Sunday 24 January 2016

No time for despondency at Arsenal

Despite Arsenal's defeat against Chelsea, the Gunners showed plenty of fighting spirit, which still augurs well for their title challenge.

Now three points behind league leaders Leicester, Arsenal's character suggests that they are clearly capable of bouncing back after this latest setback.

However, Arsenal were the architects of their own downfall as Mertesacker's inexplicable lunge on Diego Costa could only result in a red card. Does the German not trust Cech enough to think he might foil Costa on a one-on-one? This mistake may cost Mertesacker, who could struggle to regain his place in the starting XI. On the day, it cost Arsenal who were down to ten men against an experienced Chelsea side, who are no strangers to snuffing out games.

Something drastic had to be done, but raised eyebrows were in evidence after Wenger replaced Giroud with Gabriel, following the German's expulsion. The crowd booed and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry questioned the decision in the Sky Sports studio. Henry thought Joel Campbell should have been replaced instead, as Giroud would have offered a presence upfront. Although Giroud had sustained a knock in training, it did appear to be a strange decision to take him off.

Few chances materialised, despite all of Arsenal's huffing and puffing, and when they did it was Flamini they fell to. The French midfielder was unable to hit the target on the two occasions when the ball dropped his way in the box. However, I feel blaming Flamini is more than a tad unfair, as his work rate is undeniable.

The Sky Sports pundits were quite harsh on Flamini, even blaming him partly for the goal scored by Costa: they claimed he blocked Koscielny's view! Hmm! Not too sure about that! Isn't Koscielny tall enough to see over his fellow countryman?

Meanwhile, Koscielny was certainly guilty of felling Fabregas in the area and was extremely lucky not to concede a penalty.

For effort alone, Arsenal deserved a share of the spoils; their energy levels were admirable. If they can keep eleven players on the pitch, they should be capable of beating anyone and the top spot could soon be theirs again.





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Monday 18 January 2016

Another missed opportunity?

After another draw, many Arsenal fans are complaining about the points lost. However, from a confidence perspective, I'd take two draws from two difficult away matches all day long.

Getting anything away at Stoke has proved difficult ever since Wenger arrived. Inevitably, Arsenal were grateful to Petr Cech, for another man-of-the-match performance, although Butland was also called into action a number of times.

Overall, I thought it was a solid performance from Arsenal. Iwobi's cameo appearance was impressive, although I thought it was harsh to take Theo Walcott off to give the youngster his chance.

Aside from that, the only observation to make is how reliant Arsenal are on Ozil. Without him, the Gunners are solid and resilient but may only expect to score blanks. Gooners will help the playmaker makes a speedy recovery from his minor foot injury.

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Saturday 16 January 2016

Elneny - Arsenal's first valuable Swiss import?

Most Gooners are pleased that the club have finally announced the signing of Mohamed Elneny from Swiss club Basel for £7m.

However, the question remains: will he be more successful than previous imports from Switzerland: Senderos and Djourou?

Djourou came from relative obscurity of a little-known Swiss club called Carouge as a youngster. I thought he had a lot of promise when he arrived as a defensive midfielder. He was converted to a centre back and didn't convince many Arsenal fans. Although I thought the Gunners should persevere with him, he was eventually sold to Hamburg. Perhaps, he should have remained a midfielder.

Meanwhile, Senderos was supposed to be a tough centre back, but was roughed up regularly by Chelsea's Didier Drogba and other physical strikers.

Therein lies the worry about Elneny. Will he cope with the physical side of the game? Perhaps Arsenal fans will find out if he makes his debut away at Stoke.

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Monday 4 January 2016

Arsenal still banking on Cech

There's no other word for it: Petr Cech has been a revelation since joining Arsenal. Yes, he had a bad day at the office against Southampton, picking the ball out of the net four times in what was arguably his worst performance of the season since the opener against West Ham. However, it was just a reminder that the Czech Republic international is human. Although not prone to mistakes, even Cech can make them! Occasionally.

Not only has Cech strengthened Arsenal, but he has significantly weakened Chelsea. Perhaps his departure even spelt the end of Jose Mourinho, who was vehemently opposed to the keeper's departure. That's not to say it's time to write off Chelsea as a force: it's just they've left it too late to mount a title challenge.

Meanwhile, just because Arsenal are top of the table at this stage, it does not mean that the title is done and dusted. There is an awful lot of work still to do and title challengers to put to the sword.

Although Leicester might eventually fall by the wayside, Yaya Toure's recent form with Man City suggests that they will put a run or two together between now and the end of the season. Spurs seem to be genuine contenders too, mainly thanks to Dele Alli and Harry Kane. Even Man Utd, who have struggled of late, managed to find the net twice at the weekend, so surely their confidence will grow.

Next up for Arsenal in the league is Liverpool away, which is never an easy fixture. The Reds under Klopp seem to be a Jekyll and Hyde side, so Arsenal will have to be at their best to ensure a positive result at Anfield.

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