was trying something different and was cutting inside regularly only to run out of options and into a crowd. AOC had a couple of good runs but also had anonymous spells in the first half. Van Persie was marked closely and looked lost without support.
Ferguson’s side took the lead towards the end of the first half by capitalizing on Arsenal’s woeful shape created by out of position players. Nani was able to find Giggs wide on the left with hardly any pressure on the ball. Ramsey did well to track back and got between the goal and Nani but that left Giggs alone. Djourou was nowhere to be seen as he was too narrow – again reinforcing my theory that Arsenal tend to crowd the centre when under pressure. Giggs had ample time to pick out his cross and Valencia was able to attack the ball better than Vermaelen at the back post.
It was poor defending from Arsenal but the problem wasn’t limited to the positioning of the defenders or their ability to attack the ball. It’s more of a tactical issue that the manager has struggled to solve. Arsenal look fairly solid defensively when they hold on to the ball but look like a school side when the opponents pin them back and sustain a period of pressure. We have seen this often enough and with different sets of players in Red and White. The positioning of most of the players, their decision making on the ball, the runs off the ball, and other details affect the performance of the unit as a whole culminating in goals that make the defenders looks very ordinary.
To their credit, the Gunners came out with greater purpose and cohesiveness in the second half. The game should have been level inside five minutes of the restart but Van Persie missed a glorious chance after Rosicky latched on to a slip by Smalling and found De Kapitein in an excellent position in the box. The Dutchman’s first touch wasn’t at its usual impeccable level and his strike was uncharacteristically sloppy. Just shows even top players make mistakes when they feel the pressure.
Arsenal created a number of chances – Ramsey hit a shot just over from the edge of the box and Rosicky could only hit Evra from a good position – but didn’t find the goal. At the other end United too were getting space and time in the box. Valencia hit one well wide when unmarked around the penalty spot while Welbeck forced a desperate off-the-line clearance.
The game was more open as Arsenal were working hard to press the opponents and were also getting more bodies into advanced areas. But the gaps in the structure meant United always had a chance on the counter.
Arsenal’s equalizer came with less than 20 minutes to go. Koscielny did superbly to win the ball with a clean tackle in the box. He then found Rosicky around the centre circle. Little Mozart wasted little time in spreading it wide towards AOC who was able to dart inside before sliding it down the line for Van Persie. The Dutchman finished with an exemplary strike that went between the defender’s legs and nestled into the corner despite a touch from the Keeper.
It’s interesting to note that Rafael was high up the pitch when Koscielny tackled him. This meant AOC was able to run at the United defence without the full-back’s attentions. It was a rare moment when an Arsenal winger got a chance to run at the opposition goal without being tightly marked.
Then came a strange substitution from Arsene. He took of Oxlade-Chamberlain who’d looked threatening in the second half and brought Arshavin on. It was hard to understand because it upset a system that was working for Arsenal, at least relatively. The only reasonable explanation seems to be that of a fitness concern. It’s hard to comment on that without all the facts.
Of course Arshavin’s attempt at tackling Valencia in the build up to the second goal don’t help his or his manager’s cause one bit. But I thought it was again a structural problem and it would have been the same even if Arsenal had Oxlade-Chamberlain on the pitch (Indeed, Evra went past him in the first half as if he didn’t exist). Valencia is a skilful player and you can’t seriously expect a winger to defend that kind of space against him. I have no idea why Arsenal didn’t have a second man coming out to support the Russian. United often had midfielders getting back into defensive positions to thwart such runs from the wings. Arsenal were too keen on crowding the centre but that doesn’t always work. One must also ask why everyone was looking at the ball instead of marking the strikers. Welbeck was completely free when he got his shot away. It’s just poor defending from the team as a unit.
After that Arsenal had a couple of half-chances but United had the skills and experience to waste time and kill the game off. They also had a couple of counter-attacks of their own but couldn’t add the cushion of the second goal.
On the whole it was a fighting display ruined by defensive errors that stem from the way Arsene, his staff, and his players think about that aspect of the game. United looked more dangerous in the attacking areas and were always going to score a goal or two. One could blame Arshavin, or Van Persie for his miss, or Djourou and Vermaelen for their parts in the first goal, and so on. It’s not going to make a difference.
Injuries obviously had a big impact but the manager has to find a way to get a result with the players that he has. In the end United won 60 percent of the ground duels and 73 percent of the aerial ones. Walcott won 25 percent of his ground duels whereas AOC managed 27 percent. Nani clocked 79 and Valencia 50. That was a big difference. All this made United looked relatively more comfortable in defence despite making fewer tackles and interceptions. It was close but not good enough. That’s been Arsenal’s story in the recent weeks.
Individual Performances:
Szczesny: Made a couple of good saves, but also looked shaky on occasion. Distribution was poor.
Djourou: Had a very tough time against Nani. Didn’t know whether he should get tight or back away. At least partly at fault for the first goal.
