Were we really that good today? Or were Wolves completely useless? I have been mulling this thought over in my mind in the hours since the ref blew the final whistle. Mr Foy completed our third in a row of abject referring performances. Whilst failing to punish three dangerous challenges, he opened the door for Wolves to get their teeth into us. Fortunately, we were either too quick or they were too slow to sustain any lasting injuries.
We could have scored a dozen yesterday. Somehow we decided to put on a Hleb-esque display by dribbling in and out of their penalty area when it seemed to be easier to shoot. I know that I will be criticised for even daring to suggest that Theo was to blame for the lion’s share of chances that went begging, but where was his mind? My fear is that he has had too much Lumpard influence in the past week which has done him no good whatsoever. He also seemed scared to enter into any of the 50/50 stuff.
Thank goodness that Johan recovered from his injury at Newcastle. He was imperious at the back, and the other members of the usual back four played well. Cesc was always buzzing, but the three stars for me were Percy, Jack and The Dwarf. We were very comfortable at 2-0 with 20 minutes to go. However, Arsene does enjoy putting us through the pain by removing the three stars and replacing with them with Marouane Chamakh (who I have no problem with), Barry and Deckchair (who I do have a problem with). Suddenly the pendulum swung in Wolves’ favour because Barry’s first touch made me think that The Beast was back. And as for Deckchair, he kept finding himself in no man’s land. He even delivered one of his trademark free kicks, a sloppy sideways pass straight to an opponent which set up a chance.
We just about managed to see out the remaining 20 minutes without conceding, but it put our defence under unnecessary pressure. Although I see the need to rest Percy, Jack and Dwarf for Wednesday’s encounter, my point is that there has to be a balance to support the remainder of the starting eleven for having to up the work rate due to the two donkeys being on the pitch. Please come back soon, Sammy and Aaron. If out threadbare squad is going to see out the season with anything glittering to show at the end, we just can’t give the likes of Deckchair, Barry, Ebouseless, Diaby and Rosicky any room for manoeuvre.