Strangeways, Here We Come
Posted by Young'un in Alex Ferguson, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Arshavin, Man United, Theo Walcott | 26 August 2011
The crucial victory in Udinese has provided respite for Arsene Wenger after two of the toughest weeks in his fifteen-year stint at the club.
There’s no need for you to stop me if you think you’ve heard this one before; I won’t patronise you with the details of Arsenal’s alleged crisis, it’s been done to death by the tabloids and paranoid bloggers alike.
We must now build on the momentum gained in Italy and take it up to Old Trafford; a place that probably does feel like a prison to our players, based on United’s impressive start and our pretty dismal record there.
The media are proceeding to paint a vulgar picture, and rightly so, we’re short on players for a massive game; defeat in which could leave us rock bottom of the Premier League. There’s no doubt we are in a predicament but we still have a few days left to try and sign some players, and our current crop are capable of springing a surprise; van Persie, and Walcott have proved they can change a game in a second.
Arsenal would be best suited setting up like they did in Udine, with two recognised defensive midfielders holding the fort, then utilising the pace of Walcott and Gervinho on the counter. Of course it’s not nearly that simple: both Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong are suspended, as is the Ivorian winger meaning the Gunners are lacking serious bite in the middle and penetration on the flanks. Andrey Arshavin will be drafted in and a big performance is required.
To his credit, Arshavin’s best performances often come in the big games and he scored in Manchester only a couple of years ago. His showings thus far in this campaign however have been far from special, the Russian seems bereft of attacking instincts and seems unable to beat his man with the confidence he oozed when first joining in 2009.
If Wenger can bring in a couple of players before the game, that would be ideal considering the fragility of our current squad. Arsenal have definitely been lacking a creative spark since the departures of Messrs Fabregas and Nasri; one which is desperately needed against a notoriously solid Manchester United backline, albeit minus Vidic and possibly Ferdinand through injury.
One avenue Wenger may be willing to explore is long shots, as United’s new shotstopper, David de Gea appears a little shaky when faced with speculative blasts from distance. Arsenal’s infamous desire to ‘walk the ball into the net’ may have to be abandoned under the circumstances, and the likes of Tomas Rosicky will be trusted to have pot-shots from 25 yards.
This game could be massive for belief within the camp and it would be a fantastic way to kick-start what has been a poor beginning to the domestic season. Of course it would also be wonderful to get one over the old enemy. A rush and a push and the land is ours. Keep the faith.
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