Mertesacker: Should he have been tighter on Welbeck for the second goal? Did struggle against the youngster’s pace but also made up for it by not giving up. A good goal-line clearance and also hit the target at the end. More is needed when he stays up the pitch towards the end of games.
Koscielny: Monstrous tackle, excellent composure, and a good pass to start off the move for the Arsenal goal. Was energetic and adventurous in the second half.
Vermaelen: Could he have attacked the ball better to prevent Valencia from getting a clean header on goal? Otherwise it was another battling performance from the Belgian and he was involved in the most ground and aerial duels. Also made a team high 3 interceptions and won back possession 7 times in defensive areas.
Yennaris: Had the best pass percentage if we leave the crosses out, which weren’t great but not too bad either. Won 3 of his four tackles and 4 of his 6 ground duels. An impressive effort from the youngster.
The defenders had their moments but they also made a number of mistakes. The question here is, as we saw with Van Persie at the other end, were the mistakes forced by the sustained spells of pressure? Why can’t Arsenal find a way to sustain such pressure at the other end – simply holding on to the ball without incision is not the same – and why can’t the Gunners find a way to hold the ball when the opponents are on top?
Song: Used the big-match fouling license effectively to break up play. Had the most touches and made the most passes for the Gunners. Won back possession most often, 6 times, in midfield. Also won 4 of his 5 tackles. Decent game from the Cameroonian.
Ramsey: Got into a number of useful defensive and attacking positions. Should probably have done better with his strike that went over. Won all three tackles he attempted and had the best passing success among the midfielders and attacking players. His weaknesses aren’t going to disappear overnight so no point in repeating them.
Rosicky: A big improvement over Benayoun from the previous game. Won 4 of his five tackles and had the best success rate in ground duels, 55 percent. Second highest in terms of passes made and a fairly respectable 86 percent success rate. Put in a strong defensive shift although probably not at the level Arteta would have been.
The midfield wasn’t bad but they were a touch too cautious in the first half and that left the attackers isolated. They should also be providing a lot better defensive cover. Certainly for the second goal Arsenal needed a player who would have doubled up on Valencia. Similarly, Arsenal needed better coverage on other occasions when United found a lot of space in and around the Arsenal box. Again this is part of some long-standing issues so I don’t want to dwell on it at the moment.
Walcott: Looked like he was trying something different and was cutting inside more often. This wasn’t the game to try a different approach but he might have been forced to do that because of lack of support in the first half. Was marked out of the game for large periods. Still had some moments that were impressive like the time he pulled away at the back post and headed the ball across the face of goal or the time he rolled Evra to draw a foul in a dangerous area. But that isn’t enough at this level.
RvP: Worked hard all through the game but looked lost on the pitch in the first half as he hardly had any support. Really should have scored from “that” chance. Took his goal really well.
Oxlade-Chamberlain: Very impressive second half from the youngster. Had a few moments in the first half as well. Has to improve his passing and decision making in the final third but does provide a threat with his pace and control. Was dispossessed more often than any other Arsenal player but will improve with time. Should start more games and hopefully will last till the end in most of the them.
The front three looked a bigger threat in the second half but weren’t very effective in the first period even when Arsenal were dominating the ball. It is, of course, linked with the kind of support they got from the midfield and the general link-up play between the players.
Subs: Arshavin didn’t offer much and will be an easy target for many irate fans. Park didn’t get enough time to make an impact.
Wenger: His decision to substitute AOC for Arshavin will obviously be the biggest complaint against the manager but I would like to hold that judgment till all the facts are available. The second goal certainly wasn’t down to Arshavin but more to the structure of the defence, for which Arsene is indeed responsible. Similarly, the first goal was too easy for United and the Arsenal manager has to find a way to stop teams from getting to the attacking third with such ease. But he also deserves credit for the fighting display in the second half. Few teams can put up such a battle against United despite so many injuries.
A game we could easily have won in the second half, only to lose in such depressing circumstances. Thought Djourou was appalling, Theo almost as bad, but Ox, Kos and even Rosicky were all excellent.
But the worst thing was the way our fans booed the Arshavin substitution. By all means express displeasure at the end of the game – but during it, and at a critical juncture at that? Unacceptable.
