Kevin Whitcher
If ever there was a ‘must win’ match in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, yesterday at Dean Court was it. Having taken just three points from their previous four fixtures, the Gunners title tilt was looking distinctly wobbly, having dropped from first to fourth as a consequence of their failure to win a league match since January 2nd.
There is surely a doubt over Francis Coquelin’s fitness, given the Flamini / Ramsey axis began the game. It has not proved an unqualified success by any means, although at least the partnership that played most of the previous three matches only saw the concession of one goal. However, the Gunners had also failed to score themselves in those games. The decision to start Flamini came close to being regretted early on, when he committed a two-footed lunge but was only cautioned. Other significant team news saw Gabriel maintain his place in the starting eleven ahead of Per Mertesacker, and The Ox start instead of Joel Campbell.
Bournemouth had one time Arsenal prospect Benik Afobe up front, scorer of three goals in his first four matches for his new team. One feared the immutable law of the ex, on that form. As it was the early danger came from Alexis as Arsenal managed to cut through the Cherries’ backline.
However, it was Ozil who opened the scoring, with a right-footed volley after a Giroud knockdown. A sweet strike that was followed within two minutes by that rarity of joys, an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goal, the Ox benefitting from an Aaron Ramsey pass, shooting across the keeper and seeing the ball go in off the upright. Ramsey was ultimately named man of the match, and for the first goal, it was his cross-field ball to Giroud which led the Ozil’s opener.
At the other end, the home side had their moments. Cech made a great tip over save from Arter and before the interval Bellerin bailed out Gabriel by using his pace to make a last ditch tackle on Pugh. Only Spurs have conceded fewer goals than Arsenal this season and one suspects that the Gunners might have to finish the campaign conceding less than anyone to win the title. There were a handful of lapses in concentration yesterday, but they got away with them. In spite of the stats, I have the feeling that Arsene Wenger’s team need to tighten up to gain the necessary results they will need. It remains to be seen whether Gabriel continues to keep Mertesacker out (with Jamie Vardy in opposition next weekend, I would imagine so). All Arsenal’s centre backs can induce moments of panic in different ways, fortunately they have Cech behind them. And that, ultimately, is probably the main reason the team have not been punished as much as they could have been.
In the second half, he made a good double save to retain the two goal margin. Arsene Wenger decided that security at the back was more important than exploiting Bournemouth on the break, replacing Oxlade-Chamberlain with Coquelin, evidently fit enough for a 23 minute run out. Later, Gibbs for Alexis was further re-enforcement of the position. At the end it was a case of mission accomplished.
Arsenal moved to third place, with Leicester five points ahead of them. Who, even a few weeks ago, would have thought that the visit of the Foxes, a category C game, next Sunday, will be critical to the Gunners’ title chances? If it not for the fact they have yet to visit White Hart Lane and the Etihad, Arsenal might be able to get away with a draw, however, the title is now a four horse race, and Wenger’s team now need to win all their home matches, especially one against a direct title opponent. Fortunately Manchester City are playing Tottenham later in the day, so one of the two will drop points. It’s an opportunity Arsenal cannot afford to pass up, a moment of truth. They really need to win.
As for the game against Bournemouth, it was absolutely vital to get back to winning ways. Not their most fluent performance, but effective enough. Job done, move on. The decision not to give Flamini a red card was probably critical. The consensus from neutrals is that he should have been dismissed. Will it be a case of on such moments do seasons turn?
Just a quick note to mention that we are recording the February Gooner podcast this evening. Our panelists will be David Oudot, photographer Mark Leech and regular Gooner contributor Bernard Dowling. If you have any topics or questions you wish the panel to debate, and get a namecheck in the process, please either…
Email them to [email protected]
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or just leave them in the comments below this article. Thanks.
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
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