For the third time this season Arsenal dropped precious points at the Emirates, this time to a very defensive Wolverhampton outfit.
The Gunners took an early lead inside the first 10 minutes after Yossi Benayoun played through Gervinho, who then went past Wayne Hennessey and slid the ball into an empty net.
Arsenal had the majority of the possession and created several chances, but nothing that really made the Wolves goalkeeper sweat or work for. Despite their control of the game, Arsene Wenger’s men found themselves on level terms after being unable to deal with a corner. Matt Jarvis’ cross was diverted away from goal, but the ball fell to Stephen Hunt outside the area who then had a go at goal. Unfortunately for us, the Irishman’s effort took a wicked deflection and found Steven Fletcher, who then nodded the ball past a helpless Wojciech Szczesny.
The second half was pretty much the same as the first – Arsenal continued to press forward, but actually made Hennessey work his wages.
Robin van Persie had several opportunities as did Tomas Rosicky and others, but their best effort probably fell to German international Per Mertesacker, who had a 7-yard header saved by the Wolves keeper. Needless to say the Welsh shot-stopper had his Weetabix today.
Arsenal’s chances of bagging all three points were hugely enhanced after Nenad Milijas was sent off in the 74th minute following a tackle on Mikel Arteta, which sparked a mini scuffle. However, despite their one man advantage, Arsenal couldn’t manage to break down a very resolute and hard-working Wolves side.
The 1-1 draw leaves Wenger’s men sitting in fifth place, 12 points behind both Manchester clubs, one behind Chelsea and three behind fierce rivals Spurs, who have two games in hand over Arsenal.
So, what five things did we learn about our team today?
Give us your thoughts and comments below
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1. We need a big name striker asap. It’s obvious and natural that RVP can’t stay sharp through the entire season. He needs a break – and he needs decent competition.
2. We need real full backs. Djorou and TV don’t provide enough width and overlapping runs.
3. Chamakh and Arshavin should be sold – for their own sake and for Arsenal’s. Yes, Arshavin had an almost decent game today, but obviously he plays with no self confidence. And it’s too expensive to use games like this to help him regain conficence when instead we need someone with courage and penetration power (=Oxl.Chamb.)
4. Arsenal now have a team of fighters. Perhaps they are not all the brightest of stars but they keep trying. And to be honest I prefer that to the Arsenal of last season with the Fabregases and the Nasris who played out of this world in one game – but didn’t seem to care in the next.
5. We Arsenal supporters must be the most difficult in the world to please. No leader??? Come on!
1. Arsene’s stubborn…as there was no need to play RvP as you were sure he was going to be looking for goals to break the record..Too selfish on d day.
2.Gervinho final touch always ??? problem.Pls wen wld d ox be used?
3.When we didn’t have walcott on the pitch,why not switch to a 4-4-2 formation to break the wolves team dat came to park ? bus? We knw our 4-3-3 is usually 4-5-1.
4.Don’t need a soothsayer to tell me that Per is too slow n alwys the one to make sure we concede a freakish goal,d only weakling in d back four.
5. Finally,jst want to ask the prof if he ever has a plan B.
I can’t believe the negativity that we Arsenal fans have. What happened to supporting your team through thick and thin (or in-between like today)? For those of you who say Rosicky and Arshavin should be sold, shame on you! Rosicky had a Man-of-the-Match performance today, very impressive considering the little playing time he has had this season; while the very experienced and professional Arshavin came on and had a significant impact, nearly scoring himself. After a good team performance, it simply wasn’t our night, PERIOD! I don’t know what more these naysayers want. I think it’s high time we all came back to reality: We aren’t ManCiteh, so this talk that Hamsik, Gotze or Hazard will appear from nowhere is nonsense. We will acquire those high calibre players when the time/price is right. But for now, how about we just stick to positive criticism and stand behind whomever the gaffer plays. Even Chamakh has proved to be a decent player in the past (or have we forgotten!). So doesn’t he (and the rest of them) deserve our patience at the very least?
1 – We cannot break down a defence either with a cross and header, a defence splitting pass or a shot from distance.
2 – We have no players that can draw out a defence to make room for other players to finnish off a move.
3 – We have only one decent striker who isn’t actually an out and out striker.
4 – Without Jack the lad we seem to have no grit or drive until we arrive at the point i the game where “have to” make something happen to get some points.
5 – We still need some quality signings to push our first teamers harder for their places.
1- we lack a poacher for late game instances podloski would be ideal
2- we lack a better player in the hole behind RVP that can penetrate with passes and score goals
3- we lack good crosses of the ball. this is vital especially if we have the aieral prowess of TV5, Kos and per
4- we really mis the energy of our fullbacks especially sagna who is immense for us and santos/gibbs are great outlets for us.
5- we lack the pace off the bench hence is why we have OX who we should use
sooo negative everybody, we have played near best in the league since the bad start. Yes the bad start was mgmt fault. And great in champs league too. This game was one of those that are bound to happen. A hot keeper and an unlucky goal. I cant believe the abuse of guys who have played so hard and well this season. Song, kos, arteta, even rvp being insulted here. I wouldnt switch our overall squad with any premier team. I know city has all the talent and depth, but we. have heart and a ton of quality when healthy, and a lil. money to spend to improve. Even though things dont always go out way, we have played our hearts out. Rvp wasnt great today, but has been a great tough leader. Cant believe somevsay cesc was a gd captain. What a joke. Talented, but not a leader. As atsene says – these guys are not real fans. Haha. In arsene we trust
1.we’re 2.not 3.gonna 4.sign 5. Anyone