http://thearmchairsportsfan.com/2012/01/22/arsenal-outflanked-by-united/
For too long arsenal fans have been venting their anger in forums and via AGM’s but nothing has changed. Wenger has made so many mistakes and today he made an absolute mistake bringing on a player shorn of confidence and lacking the defensive qualities required against a team like utd who attack through the wings and on the counter. We could have drawn the game and I would have taken that. Am bitterly disappointed. I know we have injuries but so do utd but they always looked the better team. We looked so weak in the 1st half and if utd played their usual counter attacking game we would have been battered. Instead they attacked which gave us more space than usual so that made us look better than we are in the 2nd half. I can’t describe how disconsolate I am right now
Agree that fans shouldnt boo but that just shows how the opinion is divided among arsenal fans. Also although arsenal ‘were’ reknowned for wantign to pass the ball into the net, this has goen down in recent years and is at its hieghts this year. AM not sure if other s have noticed, but this year many times an arsenal player had a chance to pkay someone in ina glorious position, he has elected to shoot. Be it van persie when trying to get that record, Oxlade chamberlain today (he should have played in Kozzer..heck even RVP was waiting on the right). Ramsey and walcott on several occasions and of course Gervinho earlier in the season. This is a trend I have noticed more this season and while its possible the manager might have instructed ppl to shoot mroe often but i doubt that. Cause some of the shots are very unlike arsenal. The game was a lot closer than it looked if one considers several opportunities like when ramsey miscontrolled on the left when played in by van persie, CHamberlian not getting enough power to amke it reach to RVP at far post at the start, Walcott playing it blindly when van persie had made the run for the cut back (when jones slipped),etc. The decision making the final third as gone worse every season and its very unlike arsenal. The game could have been a lot closer if a couple of them went our way.
I wont bother talkign about structural issue sin defense which Deis has pointed out many a times. Most arsenal players are poor in one v one situations (remember song a couple of times in the first half) and get turned very easily. Desi might say that can be sorted out on the training pitch, but its also about somthing that is ingrained in you sicne u start playign as a child. Although Desi said it was a decent performance by Song he loses out in one v one too often in recent times for a DM. It is strange cause it doesnt happen consistently in all games but he switches off at vital moments.
I assume you were in hurry or rage..lots of typos.
Other than not spending money, booing is the only other way of influence and the fans have to spend money to do it. There will be one hell of allot more booing if the board dont sign someone in the next 9 days in my opinion as a session ticket holder.
The best argument against booing is the fact that your probably wasting your breathe. Arsenal is a nice little earner for Kronke and the board and why would they stop that when they can just put ear muffs on.
You are absolutely wasting your breath.:)
The only thing the booing achieved was to alienate Arsharvin who whilst being out of f orm has been trying to get back to form for the team.
I think it foolish at this point to beleieve that Ox is the answer.
Albeit I must say that I was hoping that Wenger played him (with his pace against United.
In that much, the gaffer got right. Pity the substitution then went against the zeitgeist of the Emirates.
I don’t think the fans were in a way directing the boos more against the Russian than the fact that Walcott in their mind should have come off instead of Ox (and righfully so)
I think this may affect the way the Russian plays in coming weeks though which may be detrimental to us (remembering that as poor as he has been, he has weighed in with a number of crucial assists in recent weeks)
Lying just to cover up a manager’s bad decison is a horrible thing to resort to. Please stop lying to the fans. Alex was not cramping. Read alex chamberlains post match interview and it’s clear that this was not a forced change
Well Tim, we did not look like winning. There was a spell in second half when we could have scored more goals. But defensively we were always in shambles. Overall United with their patched up team had more chances.
The confidence of players and fans is low after 3 defeats in a row. Need to win at least the next 2 games to get into rhythm. Make EPL as first priority and play fringe players in FA cup. Keep the first team fresh for EPL matches.
It is a fact that the mancs also were missing a number of key players. I have always supported Mr Wenger but his decision to put on a player that has quite obviously not wanted to play for the colours for a long time in place of a palyer that does is quite staggering. Until the truth comes out about transfer monies available it will remain difficult to point the finger at Arsene. he has had no problem finding good players and developing others in the past, the difference now is the yank owner who knows eff all about football. bring back David Dein.
The OX had cramps and was fatigued,hence he was substituted.I have to say we need better a better winger than Walcott ,Utd had such a crappy defence in Evans and Jones UGH!!!
I do not belive this one bit. DId any of us see any signs of that with the OX???? AA was a disaster,,,, even RVP was yelling at the sidelines. AA is a disaster…. plain and simple. He cannot defend and is most easily dispossesed almost all the time. OX could have lasted another 14 mins. This is on Wenger and also AA. HE was not paying attention to Valencia whatsoever. Call a spade a spade. THis was a give away.
Instead of blaming Arshavin, why don’t you blame Vermaelen as he was not there for both goals? 2ndly the situation has become so dire in the fandom that its easier to believe that Wenger lied rather than the fact he might have done that for logical reasons.`.
read my reply above and use the link for alex post match interview. He did not have cramp
Please dont leave out Ramsey’s faults – I cannot stand this Guy, he thinks he is better than he is.
What do you expect of Ramsey? He is only 21.
He has shown glimpses of his potential. His vision going forward is superb. The defending can be improved.
Considering SOng came good around 22-23, I’d give the bloke a bit of breathing room.
