Kevin Whitcher
Where to start? Well, a very good first half from Arsenal, although undone by an individual error by Bacary Sagna. Such errors have been the reason for a disproportionate number of the goals the team has conceded this season. They play a lot of possession football in their own half where mistakes can be severely punished. It is an area where some thinking has to be done. Possession is everything to an Arsene Wenger team, but sometimes, playing the percentages is the right thing to do. There are times that players should not be afraid to play it safe.
Still, it had been a positive afternoon up to that point. Walcott’s goal, which would probably have been given offside at Old Trafford, set the tone for a half of Arsenal being largely in control. United opted to soak up pressure and counter attack. Certainly, even given the home side having more of the play, the headers of Jones and Van Persie were great chances, so it was an effective tactic for Alex Ferguson. The Gunners had two excellent opportunities to score, when De Gea saved well from Cazorla and when Ramsey chose the wrong option in passing to Podolski rather than Walcott. United seemed to play fairly dirty and picked up yellow cards like they were going out of fashion.
The second half saw United enjoy more threat, partially due to Arsenal’s simple inability to fathom decent chances. This is the problem when they come up against a well-drilled quality defence. They struggle to break them down. At such times, the players need to get behind the defence or shoot more often in the hope of rebounds. However, they seemed slow and ponderous. And when Rosicky did shoot, his accuracy confirmed why he is so rarely troubles the scoresheet. United waited for their breaks, and when they came, there was space to play into and they moved forward at terrific pace. There were a couple of occasions when Arsenal had similar situations, but they were largely wasted due to over-ponderance, a sideways pass or a poor final ball. It was interesting to see the difference between the two sides when the opportunity to exploit the opposition presented itself. United simply looked a lot more dangerous, more incisive. They were let down by poor final balls of their own or on occasion, a well-timed block. Arsenal’s central defence played very well. The full backs were less reliable.
By the conclusion of the game, a draw seemed about right. Arsenal may need to take seven points from their final three matches to ensure a top four spot, as there are indications that 70 points may not be quite enough.
Robin van Persie took the Arsenal turf as a title winner, and was roundly booed for it. I actually thought the abuse he received would be worse. It is a shame supporters could not show some appreciation for a player who gave them many good memories, but certain of his statements since moving to Old Trafford put paid to any chance of a welcome return. I hope he writes an autobiography soon, because I have a feeling he might be the one that finally breaks ranks of what goes on at Arsenal under Wenger. However, I am probably being optimistic. The shroud of secrecy that surrounds the club where ex-players are concerned is something I have never quite got my head around.
Incidentally, it was interesting to see Stan Kroenke attend this match. He was even good enough to remain for the second half on this occasion. He was sitting across the aisle from the Manchester United directors. I wonder if he picked up any tips about how to run a winning football club in conversation before the match…
This season’s final issue of The Gooner went on sale at the match yesterday, and can be bought outside the stadium before the matches against QPR, Wigan and Newcastle. It is a £3 64 page end of season bumper special which can also be bought online here.
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