View From The Sphere

FIVE things I learnt about Arsenal yesterday

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It was yet another disappointing 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium yesterday evening.
The Gunners dropped two vital points to a struggling Blackburn Rovers side, and as a consequence, are now 7 points behind league leaders Manchester United.

Here are the 5 things I learnt about Arsenal:

Manuel Almunia ahead of Jens Lehmann – I have to say I was quite shocked when I saw Manuel Almunia on the first-team sheet after his blunder against West Brom. I just wonder why Arsene Wenger would bring Jens Lehmann in as an emergency goalkeeper just for him to warm the bench, or is Wenger waiting for the Spaniard to get injured? Only time will tell. At the end of the day we’ve got to give Almunia some credit for at least keeping a clean sheet yesterday, though he was rarely tested by the Blackburn strikers. There was an incident where the 33-year-old gave away a corner in a silly manner by spilling the ball, which indicates to me that he’s still nervous and has absolutely no confidence. It doesn’t matter how many games Almunia has cost Arsenal this season, I’m guessing Wenger will still keep faith in the Spaniard until he picks up an injury.

Strong defensive performance – Yesterday was one of those rare games where the Arsenal back-line was rock solid. They didn’t give the Blackburn strikers any room to shoot, the offside trap worked well, and the pairing of Laurent Koscienly and Sebastien Squillaci managed to combine well for once. The back-line were also aided by Alex Song, who managed to stop the counter attack, but then again, Blackburn didn’t commit too many players forward leaving Roque Santa Cruz as a mere spectator in the Arsenal half. Good performance from the lads at the back.

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4-5-1 system does not suit Arsenal – I’ve never liked this formation from the start and I don’t know why Wenger still insists on implementing this system. I feel it doesn’t bring out the best in our players, and whenever this formation is applied, it never works out for Arsenal in the long run. The game was slow, dull, and very few chances were created on goal, especially during the first-half. Arsenal did have more of the possession in midfield but they were unable to do anything with it, just nice touches and creative passes that amounted to nothing. Arsenal had their chances but it wasn’t quiet enough to get 3 points.

Lack of attacking options – it’s difficult for Arsenal to win a match when Robin van Persie is the lone striker. It’s also quite frustrating to watch our full-backs, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna, cross the ball towards the box to no one in particular. The game changed for the better when Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner were introduced in to the game. In my opinion, Wenger should play two strikers. Behind the strikers should be attack-minded midfielders, leaving Song as the one midfielder in the pack to assist the defenders. The Gunners should go all out attack from the first minute and shut shop early on.

No fighting spirit – The players need to start performing like a team that wants to be crowned champions. The 0-0 barren draw felt like a defeat to me. Prior to the Arsenal game, Manchester United managed to come back from 2 goals down against West Ham by bagging 4 goals in the second 45. If Arsenal were to apply the same fighting spirit and determination in the remaining games left then there might be a chance for glory still this season. The Gunners must play their last 8 Premier League games like they are cup finals from here on in. The players have to understand what wearing the famous red and white of Arsenal represents.

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2 comments

  • Boldy says:

    All I learnt was Arsenal are not ready to win things, where not good enough, let’s face it. We play bad we can’t win, Utd play bad and they win, they know how to win bad and we don’t. Oh well another season without a trophy and there is only one person to blame and that is Wenger, doesn’t buy strengthen the squad and always comes out with excuses. I guess there’s only one thing to say and that is thanks a lot Wenger, your truely the best manager when it comes to losing titles, well done.

  • Nelo says:

    lets hope things will change for the better in the remaining games.

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