Soon you’d be berating Oxlade Chamberlain.;)
Santori, you are right here. Ramsey has shown some promise. He is not the finished product yet, so fault is Wenger’s. Wenger should buy someone good whom Ramsey and Wilshire can learn from.
United get into shape so well when we have the ball because we’re so slow at getting the ball moving.Our movement most of time is pedestrian and lacking energy and imagination.Feel for RVP up front on his own with no support.
Arsenal Loser!!
Well fortunately we weren’t the only losers.
Neither Newcastle nor Liverpool were able to make ground on us (albeit they are treacherously close)
There are still enough games to even cull back Spurs but I am afraid to say the last glimmer of light in catching the title aspirants have now gone.
Save Arsenal FC, sign this petition!!! http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-arsenal-fc
Spread the word, and get every Gooner you know to sign it!!!
oh for f*&^ sake shut up….this not the time for nonsense….we’re better off encouraging….
I like Arsenal youth policy, but world class player are needed now. Hope they sign about 5 in the summer.
Hopefully, another defeat to UNited may prcipitate another round of spending.
I think we need a striker and now.
We don’t know what lurks in the summer given the possible permutations at this stage with regards our eventual position.
Bearing in mind RVP contract, if we do find ourselves outside the top 4 in the summer, given the spending power available to some clubs at the moment (and I am talking the likes of PSG, even Anzhi as much as City), we would do well to plan ahead and take some of the pickings now.
The fullbacks will most likely resolve very sortly.
But a striker is desperately needed, and IMO someone techinical who can help hold the ball and provide variety to the more direct play out wide with the likes of Walcott.
I like Leandro Damiao at Internacional. He is relatively under the radar, physical but also techicaly astute and a consistent performer.
Given Henry’s very possibly brief cameo, the proper solution now in the striking position is advisable as we will probably have to ‘break the bank’ for an exceptional wideman in the summer (if assuming we do squeeze into the CL then)
hey we did sign 5 last summer????what abt them?
We also bought Squillaci last summer. My point is if you buy one or two wrong players, the manager should accept that he has made a mistake but also correct himself by investing further. Look Fergie did make the mistake of buying Bebe but it does not mean he stopped. He went for Ashley Young this year.
We can moan and groan until god come because Arsene Wenger is the problem..
Wenger is part of the problem but also the solution.
The main issue I have with Wenger is that we have been so successful over earlier seasons because we have punched above our weight with the brilliant signings he has been able to make with his astute sense of the market.
It hasn’t been quite so easy in recent seasons with the arrival of big money to the league.
Wenger realised this and had planned ahead by developing our academy. But he had put faith in its product too heavily early on.
We have a better balance now but the missing ingredient I believe is not the team or players (for the most part, the panic buys have been effective…certainly better than Liverpool’s)
What has always been an issue (masked by his brilliant purchases) was tactics. I’m not saying he’s a mug but against the better brains, he can be found out.
As I have repeatedly mentioned over last seasons. We will remain short unless something is done to the back room staff. Put quite simply we need a better assistant who can offer Wenger differing tactical advise (along with a defensive coaching specialist)
It is the best possible way in marrying the retention of Wenger’s superb overall management with better tactical onfield performance (Think the Carlos Quiesroz years for Fergie)
Of course…this issue is entirely p to the gaffer to decide, as to whether he needs a change of clothes.
United were tracking back in numbers. We were having a hard time with them in the first half and I honestly thought at one point, that we need to let them attack us, and counter attack, as our attack was very weak, and there were no supply lines. The other thing is that I feel that Szescny needs to be better at starting the attack from the back ALA lehman. He kicks wildly, and to no one in particular. I have yet to see a decent attacking play come from one of his throws or kicks. He is a good shot stopper but needs to work on his distribution big time. I thought Song played well and I was really impressed with the OX. He runs at defenders and like Gerv, usually beats the first man. When I saw AA being subbed in I was mortified. I have to tell you, that he is past it, he has not done anything worth nothing in years literally. The 4 goals at Anfield are history. He cannot run, does not have the stamina, defend or score. I have to be honest. if we can sell him before month end, we need to. We are in dire need of a creative midfielder and I appreciate Rosicky busting a gut for 90 minutes trying to make something happen. I think he played a pretty good game actually. He has the stamina from years ago, and I was hoping when he stole the ball that would have led to a goal. That would have been sweet. we need a fullback, midfielder and another striker in the worse way.
I meant Rosicky looked like he did a few years ago, working his tail off and having the stamina from whistle to whistle.
Good game from Rosicky, he was the creative spark. Defensively sometimes he goes missing though.
