Kevin Whitcher
Four changes for Bournemouth. Gabriel came in for Koscielny. I suspect the Frenchman has been carrying a slight injury for a few weeks now, and that we will see all the centre backs rotated over the next few matches. Gibbs came in for Monreal, as much as anything to give the number 3 some gametime. Chambers for Flamini was a more interesting change. I have a feeling Chambers might be given the next two matches and possibly get a run in the team after that if he performs well. The Ox replaced Joel Campbell.
More significantly, Bournemouth were almost the perfect opposition for the Gunners after the events at St Mary’s. Another on the floor football team that allowed them space to play without over-doing the pressing game. In the early exchanges, they looked marginally the better side.
However, their defensive work left a bit to be desired, as could be seen from the number of headers Gabriel won from corners. The first was a much-needed goal, a simple case of a good cross and a free header. Ozil added to his assist tally with that one, and might have had another if the next corner had not see Gabriel’s effort hit the upright. No comment required about the BFG’s connection with the rebound.
Ozil continued to run amok, and set up numerous chances, most of them for Theo, who demonstrated that, although he can score the odd pearler, when all is said and done, he needs a hatful of chances to keep his goal tally up. Arsenal would do well to buy another forward in the January transfer window. I wonder what the German playmaker, who used to feed Cristiano Ronaldo, made of his work being wasted with such aplomb. No matter, he took things into his own hands with a sublime effort after the interval to make it 2-0, with an audacious flick by Giroud to set him up. It was worth the price of admission alone.
For me though, the key man was actually Gabriel, who rejuvenated the team with his challenges, interceptions and sheer will to win. He re-stated the case as to why he should feature more often, after waiting patiently on the bench to get another chance following the draw at Norwich in which he was culpable for the Canaries’ goal. Ozil was the obvious man of the match, but on a day that the sadly departed Don Howe was celebrated, an Arsenal defender really stepped up to the plate.
Calum Chambers’ contribution was also worthy of note. He has not really looked like a natural defensive midfielder in the limited opportunities he has had in the role so far, but there were signs of hope in his display, in which the errors were limited. Sure, it was only Bournemouth, but it was a start. He needs games and as stated, I think he may well get his chance.
Arsenal looked generally comfortable in defence, and coped with the Cherries’ efforts to rally. With hindsight, substitute Glenn Murray might have had more effect if introduced a bit earlier, but Bournemouth espouse the long ball, making Murray a last ditch plan B.
The victory took Arsenal top of the table. Last season, from the away fixtures against Stoke, Spurs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool, they took six points from 18 (thanks to Ian Henry for looking that up). My guess is that this season, a minimum of 82 points will be required to take the title. 19 games down, 39 points on the board. So 43 required out of 57. The reality is that the Gunners’ toughest away trips are still to come. They also visit Bournemouth, West Ham and Sunderland. Ten home fixtures will ideally provide them with the majority of the points they require.
It’s good to be in the top two at this stage (and possibly still first after this evening, although I think most would prefer a Leicester victory with an eye on the long term), but there is a lot of work to do and the events at Southampton will have provided a blueprint for many a side that have yet to entertain Arsenal.
It would also be interesting if anyone could work out the equivalent number of points the Gunners made from the matches played so far this season in 2014/15, as to how much progress they have made (and what might reasonably be expected in the remainder of the campaign).
Few would disagree that re-enforcements are needed in January. Does anyone think Welbeck or Wilshere will play again this season? Will Coquelin be able to return soon enough to play a key role in the title run-in? Can Giroud keep going? Good arguments for signing a quality defensive midfielder and a striker. The club have the funds, but do they have the ambition?
Over to you, M. Wenger…
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
The new issue of The Gooner went on sale at the game yesterday evening, and can be bought at the home matches v Newcastle and Sunderland. It includes a free 2016 pullout calendar. The theme, with next year marking the 10th anniversary of the stadium move, is “10 Years at the Grove” and features a notable match from the last decade for every month. The issue can also be bought online here.
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