Kevin Whitcher
As much as the loss at Eastlands on Sunday was anticipated, so was a victory at Vila Park. Aston Villa are a team in decline, having to sell their best players but – presumably for financial reasons – unable to replace them. The fact that they have employed a manager who got their neighbours relegated states the limits of their ambition.
However, Arsenal made hard work of the win. It can be filed as poor performance, great three points. Even the best of teams have off days, but winning on them is the sign of solidity, and Wenger’s team have been developing that since September. Victory against Alex McLeish’s side was key in continuing that good work. Perhaps the side were a little fatigued from Sunday’s exertions, although Villa also played on the same afternoon. It was ironic though, that the worst performance in the side came from Emmanuel Frimpong, who did appear against Manchester City. He was wasteful in possession and rash in the challenge, and it was no surprise to see him hauled off as the first substitution. His replacement Tomas Rosicky certainly improved his team’s ability to keep the ball for long periods, creating the pressure which ultimately led to the goal.
The debate before the game was whether Frimpong or Coquelin would start for the suspended Alex Song. In the event, both made the eleven, although Coquelin was at right back. He’s played there before, in the Carling Cup from memory, but early on Villa did fathom more than one chance from his flank. However, as the game wore on, the fill-in full back did improve. With hindsight, he might have done a better job in Song’s position, with Ignasi Miquel making up the numbers in defence.
Theo Walcott had another relatively quiet game. There were two decent chances, both spurned, but crucially, some great skill from the number 14 set up the penalty from which Robin Van Persie scored. That’s the thing about Walcott. He is guilty of a lot of waste, but can still make a critical impact in one moment, even if it’s the only thing he does all game. I guess there are some who might say you could say that of Dennis Bergkamp, although the Dutchman rarely wasted opportunities when they did come his way. And in truth, there is obviously no comparison.
The equalizer was sloppy, and the man at fault Vermaelen of all people. It was an example of the defence attempting possession football with a header across the backline when it simply wasn’t appropriate – Villa had been pressing hard since the second half got under way. Sometimes, you just have to concede a throw-in and regroup.
The goal lifted Villa and resulted in a good spell for the home team which the Gunners weathered, before regaining some control of the game. The corner from which they scored was the latest in a number they earned in the second half, and I was just thinking how little the corners had produced in the way of chances when up pops Yossi Benayoun to net the winner. And I would say it was just about deserved. With a run of matches against Wolves, QPR, Fulham and Swansea ahead, Arsenal must really be looking to take 12 points from 12 and push on.
Winning is a habit, and a good one for a football team to develop. Villa tried manfully, but lacked quality, and brains in the instance of the red-carded Alan Hutton, who obviously fancies Boxing Day at home with his feet up and slippers on. So I hope the ex-Spurs man enjoys his relaxing Christmas and I hope everyone reading this does too.
Festive Greetings to all…