Can not understand arsene,,, why not starting yannaris instead of Juru who is totally useless in defense as well as offense,, he can’t even make simple pass and always very shaky,, Ramsey is clearly not good looses the ball in dangerous position does not track back does not score or assisst ,, rosisky is far better at least he can keep the ball,, Arshavin should not be allowed to wear the shirt again we might as well play with 10 men instead .
what were your thoughts when Arshavin made the assist to Robin against Swansea?..you dont know what you are talking about?..you watch games on tv and immediately think you have made a big analysis..there are people with football experience who understand how complex of a job is to be a manager not you…arshavin has experience and discipline and you need players like that in your squad…if Robin doesn’t score a single goal for the remainder of the season, you would be the idiot to say we need to let him go…have you thought about supporting another team like City or Chelsea?
Yes, produce or get out. Im sorry but we have been carrying dead wood for way too long. Bendtner, Denilson, Diaby, AA, JD, just to name some. As much as I dislike Ferguson, he takes a no nonsense approach to his players. They know, nothing is guaranteed. You have to have some pressure to take with you on the field.
None of those players would have lasted as long as they did at Manu or other top clubs.
It is part of the culture at Arsenal that has to be shifted. Accountability starts at top and it must trickle down to the coach and players. This has not happened IMO at Arsenal under AW.
Right Yennaris to start right… If Nani/Valencia had bamboozled Yennaris instead ,you would have criticized Wenger for starting with a kid.
I think Wenger more than anyone on these threads would be pleased to get rid of some of his dead weight in Denilson, Squillaci, Almunia, Bendtner, Vela (not least Chamakh etc)
But how?
Who wants them for the kind of wages we had to pay them to either retain their service or acquire in the first place.
This isn’t a supermarket or craigslist (there’s an idea);)
wenger out
Who in?;) Andrei Villa Boas?:D
Just start of season, the pundits were lauding Phil JOnes. The bloke twisted himself with just the sight of Walcott.
Please.
Easy to say these things without much thought is it? That Wenger has assured us a proper chain of supply with our excellent academy which he has set up with the likes of Wilshere, frimpong, Le Coq and now Ox to name a few seems to have been conveniently forgotten or overllooked in such a simplistic comment such as yours.
the whole emirates twisted when the Ox was subbed instead of Theo..please remove ur red tinted glasses and remember that Wenger continuously refuses to change the status quo on and off the field which is very depressing for the fans..
Secondly Theo’s wages should be halved instead of getting doubled ….
Lets hope we start to see more of Rosicky from now on because he has had some good games this season and deserves a chance again. I would drop Ramsey when Arteta is fit again. And lets hope that Chamberlain gets some starts after today’s show.
it all too clear now, Arsene only trust his first choice who are usually AA in front and Djourou at back even though he’s not dependable really as RB, too clumsy and slow at turns, no pace at all. But it’s a change already that he put the Ox ahead of AA and Yennaris in the second half coming on for DJ. Still you can’t ignore but wonder why the sub ? Every fan is asking the same question.
Djourou was rubbish today but he has put in decent shifts at RB which is out of position for him
Remember, Vermaelen was also as much culpable for several big errors, losing a heading duel to the shorter Valencia and not covering Andrei for the second goal.
Djourou is a convenient punch bag.
Yet last game against the Swans, he put in an excellent assist for Walcott and has shown in sveral games before decent touches and control to bring the ball forward.
He is not ideal in the position given speed was always going to trouble him but he is far from useless IMO.
Don’t forget…he is fourth choice Cback playing out of position. In that regard, he has been reasonably decent.
What we need is our fullbacks back. A loan in the position is not a solution either given the time they need to adjust.
Nor is young Yennaris the solution (albeit decent outing for the young man)
Wenger is an idiot… Did u see wat he really did? After that reaction from the fans and v.persie, he realised he had screwed up big time and he tried to apease u fans by… Bringing on Chu young park! Fans have been wanting to see him play so dat was wengerz way of making ‘peace’. All say cheeeeese! RUBBISH!
In the press conference, Wenger basically described his decision as a no brainer to bring AA on as he is the russian captain and that OX was 18, and was sick the previous week in training. What the heck! He is basically saying that he picks players not on their performance but their status. This is in the face of what I thought my team was about. THis is crazy!
Mate..this is what he said..
“He (Alex) was sick in the week. Arshavin is captain of the Russia national team.
“You have an 18-year-old kid making his first Premier League start and a player who’s captain of his country and they are querying the substitution?”
What he meant to say is that Arshavin is an experienced and good player and thats what made him the captain of his national team..not that arsene picked him because he is the Russian captain…
Two years back, the fans blamed arsene for not signing arshavin earlier (when he scored 4 against the pool.) they wanted to sell RVP when he was injured far often…
if some players are not deserving to wear the arsenal shirt, some fickle amnesiac fans are not deserving to be a fan of AFC..Get behind Mancini..he has got the money…oh of course there is dalglish and his 100m superstars and they are getting beaten by bolton…after all, all you want is to spend money…
U make no sense. Re read the comments from AW. Why would he make such comments at all? He knew he made the wrong sub, and was defensive by basically saying,,, dont question me, and do not question my players. BS.
