Kevin Whitcher
A strange game, and not one that will encourage much belief that Arsenal do now have what it takes to mount a serious title challenge. Dominated by Liverpool in the first half, the Gunners were still robbed of a perfectly good opening goal by a bad offside call against Aaron Ramsey, in one of the few good moves the side put together before the interval.
The visitors, in the meantime, did everything but score, with the home side’s two reserve centre backs struggling. Calum Chambers, especially, looked very suspect. Was there an argument to put Mikel Arteta alongside Francis Coquelin and drop one of the more attacking players? Was there an argument to have better defensive midfield options in the squad period?
Petr Cech at least showed why there was such a buzz when his signing was secured in the summer, pulling off some good saves. Liverpool also hit the woodwork and could have been three or four up by half time.
At least Arsenal responded in the second half, and dominated the game in the way their opponents had before it. Some good football, although not as many clear cut chances as Brendan Rodgers’ side had enjoyed. His team did still threaten on the break more than once, and hit the woodwork a second time for good measure.
Arsene Wenger’s team were guilty of a lot of sloppy play in their own half, a trait that does not seem near to being eradicated. What Liverpool demonstrated, even at this early stage of the season, is that the battle for the top four this season may be a tougher one than last time out. Never mind a title challenge, on current form, the Gunners may be looking at Europa, rather than Champions League in the final season of the manager’s current deal. How ignominious would that be?
What Arsenal 2015/16 have demonstrated so far is that they are the masters of inconsistency, that they may struggle to achieve enough results when games are not going well for them, and that a lot of old weaknesses still exist.
Particularly alarming was how porous they seemed at the back. Would it have been any different if one of Mertesacker or Koscielny were starting? You would have to hope so. Would it have been a different game if Ramsey’s ‘offside’ goal had stood?
Arsenal, with four points from nine, need to put together a run starting with Newcastle next weekend. If not, there is a danger that Manchester City might be too far over the horizon, as Chelsea were a year ago, before the Gunners get their act together.
The hope that flickered after a fine win at Selhurst Park has not lasted long. Time to splash a bit of cash to re-invigorate the side? The money is certainly there to do it, but is there the will? The hope that flickered after a fine win at Selhurst Park has not lasted long. Time to splash a bit of cash to re-invigorate the side? The money is certainly there to do it, but is there the will? If you fancy a flutter on next weekend’s Arsenal game against Newcastle, you can pick up a £40 free Betway bonus - click on the link for full details.
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
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