Kevin Whitcher
As at Old Trafford earlier this season - another very dull affair - Jose Mourinho sent his Chelsea side out to ensure they did not lose on opposition territory. They created some chances, but the priority was preventing the home team from scoring. And so, the 90 minutes that ensued were a dull old affair.
Certainly, the conditions provided mitigating circumstances. The wind was so bad outside the stadium that many of the scarf and hat sellers did not set up as their stalls threatened to be blown down the road. However, one doubts Chelsea’s approach would have been much different even if it were a balmy summer’s evening.
They nullified the Gunners, who were unable to breakthrough more than a couple of times. Giroud enjoyed the best opening, shooting wide in the second half with just Cech to beat. It was a huge chance, and not the first such opportunity the player has missed against Chelsea. Another came later, but was well saved. And that was pretty much it in terms of genuine chances. Frank Lampard hit the bar in the first half and there were a few shots from the visitors that did not require too much brilliance from Szczesny. Having seen the replay of the challenge on Walcott that might have been a penalty, I have seen them given, but perhaps Theo played for it a little bit. A 50/50, but a bit careless from Willian.
There was some tidy interplay between Ozil and Rosicky, but it led to nothing. Arsenal’s standout performers were the centre-backs, Arteta and Rosicky. No-one else really performed with great distinction. Chelsea did not allow them to. There were a fair number of empty seats. Some would have not come regardless of the weather due to the close proximity of the game to Christmas, whilst some would have had trouble getting home due to transport issues. I doubt too many of them regretted not making the game.
It’s a result that leaves five teams within two points of each other at the top of the table. What Arsenal need to do now is try to take maximum points from the games that follow between now and the visit to Anfield in February – the fixture list reads as follows -
West Ham away
Newcastle away
Cardiff home
Villa away
Fulham home
Southampton away
Palace home
And then things get interesting with the next eight fixtures including Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City. Not only do Arsenal need to be in a strong position coming into these matches, they will need to do better than they have managed against Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea in the last three weeks. An absolute minimum 17 points are required from the immediate seven league games. They cannot afford to drop cheap points unless they are going to start winning the majority of their matches against their principal rivals. But the evidence of the season so far suggests that teams who set out to deny them do not find it too difficult. Liverpool were more attacking, whilst Manchester City beat Arsenal at their own very open game. Everton, United and Chelsea contained the Gunners and all secured the results they sought.
So it is a matter of beating the teams they should, and taking enough points from their other matches. A draw last night was not a disaster. Privately, Arsene Wenger might have accepted it before the game simply to ensure confidence was not drained further after recent reverses. However, there is a question of whether or not certain players are looking jaded. Giroud and Ramsey were generally ineffectual, and have both suffered a predictable dip after cracking seasons up to the end of November. Theo Walcott, who should be full of running, put in a poor display. Given that the team were struggling, it was a mystery as to why Cazorla and Podolski remained on the bench. Mesut Ozil seems to be suffering the first season syndrome that many imports do. A few nice touches, but he is too often peripheral rather than influential.
It’s no crisis, second on goal difference at Christmas, but something is missing at the moment. The re-introduction of Podolski should certainly help matters, but the lack of chances created – given the personnel available – is a concern. The question is whether or not the Gunners have lost their mojo or just gone through a mid-season trough. By the end of New Year’s Day, we will have a very good idea as to the answer to that question. It would be very ironic if the botched attempt to sign Luis Suarez last August were to prove Arsenal’s downfall, but it is beginning to feel that way.
The current issue of The Gooner featuring a free 2014 ‘Wow Signings’ calendar will be on sale at the home matches against Cardiff and Spurs, as well as away at West Ham, Newcastle and Villa. It can also be bought online here.
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