Take the rose color glasses off mate. Smell the roses.
See it for what it is…. AA is half the player he was… and that was ages ago. Pulling OX for him was the mistake. if it were someone else OK… but not OX…. worst moved of the day dude
The fans have said it all before,so have loyal ex Arsenal players,now the coaching staff is getting fed up.
Wenger is now Pathetic, an embarassment.
Best way to try to get the new Arsenal fans who have never seen real football and adore Wenger without justification is to ask “Would any other manager appointed as Arsenal manager seven years ago have survived on his record in that period?
Yes but no other manager has won a title unbeaten not to mention several doubles.
AND more importantly no other manger has laid the framework for the future success of the club both financially and on the pitch so succinctly.
You have just witnessed yet another of Wenger’s astute purchases in Oxlade Chamberlain yet you decide to berate him for a possible error of judgement.
The gaffer plans long term.
I will grant you the fact that his tactical acumen is at times wanting (as in today with the sub) BUT he has punched above his weight because of the genius of his purchases and his planning.
Remember, we aren’t even suppose to be competing for fourth barely half a season ago when we brought in several ‘panic buys’.;)
The damage was done early in the season and most have understood this to be a rebuilding season. Anythingelse is frankly a bonus.
But till when the drought will continue especially when we seem to suffer from the same problems year after year ..the good news is another another botched winter around the corner…I woud say still 4 points for safety…
loved risicky’s performance..
Excellent work from the little mozart today.
He has shown a glimmer of grit and determination over last season but has matched it with some effective passing this season.
All the more important with Diaby’s career seemingly blighted at the moment with injury.
everybody here and all the fans at emirates stadium are f**king disgusting…i dont care how much a player declines in performance you never do that to your player who just got on the field..you guys are a disgrace!…the funny thing is u guys talk with the confidence of a real coach as if you guys know football better than people with experience..anyone can see Arshavin is not performing like he used to..so freaking what!? were you complaining when he gave the assist to Robin against Swansea!?..you guys dont know sh*t..you need players with experience in your squad and especially players with discipline like Arshavin..but noooo..just switch to City or Chelsea cuz im sure their spending will deff excite you
We are all entitled to an opinion. You have yours and others have theirs. Just because a player does something productive once in a blue moon (AA), it does not excuse poor play the next game. AA should have been marking the wing, as he was the only one on it, TV was narrow and AA as well know did what he usually does on deference. He gets burned. IT led directly to the goal. I also blame AW for taking of OX. Anyone watching this game would know that you do not take off the player who is making the team tick and push for the next goal. I was baffled as are millions of others. Now, if AW had brought on AA for someone else, that would be different matter, but he should not have taken off OX for a slow player who is in major decline. At 74 mins, im sure OX could have stayed on. Anyhow, as usual when Wenger messes up he gets defensive in his press conferences. Look what he said in this one….read my last reply.
You say AA has discipline? I beg to differ.
The booing just shows how much the fans have become alienated with AW. It is what it is. We all know the reasons….. any Arsenal fan knows.
Until the structure and principals change for the better, we will get results like this. The mighty Arsenal has fallen so far in the last 5 years its not even funny.
I felt that with the intensity of such games, it would have been better for the Russian to have started and then replaced by Ox (and early on if he wasn’t making headway), rather then introducing him cold so late on.
But Vermaelen (and others) should have cut the space down.
If you want to criticise AA or Djourou, Vermaelen was equally capable for a number of glaring faults.
desi is right that these are systemic issues that have not been fully resolved.
In my opinion, Kos is our best defender. I love Vermaelen but Kos is playing on a different level this season
I think the fans (and commentators) have their favourites and their whipping boys. The reaction of yesterdays substitutions etc follows a couple of months of frantic and chronic hype surrounding Ox. This often results in some players being targeted while others get off free.
I think AOC is an excellent talent and worth every cent paid for him. But at the moment his game has limitations. Djourou has been a target rightly of wrongly for most of the season. Personally I don’t believe he has the quality to play for Arsenal.His ball skills are limited and when he does that thing with his backside when shielding the ball he is quite possibly one of the most ungainly looking player around.
Like everyone else I am a big fan of TV5, but go back over the last 3 months and see how many goals he has shipped for our supposedly “best defender” between own goals. dodgy passes to Per and some very poor positioning for both goals yesterday I reckon I count 5-6.
The whole side is under immense pressure and some of the fans reaction yesterday doesn’t help the side at all. (Don’t get me started on the fact that the chief motivation of most of these fans is something as important as bragging rights over their idiot mates at the pub). The club would be better off turfing some of the rabble that call themselves home supporters and pay for the “travellers” to take their place at Emirates – the sound of singing has to be better motivation than boos that is for sure.
Kolscielny and Mertesaker were immense yesterday, Rosicky was excellent and Ramsay, though busy, was a little slow at times. Yennaris has looked good on the two occasions he has played and certainly has more idea of wing play than Johann.
