Pradeep Kachhala
Not good enough. The problem is, how many times have we said that this season, and the three or four past, about the Arsenal sides that have failed badly on the big occasions? The famous Barcelona win aside last year, we were spanked in both away-legs at the Nou Camp, have been soundly walloped by Manchester United in the semis a few years back and of course were pummelled on Wednesday night by a pretty good if not spectacular AC Milan side.
I raised more than an eyebrow at the team selection in the San Siro. It seemed very narrow and unbalanced in midfield; the lack of width exposed our full-backs while our central defence was left exposed by a very poor midfield that failed to protect them. As long as Wenger is in charge, this club will continue to have nights like this, as we can no longer compete against the best teams because he retains a stubborn faith in average players. Why was Chamberlain on the bench? Was it not obvious that Rosicky, Arteta and Ramsey are too similar?
The signs have been there since the start of our European journey this season. Udinese was sweaty-bum backs-to-wall stuff, Olympiakos had more than a hatful of chances at the Emirates, while Dortmund and Marseille dominated us on their own turfs. Incidentally, it was a surprise that we managed to get four points from those two games. Not good enough.
And, of course, it is February, which means we have a central defensive crisis. I think that this is the third such in as many seasons. The thought of Djourou playing for the remainder of the campaign alongside Vermaelen, who suddenly and very worryingly seems publicly fed up, makes me shudder. If I had a choice, I would recall Bartley from Rangers and let him have a chance in the side - he deserves a shot ahead of Djourou, who has had so many more opportunities than his ability warrants. But of course Wenger, being Wenger, will bring Bartley back from Rangers (as they cannot pay his wages) and stick him in the reserves.
If RvP ever needed an excuse to leave, Wednesday evening was all the reason he required, and any self-respecting fan would not begrudge such a talent moving on somewhere else and having the opportunity to pick up some silverware. Henry tried when he came, much to his credit, but the Vieiras and Pires of the past, great Arsenal sides have been replaced by lightweight players who look to pass sideways. Wenger was right, the performance was a disgrace, but he chose the team that was so ill-prepared and out of its depth.
As March comes, so does our usual Spring collapse, and this looks very much on the cards. Away to Sunderland, who will be desperate for revenge in the FA Cup, come Saturday evening it could very well be eight years without a trophy....the fans deserve better - this club needs a change.
(Ed’s note – The Gooner Gambling Scheme will return next week, due to the odds on the Sunderland FA Cup game not being suited to a guaranteed profit, and as regular followers know, we don’t gamble, we play the odds using the bookies’ promos to ensure a return whatever the outcome)
