Kevin Whitcher
I sometimes start with the texts I receive during and after a game. And here are those that came through last night…
From Pete Mountford (towards the end of the game) – ‘Don’t know what is worse. CL first leg or this’ (referring to the 1-0 defeat in 2009)
From Adam Velasco – ‘Koscielny with Rooney’s shirt on at the end… pathetic loser and sums up the attitude… Evra was spot on about Arsenal.’
From Ian Henry – ‘Another big game when the ‘big’ players fail to live up to Wenger’s blind faith
From Telboy – ‘Evra may be a c*** but he was on the money. Predictable or what! When was the last time we beat Chelsea or the Mancs in a meaningful game? Any worthwhile board would look at that. Too many players on big wages with some past their best, some with no desire or hunger = losers all day long. Nothing’s changed since 2005. Why I get excited and hopeful is beyond me when all logic tells me it will always be the same under Wenger. Enjoy the League cup chaps, that’s our level. Thank God for pubs, mates and lager on a Saturday.’
From the Highbury Spy – ‘Total sh*t. Where was Song, Van Persie, Arshaving, Nasri, Rosicky, Sagna? Clichy an absolute disaster waiting to happen. Never a pen but why does it always happen to him? And as for the goal, why is he showing Nani inside? Worst thing about tonight is that ALL the attacking players failed to show up. One shining light is that Szczesny looked the business. So much less worried with him in goal.'
I am not going to write too many words about yesterday’s encounter. But in brief, United were better in defence and in attack. Simples, as our number 23 might say. I haven’t caught anything Arsene Wenger said since the end of the match and I am not in the mood for it this morning. Arsenal, somewhat artificially topping the table due to the lack of an outstanding team in the division this season, had a chance to make a statement.
During the second half, after the first two subs, the side had Arshavin, Fabregas, Van Persie, Chamakh and Nasri on the pitch at the same time. Certainly as strong offensively as this team can be. They created very little, much like the first hour of so of the match. That United created far more chances shows you the current gap between the two sides. If you accept Wojciech Szczesny is the best keeper at the club (and many did before last night) then only Vermaelen was unavailable to Wenger last night. I won’t speak of Abou Diaby as a first choice player as that notion is too depressing this morning.
So, selection-wise, Arsenal had enough about them to be able to compete with United if they were up to the task. They were not. The only real highpoint of the match, aside from the keeper’s display and Jack Wilshere’s demonstration that he can perform at this level without any qualms, was Rooney’s spot kick. The award was a classic Old Trafford penalty that would never have been given at the other end, but at least justice was somewhat amusingly done.
I feared the worst when Koscielny was named as a starter in preference to Djourou. Significantly, United won a good many headers from long balls, including one that Koscielny failed to get to in the build-up to the goal. But Arsene knows, and is determined to be proved right over the purchase of this player. Looks to me like he is costing us points, but what do I know?
The team didn’t turn up. Pure and simple. They are still in the hunt for the title by dent of sheer maths. But in real terms, last night we witnessed the difference between title pretenders and contenders. The January transfer window is looming. Arsenal are sitting on a pile of cash. The team need strengthening in certain areas. United have beaten Arsenal. We’ve been here before haven’t we?
