Kevin Whitcher
To no-one’s surprise, Arsene Wenger fielded a mix and match side against Burnley. The two most significant inclusions were the returning (ahead of schedule) Francis Coquelin and new signing Mohammed Elneny. David Ospina made a first appearance in goal since his horrorshow against Olympiacos whilst Alexis Sanchez made his first start since returning from injury.
Burnley, making a decent fist of trying to return to the top flight at the first attempt, were not expected to be a walkover, and so it proved. Ospina had to bail out his defenders more than once to compensate for errors with fine saves. It reminded us that although he might not be in Petr Cech’s league, as back-up, he is an excellent option.
The early goal, a pearl from right back Calum Chambers settled nerves, although it didn’t turn out to be the platform for a comfortable afternoon. Arsenal allowed the visitors back in with some poor defensive work. Gibbs slipping and taking out Coquelin on the edge of the area was a comedy of errors, but even so, Chambers and Gabriel between them should have been more physical in defending the cross that was converted for the goal.
Overall, Arsenal deserved the win, although Burnley did enjoy enough opportunities to have gained a replay. Fortunately, they lacked the clinical touch. In Coquelin’s absence, the team have drawn three and lost two of the ten Premier League matches, and were defeated in the game in which he had to come off. His early return could be critical to the club’s title chances. He looked a little rusty, but this was a perfect match for him to come back.
I’d heard that Mohammed Elneny was a box to box midfielder, and he made himself consistently available to take the ball, performing a role as a link man for the team’s play throughout the afternoon. It wasn’t overly-spectacular. He was generally tidy and kept it simple. It’s early days, but if anything, he looks like an alternative to Ramsey and Cazorla as the partner to Coquelin. Perhaps at this stage a more conservative option for matches where the team need to ensure a minimum of errors. I’d imagine his successful pass rate was better than Aaron Ramsey’s although he took few risks. No Patrick Vieira style debut for the young Egyptian, but we’ll need a few more appearances to properly assess him.
Alexis Sanchez played a key role in both goals, the second finished off by himself after a flourishing move. He had an excellent game. Alex Iwobi also contributed in the build-up to both and with every appearance, looks a better and better player. Interesting that he fills the Ozil role, leaving the Ox out wide. The latter had a better game this week, and needs to be more consistent if he is going to start ahead of Joel Campbell.
Theo Walcott came on and there is nothing that need be said about his fluffed opportunity in injury time. The reason Walcott was put on the pitch was precisely to take that kind of chance. Surely, the jury is no longer out on the number 14.
Fortunately, Burnley did not have enough time to punish Arsenal for their late profligacy, and progess to the last 16 was confirmed. The fifth round tie will take place on the weekend before Barcelona visit, and should the Gunners make the last eight, the quarter final is… wait for it… the weekend before their trip to Catalonia. It will be fascinating to see who they draw later today.
As for the performance, a number of positives. Match time for several players who needed it for different reasons. Some good play, but some slackness that they might not get away with against better opposition. Granted, it was not a familiar line-up, but some of the individual errors were an irrelevance to that. At times, players were trying to be too clever with backheels and the like, the value of possession an afterthought. All over the pitch, Arsenal need to tighten up and ensure they do not give away cheap goals if they are to fulfill their ambitions this season (or at least those of the supporters).
Certainly, all that ultimately matters in a cup tie is getting through, but there is no harm in learning lessons. Having seen some of the defensive work of late, it would be nice to buy a commanding, no-nonsense leader at centre back before the end of Monday evening. And on that note, I refer you to the cover of a Pink Floyd album made just under 40 years ago…
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
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