Kevin Whitcher
On a day when three of the teams above Arsenal dropped unexpected points, it was a relief that the final match of 2011 should see three gained. Managers have complained that the Christmas period is too intense, and one wonders, after this performance, what kind of display we will see against Fulham tomorrow evening.
With QPR having gained just two draws from their previous six league fixtures, they were undoubtedly there for the taking, and however off the pace Arsenal looked at times, the home side still fashioned plenty of chances. However, this time it was not a case of an inspired keeper that kept the team at bay so much as their inability to find the target. And even Robin van Persie was not exempt in this. Such profligacy can be afforded against QPR, but it may undo the side as soon as the visit to Craven Cottage, to say nothing of the two legs against Milan to come in the Champions League.
It is certainly a reason to recruit Thierry Henry in the short term. Theo Walcott wears his number 14 shirt and his miss when one on one with the keeper during the second half finally put to bed the idea that he might be some kind of Michael Owen Mark II. His agent will be angling for a significant wage rise in the summer with the threat of moving on the player and the manager should take the opportunity to get shot of him. The stat that in 21 England games he has only scored in one tells you all you need to know.
At the back, I thought the defenders all played well, as did the keeper. Even Djourou had a half decent game, although you can mitigate that by looking at the quality of the opposition. Vermaelen’s removal from the fray was a concern, but I thought Coquelin performed tremendously when he came on, and I think he could do a job at left back for the short term based on this display. That’s one player I hope remains at the club and is worthy of more chances.
The midfield rarely ticked, and does look to need freshening up a bit. Jack Wilshere can’t come back too soon. Andrey Arshavin had his usual lazy performance and is for the most part a waste of space. The manager keeps playing him for reasons unknown, He did set up the winner, but it was a pass any player should have been able to make (although there were plenty of ones that went astray yesterday) and about the only thing he did before being replaced by Rosicky. Maybe Wenger is trying to put him in the shop window.
When Rosicky did come on, QPR had a bit of a spell and rather than tuck in, the Czech played Arshavin’s position, to no great effect. Arteta was screaming at him to assist his midfield more, but the 4-3-3 formation remained. Not an example of great tactical insight from M. Wenger there.
Still, the points are now in the bag and Robin van Persie can focus fully on the team rather than some spurious record. Thierry Henry may have been bought to give him a rest, but there is an argument to start both players with one replacing the soon to depart Gervinho as one of the three attackers. One imagines that, given some of the chances Arsenal did create against QPR, with Henry on the end of them, even with his pace now a memory, a few more might be converted.
Arsenal are in a real dogfight to make the top four, given Spurs’ improvement. You cannot dismiss Chelsea even with their recent drop in form. Liverpool may struggle to get results sometimes, but by all accounts, like Arsenal, they are creating chances but simply not finishing them. That can’t last forever.
Hopefully, the experience now at the club will ensure points rather than backheels are the priorities going forward. The team is more pragmatic than spectacular for the most part this season, but it’s what is required and I’m not complaining after the way they started the campaign.
Final thought – Aramand Traore looks a better player than he did when he left Arsenal. Does anyone think he might have been getting some more relevant coaching?
The current issue of the Gooner with a free 2012 calendar is available to buy online here. It will also be on sale outside the matches away at Fulham and at home to Leeds.