Lastly I hope RVP comes out and says mid week that his expression of disgust was targeted at the booing lunatics rather than Arsharvin. The Russian provided the excellent pass for RVP’s goal recently and after his poor finish earlier to disrespect Arsharvin dispite his dodgy form would be poor form from the captain.
Some of comments about substitution is out of order. AW may made many mistakes before but he is not stupid old man. It is very clear Ox played very well until he was substituted. Why do some people think AW drag Ox without good reason? AW wanted to lose the game?
I am surprised at that time but AW already explain the reasons. It was very close game and team still lack something but this simple scapegoating exercise only result in harming.
One has also to remember that it was the gaffer who elected to start with Ox instead of AA in the first place.;)
Having said that, it is somewhat baffling to take off the player who is making the most significant impact for us.
I don’t disagree with Wenger putting on AA but i thought it may have been better had he played AA first half and then put on Ox second half when the pace would have stretched some legs.
It would seem to me terribly hard for some one as out of form as AA to come into such a ‘lively’ match late on and be able to hit the ground running, And it came as no surprise that once again, Wenger was out foxed by fergie who switched Valencia immediatelt to RW to attack Arsharvin.
Having said that, Vermaelen was nowhere near enough to AA in covering as Desi mentions so whilst AA coming on does seem inxeplicable given young Chamberlain’s rousing performance, we can by no means put the fault and blame entirely on Andrei either.
I fear the goodwill though is now gone and we will probably not be seeing AA in any spirit to continue to attempt to regain his form from now till his departure in the summer, which is a shame.
Be careful for what you wish for.
Wonderful work Desi. I thought the team selection was fine, with the exception of Ramsey! He is just doesn’t have the same strength he had at the begining. He was beat for pace, strength but Giggs! That is pathedic. I love the boy, he has got a bag of skills but not an ACM material. Missing shots I can handle, stumbling and looking clueless I can not. Arsene made the wrong substitution Arshavin for Ramsey was needed. Ramsey was on a yellow card, and Arshavin couldn’t have done worst than Aaron with chances infront of goal…. Besides the Ox had just recorded an assist and was feeling better. Robin’s face said it all “no boss don’t take the Ox out”. Lol. Lost is lost they all are painful. Let’s move on season doesn’t end today. Goodnight you beautiful bastards! Up Gooners.
FoolishgooNer, you are not foolish at all
Yes, I also was thinking that Ramsey was poor and should have been replaced by Arshavin. However, I say that because we did not have better options on the bench. I mean once RVP equalized we should have brought a midfielder who helped in keeping possession.
The other option was to bring Arshavin to create something because basically it was not Ramsey’s day.
Replacing Ox with Arshavin did not go well with anybody.
Really liked your review. You have refrained from overly defending or criticizing the players and coach. It is unbiased and precise. Now we have all lost sleep over the negatives from the game. Lets look at the positives for once just to lift our spirits. Firstly, the Ox has finally arrived and will be a significant player from hereon. Wish to see Ryo as well. Theo will have to step up or else he’ll only make the bench when Gerv returns. Secondly, Nico Yennaris was impressive, hopefully no more Djourou at RB anymore. I am sure Nico will do a good job till Sagna returns. And lastly, the defeat will make Wenger see, that we need reinforcements, so hopefully, he’ll buy someone. Knowing Wenger though, the last part am not so sure! Up Arsenal.
Yennaris was OK. What he had in better abundance than Djourou was speed 9and crucially).
but he was equally suspect on a couple of occasions.
What we need is Sagna back ASAP.
Didn’t expect us to win so not entirely dissapointed but didn’t we give it a good go?
I thought the margin slim and as much as United would want to believe that they were in control of the game, could have gone either way TBH.
That said, the inevitable conclusion is we are well and truly out of the title race now and are struggling to keep in touch with 4th.
We MUST refocus our energies and aim to at least cull back Spurs to regain third IMO as a minimum.
OTOH, whilst I am not an advocate for buying as a solution, Wenger could well do with a purchase now to defer any possible fall out in the summer.
I am thinking in particular of the RVP situation.
Ordinarily, I would think it sensible to await the summer for better prices 9and time) to reinforce the squad.
However, given the possible position we may find oursleves in (say out of top 4), it may seem pennywise pound foolish not to make a purchase now in lieu of the fact that we will be a less attractive propositon for some players if we are truly out of top 4 then.
I think a striker imperative.
Podolski seems a good prospect as he can contribute out left too OR maybe Leandro Damiao who has a more physical presence with his 6’1 frame and who can add an aletrnative to Walcott out right (which given Ox’s impressive debut seems all the more imperative)
Then in the summer, if we do squeeze in top 4, we must re-evaluate our spending policy a little. We have I feel, most of the jugsaw in place but will be in need of a top signing that can add guile to our wide play (which has become more direct).
