Well it just was one of those days again wasn’t it? Arsenal failed to put their opposition to the sword and came out of yesterday’s game against Manchester United with nul points.
I don’t know how we managed to lose that game, but having missed several chances in the first-half, I turned to those I was watching the game with and said ‘we’re gonna lose this’, and we did.
It’s a frustrating result to take in as United aren’t at their best and the three points were there for the taking this time around, but Arsene Wenger saw some positives – I didn’t.
Here are five things I learnt about our side yesterday
1. We are wasteful in front of goal.
We had countless attempts on goal but couldn’t find the back of the net. Despite our shots on goal, they were all easy for David de Gea to handle. Our best chance fell for Jack Wilshere who couldn’t convert from around the six-yard mark. Attempts don’t win you games, goals do.
2. No clinical finisher in our ranks.
Despite Olivier Giroud returning from his injury and belting in a screamer, we still don’t have that finisher that can find the back of the net at will and frighten the opposition defence. Danny Welbeck got into some great positions yesterday but was unable to convert – a more prolific forward may have done better in his place. Our forwards need to either get some shooting practise in or Wenger should bring in a natural striker.
3. No new ideas, same old play.
You just know what to expect when watching Arsenal, and frankly it’s starting to get both annoying and boring. Wenger and the players must both buck up their ideas if they want to overcome their rivals.
4. Ramsey must be benched.
I don’t know what’s happened to Aaron Ramsey but he isn’t the same player as he was last season. He was labelled as one of the best midfielders in Europe last season, but the Welshman seems to be trying too hard to rediscover his form which is making him look very average at best. Hasn’t played well at all in recent weeks and should be placed on the bench as a result.
5. No matter how bad United are, Arsenal just cannot beat them.
Before the 2-1 defeat yesterday, Arsenal have only managed to beat United in their last 14 meeting in all competitions – this win came back in May 2011. It’s 15 now and for some reason, no matter how poor United are, the Gunners just cannot beat their league rivals – even if United fielded their reserve side, Wenger would struggle to draw up a plan to overcome them!
Well it was there for all to see again; tactically Wenger does not have clue. How many times have we seen 8 Arsenal players in the opposing half, only for the opposition to break away and score almost without a challenge. Have you ever seen a Mourinho team do that.
Without giving away that present of a second goal, Giroud’s goal would have been the equaliser and we would not feel half as down as most Gooners do today.
There has to be a sea-change of attitude and sadly I cannot see it happening under Arsene Wenger. He should have retired in glory having won the FA Cup, instead of which he will possibly leave under a cloud. Such a shame after all he has done for the club (but not in recent years !)
It’s really not that we don’t have good finishers in our ranks… The delusional coach just prefers to play his favorite players ahead of players we all know are more direct and can deliver. How on earth would Wilshere and Ramsey in their current poor form start ahead of Cazorla & Rosicky?