Kevin Whitcher
After the events of last week, I can’t tell you how much of a pleasure it was to sit and watch an Arsenal home match in the flesh. Although there are – seemingly positive – developments in my case, I will save news of that for another piece, hopefully soon. Last night, I was obviously unable to use my own season ticket, but I was flooded with offers from others to use theirs, so many, many thanks to everyone who has got in touch to ensure I can attend games. Whisper it quietly, but I used someone else’s, and I will see them right for the face value of the ticket. But not outside the stadium on a matchday!
So let’s concentrate on the football and an encouraging display from Arsenal that eventually reaped its just rewards. There was a fear that some poor finishing might cost dear as the clock ran down, but pressure told and in the end, the deserved points were all claimed. Aside from the fourth league game in a row in which the team have come from behind to win, it was the third in that run where the fans have had to wait until second half injury time to see the winning goal.
Newcastle, for the most part, parked the proverbial bus. With the chances created not being converted, it was a tactic that looked good. Their goal demonstrated the problems that need working on at the back for the home side. The danger that results from possession being lost cheaply in midfield has been seen too often this campaign, and opposition players are frequently given way too much time and space to work themselves an angle and get a shot on goal. It’s an area where Arsenal used to be much stronger, and if they are to challenge for the major prizes again, they need to address this.
Fortunately, going forward, things have definitely improved in recent weeks, as confidence has returned to their game. Theo Walcott’s overall contribution has improved markedly, and Tomas Rosicky has enjoyed a bit of a purple patch. That this has been timed with discussions over a contract extension and the need to play himself into form for the Euros might have some asking questions about his motivation, when looking at his performances over 2011.
I always felt that the group of players that Arsene Wenger had collected are capable of some big results, but consistency has proved a real issue over recent campaigns, especially when big opportunities have presented themselves. I am thinking of the title and the Champions League in 2008, the Champions League in 2009 and the title in 2010. Trophies there was a genuine opportunity to win, and where the team either lost their nerve or made basic errors at times of heightened pressure. Now, with no chance of silverware in sight, the team are starting to demonstrate that, at the business end of the season, they might be able to hold their nerve and win not only the matches they should, but some they might not be expected to.
It’s a very welcome change. But why has it come about? Perhaps the fact that there are less injured players at this time. Jack Wilshere is an obvious miss, Per Mertesacker would probably have featured, but the likes of Abou Diaby and Johan Djourou have ceased to really count. Aside from that, the manager has a full compliment to choose from, and maybe just a little bit of competition for places in certain areas of the team has led to less of the seeming complacency witnessed in the past.
And of course, there is Robin van Persie. The spikiness after Vermaelen’s winner was a nod to his old indisciplined ways, but it also showed that here is a captain whose will to win is unquestionable. Hanging onto the player is not going to be easy this summer, and it may be that the club decide to pass up the transfer fee and allow him to run down his contract. Although on a business level, not a good move, I think such a policy would find favour with the majority of fans, because his contribution is so key.
Spurs and third place are a lot closer after the Gunners’ late winner, and now they have over a week to recharge their batteries, the focus now finishing in a position that avoids the risk of being eliminated in an August Champions League qualifier. Given what has gone before this season, third place would be regarded as something of a triumph, and if the captain can be retained and the squad strengthened properly and in good time over the summer, then there is the platform for pushing on in 2012-13.
Here’s hoping this good run of form is the shape of things to come, and not another blip in a topsy-turvy season.
The current issue of the Gooner will be on sale outside the away game v Everton next week. It can also be bought online here. There is also an e-version of the issue available to read on your ipad/tablet/iphone/android. The app is free and you can download the first few pages of each issue to decide whether or not to purchase the whole thing
