Back in the race? Consistency is the key
Posted by Young'un in Arsenal | 1 December 2008
For the second time this season, Arsenal registered a 2-1 win over one of their 'Top 4' rivals. What was more enjoyable was the fact that we were far from our best. BUT as Gringo's post rightly says, questions need to be asked. Just a matter of weeks ago we battered the Premier League and Champions League winners in a terrific performance, then went on to lose our next two league games. So what's stopping the boys getting too confident again? Don't get me wrong, the talent this crop of players have is astonishing. But, even though it seems physically impossible, they seem to think they're better than they are.
So, let's hit the negatives. As mentioned, we seriously lacked width. It just shows how crucial Theo Walcott has become this season. Nasri tracked back well but the final ball sometimes lacks and his decision making is a bit dodgy. But he's proving to be a great signing and I feel he's a better option for us than Hleb was. Song also did well but we are crying out for a solid, experienced DM. Marcos Senna fits the bill. Although he would only be a short term option, he will give us the strengh needed in the middle, he has played with Cesc before, and his presence and defensive mind will allow our new skipper the freedom to attack. It was Flamini's job last season, it should be Senna's this season. But unfortunately, it's not gonna happen.
Ok, positives: Bacary Sagna is the best right back in the world. One challenge at the end of the first half summed him up. Terrific. And he's pretty useful going forward, too. William Gallas looks focused and the rift between him and his teammates seems to have ended. As previously mentioned, as well as having a rocket of a shot, Samir Nasri's workrate and defensive ability is top notch. Great bit of business, Arsene! While Adebayor and van Persie are forming what looks to be a top partnership.
And finally, some ratings again:
Manuel Almunia - Rarely troubled. No chance with the 'Chelsea' goal. Can't really call this a test, despite it being against the league leaders (6)
Bacary Sagna - He is just simply immense. Does he ever do anything wrong? He defends impeccably, while getting forward to help the attackers. He can swing in a mean cross as well. Bosingwa is good, but I'd much rather have the Frenchman...at a fraction of the price (8)
Johan Djourou - Unlucky with the OG. He had to go for it or Kalou had a tap in. Other than that he had a solid game. Wenger made a brave, but very good choice in picking pace and youth over intelligence and experience (7)
William Gallas - Wasn't troubled that much, but nothing was gonna get past him. I think losing the captaincy will be a blessing in disguise for Billy (7)
Gael Clichy - In the first half he made a couple of rare mistakes. But was generally solid defensively and went on a couple of mazy runs that troubled Ivanovic (7)
Denilson - I wasn't that impressed. Cut in too much, not his fault being a CM by trade I guess, and his decision making wasn't very good. Had a golden chance to wrap it up at the end but bottled it (5)
Cesc Fabregas - With a real DM next to him in Song, he had a bit more freedom but still struggled to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, as he has done all season. To be fair, he must be shattered. Good performance (6.5)
Alex Song - Didn't put a foot wrong. Could be the DM solution but it's early days yet. Needs to be more consistent but he has come on leaps and bounds over the last 12 months or so (7)
Samir Nasri - Not at his best going forward but boy, he worked hard. Didn't see an awful lot of the ball to be fair (6.5)
Robin van Persie - Two terrific strikes. IF he can become more (that word again) consistent, he can be a world beater. He has the ability to drop and help out in midfield. A very, very handy weapon, especially if he can score on a regular basis. Let's bloody hope he stays fit (9)
Emmanuel Adebayor - His presence, dominance in the air, and ability to hold the ball up gave us another option. He's been missed in recent weeks. Still yet to hit top gear. Watch out though, January seems to be when he explodes onto the scene (7)
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.reallifenews.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1229