With AA most likely leaving, a move for a technical player like Hazard to accompany the more direct likes of Gervinho and Walcott may be needed. Hazard will cost a pretty penny but may be well worth some extras from us particularly if we need not reinforce in any other areas then.
But a purchase now before the window closest in vew of the striker position IMO is very very crucial at the moment.
Great points about getting some new blood now. We are in the CL and still hunting for the CL spot in the prem. Do it now, before we bow out and have a harder time getting new players. Of course this will not happen. AW is waiting for his team to get healthy again. Of course, at Arsenal, being injured is part of being on the team, and having a half squad at all times is the norm.
Bring in some new faces now. Creative Mid, Fullback and striker. Someone make this wish come true!
ROSICKY is God! why isnt arsenal’s first team exactly the same but ROSICKY in ramseys position in attacking midfield as ROSICKY CAN DO THROUGH BALLS FOR WALCOTT, GERHINHO, OX, etc? dont understand why rosicky doesnt play in ramsays position? so much better!
I dont agree. Rosicky is not god but he did have a good game yesterday. He is not in the first XI because he is inconsistent. Also defensively, he switches off sometimes. Do you remember 8-2 thrashing, Rosicky was playing that day.
i disagree @ Dhruv.. although Rosicky was not God,he has been one of our consistent performers.. not to mention some man of the match performances.. the day we lost 8-2 we all were clueless.. and not down to rosicky.. in fact, i did remember Ramsey kept passing the ball to MU players instead of his team mates that day..
desi’s right.. nothing’s new.. arshavin,ramsey and djourou are all long standing problems.. let’s hope Rosicky and Chamberlain start more often.. they are better than ramsey & walcott.. no doubt! tired watching ramsey dwelling too long on the ball.. tired watching walcott final ball.. tired watching djourou being bullied.. by the time walcott crossed,i know it’s hopeless.. i would go for SONG-ARTETA-ROSICKY combination than ramsey-arteta..
Players come in and out of form.
The manager must decide who best to play.
But to berate the players as useless because they are going off the boil a little over a long season 9when they had contributed positively in earlier part of the season) is disingenuous to say the least.
You cannot blame Arshavin for his poor display, or for the winning goal. First of all, regarding the winning goal; Arshavin is NOT a defender. He didn’t have any back up at all and it seems that all of the blame is going to him simply because people fail to see that. Also, if anyone got a response like that when they JUST came onto the pitch, i would not blame them for playing horribly at all. Its just sad that so many fans are booing at the Russian (or at Wengers choice of taking off Ox instead of Walcott), when they should be behind arshavin… With all honesty how do you expect a player to do well in a match if at the moment he steps onto that grass, he gets ‘boos’ from hundreds of people. Don’t get me wrong, I am an Arsenal fan but people must realize that Arshavin is a shadow striker. He knows how the game works, thats why he is captain of Russia. The confidence has gone down because of all of the hate he’s been getting from so many. When and if Arshavin does move on in the Summer, he will show what he’s capable of in EURO12, and i’m sure thats when many will be ruing their decision to not get behind him and not helping him gain back his confidence. Dont forget that it is solely because of him that we have 3-9 of our points.
Arshavin was to blame for the second goal but then so were others, verms, song, defensively we were just not there, now whether this would have happened if ox was on the field or not i dont know but we can all speculate, the manager made a move and it back fired, we all make mistakes!
I think most of us dont see the bigger picture, this was one game, it was against one of the top teams, we could have won, drawn but we lost,we played better in the second half picked up our game, what concerns me more are the performances against swansea and fulham, those are games we should have won, no excuses accepted there and wenger ultimately has to take responsibility, i know we have a lot of injuries in the squad but then so do others and its part and parcel of the game, the problem is wenger trusts his players way too much and some of them are simply not good enough, people say money is not the answer? maybe not but from time to time a good investment can pay good rewards, eg. sergio aguero, i think city paid over the top for him but its justified in my eyes, can we imagine us getting anyone even close?
One of wengers faults is that he is a “players manager”, players love him cause he backs them in spite of repeated failures, eg. Lillian Thuram in his Moncao days, he failed and failed wenger persisted and he turned out to be one of the best in the world, what this does is that it affects the club negatively and the player positively and i think it may not be the right approach, in the current squad take a player like arshavn and there are others as well who under perform consistently and are still included, and this comes down to the manager!
A lot of people are calling for wenger’s head, i dont know if that is the right answer to all this, but i think ultimately his stubbornness may cost us a champs league spot! i hope i am wrong but i think he needs to re-think and re-think fast!
I actually this post hit the real problem. AW often does not ruthless enough to player. It is very difficult to lay off under par player and it is often very unpleasant thing but manager must be ruthless to be success. Nobody want to be cold fist bastard. Need to drill defensive tactic and AW need to more ruthless but I doubt that he can be because it is personality problem.