Kevin Whitcher
It was a surprise to see the strength of Arsenal’s starting line-up for this FA Cup 3rd Round tie. Mertesacker, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey and Ozil were rested (although Gabriel and Gibbs coming in for the defence did not significantly weaken the team). Petr Cech played, which was more of a surprise as many expected to see Ospina given game time. This suggests that a move may be imminent. Equally interesting was that Mathieu Debuchy remained on the bench rather that starting. I have read that the club are seeking a £1 million fee to loan the player out for the remainder of the season, and presumably if he goes to another Premier League club it would lessen his value if he were cup tied. Perhaps there is similar thinking with Ospina. Still, it does lead to the question of why Debuchy was on the bench in the first place. The one thing the player needs more than anything is game time. I wonder what he thought when he saw Bellerin was to start the match.
No matter, Sunderland made eight changes from their previous starting eleven, but certainly made a fist of the match for the first hour or so. Arsenal’s concentration at the back wasn’t all it could have been, and a central midfield axis of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers was not ideal in providing cover. Possession was given away a little too easily on occasion in the Gunners’ own half and as a consequence of one such episode, Sunderland took the lead. Gibbs did well to win the ball back from Lens, but then his pass to Koscielny put the Frenchman under pressure and he was dispossessed in turn by Lens who scored. 1-0 to the visitors.
Arsenal, who had been a little lethargic, responded as one would hope and parity was restored thanks to a well-worked goal. I have long wanted to see more width used in Arsenal’s play and the attacking contribution of Bellerin this season has been evidence of what a difference it can make. All of Arsenal’s goals yesterday involved a ball played across the face of the goal from near the by-line, with the Spaniard involved in the second and third. It was Theo Walcott though that provided the cross of the opener, on his left foot no less. There is a school of thought that the number 14 is more effective coming from wide left than wide right given he can cut in, and the assist provided for Joel Campbell was evidence that he can be a danger on either foot.
Campbell himself had a cracking game, frequently involved and really working hard for the team. In his post match press conference, the manager hailed him as this season’s Coquelin, referring to the fact the player has come from nowhere to become a very firm part of his first team plans. Assuming Cazorla does not return this season, and Ramsey continues as one of the two deep midfielders, it does look like Campbell may give the manager a headache when Alexis returns. The Chilean will play, but will Walcott or Campbell get the nod for the right hand attacking slot? The Costa Rican works harder for the team and seems to have more natural football intelligence. Yes, Walcott has more speed, but in terms of the team’s all round game, perhaps Walcott might be better used as an impact sub, or an alternative to Giroud as the centre forward against teams that are going to press the Gunners high up the pitch. Olivier Giroud’s contribution was muted to say the least, although he did make the good run to get on the end of the third goal. However, there are signs he is beginning to run out of steam. What Arsene Wenger does about the centre forward position could prove critical to Arsenal’s chances of remaining in top spot in the league this season.
The Ox had a chance to demonstrate his abilities in a more pivotal midfield position but did not make the most of the opportunity. At times, he can look very ordinary. Rather like Jack Wilshere, the optimism, based on his early appearances for the first team, that he could become a cornerstone of a bright Arsenal future now look wide of the mark. With all the injuries, he has had a run of matches, but so far, not as good as hoped, although he was unlucky not to score in the second half when he hit the upright once he had been moved forward after the first two subs had been made. And he did put Bellerin through for the cross that led to the second goal.
Calum Chambers did not look as promising as a defensive midfielder as he did against Bournemouth. Interestingly, once Mikel Arteta entered the fray, the team looked a lot more composed. More significant was the entrance of Aaron Ramsey, who rejuvenated the side and made the run for the second goal. Of the new faces, Iwobi showed promise and was not afraid to get involved and take on the opposition. Not much sign of nerves, although I believe he has played for the Nigerian national side already, so he may be able to make more of a contribution in the coming months. Jeff Reine-Adelaide had a few minutes at the end, replacing Campbell who was applauded loudly by an appreciative crowd. The youngster did well in the short time he had.
So some definite positives from this cup tie. There is a thought that Arsene Wenger would not shed too many tears at a fourth round exit due to the fifth round game weekend being the one before Arsenal take on Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League game. If the team are drawn away to a half decent side, I would predict a tactical exit from the holders. Let’s see what the draw tomorrow evening brings…
Ian Henry sent me a text which made me chuckle after the game… “When Jeff Reine-Adelaide came on today alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, I think that may have been the first time Arsenal had two double-barreled names on the pitch at the same time. True class.”
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
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