Kevin Whitcher
I watched this match in the company of the Highbury Spy – who, although technically retired – is loving the idea of being able to produce a column for the Gooner (print version) as and if he feels like it. So he can be read in the current issue (available here) and will be in the next one which comes out for the Marseille match next Tuesday. You just can’t keep a good man down. Anyhow, because of needing to work on said issue, this will be one of my briefer online editorials.
The reason I mention the Spy is because it was he who informed me that last night’s win meant Arsenal had reached the quarter finals of this competition for nine seasons in a row. I have not the time or inclination to verify this statistic, but if true, it is quite a remarkable achievement, not least because of the weakened sides that have been fielded down the years.
And it was predictably a mix and match selection that took the field against a Bolton side that featured a few names, and the tie was no gimme. In a first half that featured a few long range efforts from both teams, I thought Bolton looked the better of the two sides. Arsenal were weak in the full back positions and the midfield was so raw they had trouble getting a foothold in the game. It was interesting to see Arshavin start, although at times before the interval it seemed like he’d rather be at home in front of the telly with his slippers on. The return of Thomas Vermaelen was heartwarming, whilst that of Sebastien Squillaci was heart attack threatening. In fairness to the number 18, he did improve the longer the game went on.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had a quiet evening. In fact, his performance in the whole game was not unlike his first half against Shrewsbury. However, he kept trying and there were some nice flashes of skill. His movement is developing and he is a willing runner into space to take the ball. At his age, there is going to be inconsistency and part of the whole Carling Cup ethos at the club (and most others these days) is to give developing players the match time they need when League points are not at stake. If the Gunners had been beaten by Bolton last night, not too many would be crying into their cornflakes. It’s when a stronger side are beaten in the latter stages by relegation fodder that it hurts. Arsenal have the chance to right that wrong this season, although the last eight is shaping up to be a lot tougher than last season and everyone is convinced the next tie will be a visit to Old Trafford. That’s a 7-1 shot, but you could just see it being drawn out of the hat this weekend.
Emmanuel Frimpong is another youngster who needs games under his belt and he would have learned from this one. He was a little careless in possession a little too often and needs to work on his close control. Benayoun looked busy and is a willing tryer, but the team inevitably had trouble clicking. Promising situations came to an abrupt halt because of a bad pass or an interception a little more than might have happened with more established players. Park tried manfully, and certainly performed better in the central role than he did on the left side in the previous round. Another player about whom we cannot make definitive conclusions until he has played more games, although that does not appear likely outside of this competition. Given Chamakh’s current form though, I’d be more inclined to use Park as a sub for Van Persie at the moment, if only to build his confidence.
The second half saw Bolton go ahead thanks to some poor defending. I could not swear to it, but I think the opposition had a man over because the Ox did not track his man. I’ve not seen any highlights, so don’t crucify me if I have that wrong. However, Arsenal switched off and Arshavin consequently became interested for a few minutes, in which time he scored one and set up Park for the winner. Both finishes were exquisite.
Bolton went for it and came close, but the defence got away with it on this night. There were certainly opportunities for an equalizer. But that’s cup football. No-one cares how you get in the draw for the next round, and even the players that performed less well would have benefitted from the exercise. And they will get another chance in December.
Kevin Whitcher’s newly updated version of the book co-written with Alex Fynn, ‘Arsènal: The Making of a Modern Superclub’ is available in paperback from publishers Vision Sports for a reduced price of £6.99 including postage if you use the promo code ‘Gooner’ on the page that appears after you click ‘buy now’. Click here to order.
