Kevin Whitcher
Arsenal should win more games in this fashion. Matches away where it is difficult to get a foothold, but sheer perseverance brings its rewards. In reaction to the defeat at Bradford, the players have put in two contrasting, but creditable displays, and moved into third place, at least ahead of other sides playing today and tomorrow.
Wigan did two things that Reading did not last Monday, which made this a different type of game. Firstly, they defended much deeper, cutting out the option of the ball to set Walcott away over the top. But even though this allowed a larger area for Arsenal’s midfield to play, they were in their faces for much of the game, making Cazorla far less of an influence than last time out. In fact it was Jack Wilshere’s combativeness that was the most notable aspect of the visitors’ midfield. This was just his type of game. As a consequence, the Gunners’ best chances were fashioned from wide, with Oxlade-Chamberlain providing most of the threat.
The clean opportunities were few and far between, thanks to the quality of Wigan’s defending, and it is a surprise to see them in the relegation zone, although in attack, they did seem to lack potency. Still, as perennial relegation contenders, they are a team Arsenal should be taking six points from each season. So on that level, job done.
There was an element of fortune in the referee’s decision not to penalize Gibbs for protecting his chest with his arms in his own area. This rule is a tricky one. There was no doubt intent, but an element of it is subconscious. At that speed, the only way to prevent the automatic movement of arms to protect head and torso is to consciously be standing with your arms behind your back. Not easy if you are on the move. We’ve seen them given, but the dice fell Arsenal’s way on that one today. The penalty that was given was difficult to argue with. Roberto Martinez called it soft, but there was no doubt the tangle of bodies resulted in Walcott’s going to ground. The offender was behind him and off the pace.
Arteta’s penalty was a good one if he deliberately placed it where he did after seeing the keeper go the other way. If not, he got lucky, as it was a very savable height. Any penalty that goes in is a well taken one at the end of the day, the greatest of all probably Lauren’s grasscutter at Highbury against Spurs in 2002.
Arsenal have won the third in a series of six very winnable games. With West Ham being postponed, there are now only five to get a run going ahead of Manchester City’s visit, and the away fixture at Chelsea. The manager will point to the table and indicate the merits of third place. However, the gap to the leaders is confirmation that Champions League qualification is the limit of the club’s ambition. Initially, they have to consolidate that, but going forward analyse what has led to the points gap behind United and work out what needs to be done differently to prevent such a chasm next season. Two transfer windows between now and then could help if the club are prepared to pay the money required for the right type of player.
Finally, a word about Theo Walcott, given another opportunity through the middle. He was largely negated, but at the end of the day, he won the penalty, and made the difference. Mind you, the position in which he won it was not that of a centre forward. Very difficult to conclude it’s his best position from this display. However, the Ox is definitely making progress on the right side of attack, so Theo might find it hard to get back his old spot if the manager decided Olivier Giroud is to start again at centre forward, or someone like Huntelaar arrives in January. Given Newcastle are unlikely to play a high line next weekend, it is not inconceivable that the manager might switch things around. One to ponder. In the meantime, enjoy the festivities.
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