Kevin Whitcher
The fear before the game was that complacency might undo Arsenal’s excellent run of results in the league. This was a game that the team should win, but in the past, this time of year has seen such a fixture become a stumbling block, often turning out as a draw. However, yesterday saw the appropriate amount of desire and the job was done. Kieran Gibbs' incursions into the Villa half were profitable, even if at times, it meant risks were taken at the back. The visitors though, were so poor, that even with occasional encouragement, they failed to trouble Szczesny. The fact they fielded Emile Heskey up front told its own tale. Alex McLeish’s Birmingham side went on a woeful run after winning the Carling Cup last season, and the way Villa are playing, you can’t rule out the slight possibility they might get sucked into the relegation battle. Although they have some decent players, spirit does not seem to be in abundance.
What a contrast with Arsenal. The desire and commitment – perhaps a consequence of some genuine competition for places? – that was absent in too many matches over this campaign, was symbolized by Gervinho’s willingness to track back and cover Gibbs, warmly applauded by a crowd who want to see the players care as much as they do. I thought Arteta was outstanding. He was never bought as a replacement for Fabregas, but to provide strength in depth in defensive midfield. In reality, he was the replacement for the failed Denilson. His role is a link man to keep the ball moving and provide an option for team-mates, whilst defensively, he helps the shape of the team look a little more solid. Alex Song invariably looks a better player when Arteta is alongside him.
That is not to say that there is not work to do on the team’s defensive organization. Carelessness is still a little too frequent, but when Villa rather than Manchester United are the opposition, then it is less of an issue. Manchester City will provide a sterner test in the next home game.
Once again, results elsewhere – or rather, the result elsewhere, with Chelsea entertaining Spurs – went the Gunners’ way, with both the other credible competitors for top four places dropping two points. Chelsea’s season has proved as interesting as Arsenal’s. And here’s a question for Gunners’ fans to ponder. Would you prefer to be in their position – five points off the top four, but with chances in the FA Cup and the Champions League, or Arsenal’s? We’ll get that up as an online poll later today so we can gauge opinion. It would be equally interesting to hear Arsene Wenger’s view on that one. Perhaps I’ll get John Cross to ask him that one at next Friday’s press conference. Not that the manager would give you a straight answer! (12.30pm update - the poll is now online. Return to the home page and scroll down to the bottom to cast your vote)
Interesting to hear a chant of ‘One Arsene Wenger’ emanate from the redsection yesterday. It’s been a while. And what about the weather? Give me summer football any day. A perfect day indeed.
Queens Park Rangers next up. Another match in which victory is expected. If Arsenal can win such games, the visits of Manchester City and Chelsea might not be such tense affairs for the home crowd.
The current issue of the Gooner can also be bought at the matches v Man City and Wigan, plus the away games coming up. You can also buy it online from the Gooner Shop once it’s been put there (not my job!). 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 as a taster before deciding whether or not to purchase the whole thing
