Kevin Whitcher
Arsenal did everything they could to win last night’s game v Man City except score. No criticism of the team. It was just one of those days. The visitors came to get a point, and left happy. It is an approach that should see them make next season’s Champions League, but won’t win many fans. Roberto Mancini decided on a similar tactic last April, and again succeeded, but last season, a home defeat to Spurs meant they missed out on their aim of a top four place. This season, they are stronger.
It’s hard enough to break down average teams determined to keep what they hold at kick-off, so credit to Arsenal for forging so many opportunities. The team is playing well going forward and for now, it’s just a matter of trying to stay within touch of the leaders. Manchester United aren’t playing well, but are winning games. Whether this is ominous or a sign that they really are not good enough to be champions will be revealed over the next couple of months. The Gunners must simply try to avoid dropping cheap points such as those sacrificed at Wigan and get some momentum going with a run of victories.
It was ventured to me by neighbour David Oudot that Cesc Fabregas did not look motivated against City. I asked for a second opinion after the game from a guy who goes to a lot of away games and his view was that he was simply knackered. I think it is easy to believe that the player’s heart being elsewhere as a reason for below par performances, so I’m more inclined to go with the latter reason. Djourou, by contrast, had a cracking match, silencing Tevez. He really must be a first choice player from here on, as regular matches have improved his form significantly.
The substitutions were interesting, with Theo Walcott being replaced by Andrey Arshavin in spite of continuing to look dangerous. A rumour I was told last night was that the players requested Fabregas to have a word with the manager about why Arshavin was getting favourable treatment in spite of his lack of willingness to help out when the team do not have the ball. The number 23’s demotion to the bench may have been the consequence, but always remember that football is bullsh*t central. My favourite moment of the evening was when a guy in the row behind shouted ‘Put him under Arshavin’ – a combination of words that somehow didn’t quite make sense. Bendtner came on for Wilshere but rather than take up a central position played wide, crossing balls he should have been on the end of. They seemed more like ‘let’s try something different’ changes for change’s sake.
While we are on the topic of rumours, another juicy one relayed to me last night was that this summer will see Arsene Wenger move upstairs with Owen Coyle coming in to work below him. It’s difficult to believe that one, but I have to admit it is a fascinating notion.
Eight points from 12 over the twelve days of Christmas is not a bad return, but Arsenal’s ratio of points taken from those available needs to improve if they are to secure a first title in seven years. Against City fortune did not fear the brave, but there are still enough games for the team to make good the two points dropped.
A couple of notes we’ll file under any other business. A new issue of The Gooner went on sale last night. It should be available to buy online by tomorrow. However, this is just to mention that subscribers’ copies are being sent out today, so bear with us. Finally a plug for our old pals at Gunnertalk. Lindsay, who guested on our last two podcasts, got in touch to ask for a plug for the latest video they have posted on the site - A Match Day With Lindsay (just scroll down the page a little to find). So a bit of David Dein parking, a shop on the Hornsey Road that charges £8 for a packet of fags on matchdays and some club level scenes. More entertaining than anything Manchester City provided last night and no doubt. Enjoy.
