Kevin Whitcher
Arsene Wenger rarely has the humility to admit he has made a wrong decision, but the dropping of Andre Santos finally came before the game against Schalke last night. He would argue that Theo Walcott only started on the right side of the attack in place of Aaron Ramsey because of injury, and you know, were Ramsey fit, I believe he probably would have started the Welshman. Such is the stubbornness of the man.
Still, events conspired to improve Arsenal’s line-up with an attendant improvement in performance. That probably isn’t saying a lot after Old Trafford, but let’s be grateful for small mercies. The game against Schalke could have gone either way, but the point gained means that – if the German side were to beat Olympiacos when they entertain the Greeks in two weeks and Arsenal beat Montpellier at home – then qualification for the last 16 is assured. That at least prolongs the Gunners’ interest in the competition, although the defending last night did not raise hopes that they will progress too far unless there is dramatic improvement.
The first half was a mixed affair, with the home side initially dominating, but then Arsenal received a lucky break which allowed them to take the lead. Theo Walcott made good of Olivier Giroud’s failed one on one opportunity and the game turned. Key to Arsenal’s taking charge was the removal through injury of the Schalke right back Uchida. Jack Wilshere – on only his third game back – added drive and steel to the midfield, being prepared to take opponents on sometimes. There was more cut and thrust, something we had not seen a great deal of lately from Wenger’s team. Giroud’s well taken header doubled the lead, but it was a wet night in the west of Germany, and the visitors seemed to have the wrong studs on. Cazorla’s slip allowed an opportunity for Huntelaar to show what a lethal finisher he can be, and psychologically, it meant Schalke could start the second half in a far better frame of mind.
This slipping over thing happens a little too often with Arsenal. Perhaps it is an argument for actually training on the pitch they will be playing on the evening before, as most teams in European competition do. Instead, on Monday they would have done a training session at London Colney, flew out to Germany in the afternoon and relaxed in the evening. The idea is that every game is the same and the preparation for the game is exactly the same – no distraction, just complete focus. But, guess what? Every game isn’t the same. Every match, every opponent, every stadium has different facets, some of which can be anticipated with appropriate preparation – such as half an hour training on said pitch the night before the game. Rocket science it ain’t. I bet you that come the long awaited day when Arsene Wenger is no longer the manager, this practice of not taking the opportunity to try out the opposition’s surface will go straight out the window. Wenger has only been persuaded to go on pre-season tours because of the commercial benefits, after living in the dark ages on that one for over a decade.
As Jack Wilshere tired, so Schalke upped the pressure in the second half, and the equalizer came in the end. Arsenal defenders were too close to each other and not close enough to the goalscorer for both goals. Mannone had a decent game for a change, but the Gunners, at 2-0 up, were not able to take the pace out of this tie and control things. It’s a key aspect of success in Europe and one that has rarely been mastered. Even in the 2006 run to the final, there were times when the team was on the rack, but a more organized defence held firm. It’s a reason why, tactically, Wenger has always looked a little naïve in this competition. It was interesting to hear Glenn Hoddle talk about the lack of preparation for specific opposition when he played under Wenger at Monaco. Little has changed. Arsenal play their way, and let the opposition do what they will. And given that kind of invitation, they often will.
It was obvious how brittle the confidence of the current side is. The first goal seemed to transform them, and then Schalke’s late first half opener had the opposite effect. At Old Trafford on Saturday, United’s early strike suggested it was already game over, even though there were over 85 minutes left on the clock. A serious lack of leadership on the pitch is a huge factor in this. There aren’t really any strong characters with the exception of Wilshere, who at his age, should really be concentrating on his own game rather than having to cajole more senior players.
Despite playing poorly in recent weeks, Wenger’s team are in a good position in Europe and – assuming 4th place is the limit of their ambition – contenders in the Premier League. That’s Arsenal these days, doing just enough. And to anyone who swallows Ivan Gazidis’ words about overachieving under Wenger, they should read this.
The 25th anniversary edition of The Gooner can still be bought online here. There is 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. There is a new issue out for the game against Fulham this weekend.
