Kevin Whitcher
In 2008 and 2010, late goals away to Birmingham that turned victories into draws de-railed Arsenal’s title challenge. Many had that Birmingham feeling about the late collapse at Newcastle last weekend. Looking back at those seasons, it is interesting to note how long it took Arsenal to get going again in the Premier League. In 2008, the subsequent four fixtures witnessed three draws and a defeat. In 2010, the five games after saw a win, a draw and three losses. Interestingly enough the win was the first match after the trip to St Andrews, a 1-0 home win against a certain Mick McCarthy managed side from the black country.
Looking back, Arsene Wenger fielded a weakened team for that Wolves game in 2010, because the following midweek, he had the second leg of a Champions League tie with Barcelona to worry about. Arsenal struggled to beat McCarthy’s men with an injury time header from Nicklas Bendtner saving the day. There has unquestionably been a sea change in attitude a year on. The manager has finally realised that he cannot make more than a couple of changes without significantly weakening the team, the ‘best squad I have ever had’ is actually not as deep as he might like to proclaim. Certainly performances and results when a number of second stringers have been involved have been far from convincing.
So it was good to see nobody rested yesterday, and the quality of the performance was a huge contrast with that of the same fixture last season. Arsenal dominated, always looked comfortable, and won the game with something to spare. A poor side of relegation contenders were sent packing with ease. Sure Wolves had a couple of decent chances, but these were outweighed by the home side’s by a distance. If you were being churlish, you could criticize the profligacy of the Gunners’ forwards, and I, with many others, totally believed the Walcott miss after the interval had been converted until I saw it bounce back off the advertising hoarding. The main thing is that the team are more clinical in tighter matches. They will not enjoy as many chances when United visit.
The passing of Fabregas and Wilshere was a joy to behold, totally exposing Wolves’ backline. Presumably Sergio Busquets will do a job on Cesc on Wednesday evening, so Wilshere’s ability to play in his attackers will be key. Even if I have no great optimism for progress to the last eight in Europe, I am positive I am going to enjoy the two games, as a football fan if nothing else. To witness two teams that can play attacking passing football go head to head will be a pleasure. Barcelona drew away to Sporting Gijon yesterday, although rested three of their first choice players, showing they too can pay the prices of fielding slightly weakened teams. I imagine Busquets, Pedro and Abidal will all begin on Wednesday evening. It was interesting to note how Arsenal’s own rhythm was disrupted against Wolves when the subs were introduced. It took a good while for the team to click again.
Arsenal need to keep the pressure on United with results, but good performances do no harm at all. The away draw at Newcastle was a freak afternoon, a combination of factors that will never repeat itself. Sure there are issues raised there which need to be addressed: self-discipline, defensive organization, how to remove the momentum out of a game that is turning against you. ‘Play, play, play’ simply doesn’t cut it. Sometimes, you need more. Yesterday against Wolves, ‘play, play, play’ was enough. If Arsenal are to challenge for this title, there will be encounters when they need more.
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