Kevin Whitcher
A very mixed performance from Arsenal saw Brighton eliminated from the FA Cup, and on the balance of the 90 minutes, an away win was the right result. However, the Premier League side did not make things easy for themselves.
The starting eleven for the cup tie, the first visit to Brighton’s new Amex stadium, raised eyebrows. Two reserve full backs and a midfield trio which included two long term absentees whose match fitness was questionable and Aaron Ramsey. Or three crocks if one is being harsh. It certainly wasn’t as strong a line-up as was fielded in the previous round. However, it confirmed that 4th place and Champions League entry is a bigger priority than a domestic cup with Liverpool and Stoke on the horizon in the days to follow. The rights and wrongs of that policy is another debate, but it was telling that Wenger had to bring on three first choice players to win the game.
The first half was a mixed affair. Giroud’s goal was a touch of class, worthy of the player he was bought to replace by the club last summer. However the Brighton equalizer exposed the brittleness of Arsenal’s defence. Of all the changes, the selection of Andre Santos at left back was the one that had the away section the most concerned. Gus Poyet is no fool, and with Podolski and Santos on the left flank, the majority of Brighton’s attacks were concentrated on this side.
I hoped I would not see Santos start at left back again. I am willing to see if he can do some kind of a job as a more forward left sided player, but as part of the final defensive line, he is a joke. That he has won 22 caps for Brazil says more about his national team’s football philosophy than it does about the qualities of the player. His purchase is beginning to put me in mind of Ali Dia, who claimed to be the cousin of George Weah and convinced Graeme Souness to sign him for Southampton. At least Souness only gave him a deal for one month. We’re stuck with Santos for, presumably, another 18 months, or possibly even 30. His signing was a piece of gross misjudgment which is costing the club dearly. Ivan Gazidis can complain about the influence of petrodollars, but the club’s wage bill is pretty high, and its inefficient use does the chances of success few favours.
Wojciech Szczesny hardly covered himself in glory for Brighton’s first goal, but the cross from near the corner flag should have been closed down in the first place. Lukas Podolski did not make any effort to prevent the cross and Santos had completely lost interest in protecting the flank. So 1-1 at half time, and it was difficult at that stage to distinguish which team was in the top flight.
Arsenal started the second half a little better, and Podolski hit the bar with a free kick. However, it was another moment of magic from Giroud, given the chance to hussle for a shot thanks to a divine ball from Diaby, that re-handed the visitors the advantage. Giroud’s strength and willingness to battle shone through at times in this game, his hold up play something Theo Walcott could never give the team in the same position. It was an impressive display and it is reassuring that he is unphased by missing some of the chances he has, and keeps plugging away. Sure, Arsenal could benefit with the addition of another top quality centre forward, but Giroud is beginning to justify his purchase and growing in confidence as he plays more games in this country. He will be needed to perform well against Liverpool and Stoke, but there is no reason he cannot do exactly that.
Brighton equalized again, once more thanks to a cross from Arsenal’s left side. And finally, Arsène Wenger made the switches the team had been crying out for. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been going through a lean period when he has had the opportunity to play, and Walcott offered greater penetration. Rosicky was predictably tiring on his first game back and Jack Wilshere offered the drive that the team had been missing from the midfield. Gibbs for Santos was a complete no brainer, cheered loudly by a relieved travelling support.
The Gunners were transformed and upped their game, the pressure eventually bringing about Walcott’s winner. It was a match the team made unnecessarily hard work of, due to their troubles at the back, but progress is progress and for now it’s objective achieved and some key players rested. The team is in the last sixteen so let’s see if the draw is kind to them later today.
The current issue of The Gooner will be on sale for the the forthcoming home games v Liverpool and Stoke. 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 as a taster before deciding whether or not to purchase the whole thing.
