Kevin Whitcher
In fairness, Arsenal may have played as poorly as they did yesterday when they won at Anfield in the eight match Premier League winning run that has seen them leapfrog Spurs into third place. The key turning point at Loftus Road was Van Persie’s chance with just the the keeper to beat when the score was 1-1. It would be churlish to knock the captain for his failure to convert given his contribution over the season, but ultimately, his team paid dear.
In defence, it was a tale of two errors, both by Thomas Vermaelen. Widely acknowledged as exactly the type of character the side need if they are to challenge for honours, he had a bad day at the office to go with an equally bad evening’s work in the San Siro about a month ago. His individual errors handed the opposition both their goals. Can any manager legislate for these type of mistakes? Does anyone want Vermaelen dropped as a consequence? If it had been Djourou or Squillaci that had made them, the abuse for the manager would have been quick to surface. But then, again, the number 5’s contribution is generally acknowledged as greater.
This was a game that on paper, the Gunners would have been looking at for three points. However, relegation candidates at this time of the season can prove the worst teams to face. QPR worked hard and made the most of what they had, unlike Arsenal. Creatively, it was not one to remember. Aaron Ramsey played on the left side of the attack, possibly to compensate partially for Kieran Gibbs' forward forays, but did not really help the balance of the team. Against QPR, there was an argument to field a more positive line-up with either Oxlade-Chamberlain or Gervinho instead.
Credit to Theo Walcott for his goal. The initial strike and his composure when the ball rebounded off the upright was heartening to see. But it was the one bright attacking moment on an afternoon when the Gunners were largely firing blanks. It’s been a great run, which has given the team a platform to finish above Tottenham and make Champions League football next season a possibility many had trouble foreseeing in January. It was a disappointing display for which it is difficult to find a reason. Some days it just doesn’t happen, but sometimes the dice fall your way and a result is secured nevertheless. But yesterday wasn’t one of them, and I’m far from convinced Arsenal deserved anything from this game. I am optimistic we will see a more spirited display next weekend, but it is when facing the likes of Wolves and Wigan in the run-in that the kind of performance we saw against Mark Hughes’ side cannot be repeated.
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