Taking stock of the United debacle: transfers, injuries and the coming season. « Untold Arsenal: Arsenal News. Supporting the Lord Wenger; coach of the decade
By Phil Gregory
As Walter said in his article, games like this are part of being a football fan. It was great to see the away fans sticking behind the team, and a very proper gesture of the club to offer them another away ticket free of charge. No doubt all Gooners have been subject to a bit of winding up from opposition fans, but as Wenger said, this game was one played in “exceptional circumstances”.
Every defeat you must take on the chin, credit must be given to a great United performance. Their finishing was sublime, and some of their shots were top drawer. That said, Arsenal played a tough game on Wednesday night and I think that showed in the five goals being conceded after the 60th minute. Moreover, the list of absent players was simply too much to bear for a game played away at the champions. Here’s our line-up from yesterday:
Szcznesy
Jenkinson Djourou Koscielny Traore
Coquelin
Ramsey Rosicky
Walcott Van Persie Arshavin
If every player was available, I’d have expected a line-up of:
Szcznesy
Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs
Song Wilshere (Frimpong)
Rosicky
Walcott Van Persie Gervinho
That’s seven first teamers out, with the only first eleven defender playing on his weaker side. Moreover, with all but one of the absentees focused in the defensive half of the side, the potential for disaster was always there. Clearly, the absences in the back four were going to impact on the cohesiveness of the defence, and United ruthlessly exposed that. Moreover, with such a lightweight midfield, our defence was exposed time and time again. If you have no option but to put a lightweight midfield in front of a makeshift defence, the results are going to be messy.
I don’t like to make excuses after defeats, but given the headlines and catcalls, I think it is important that we get some perspective. Arsenal got smashed on Sunday, that is beyond doubt. However the Arsenal team was a weakened one, tired by midweek exertions.
Thankfully, the international break comes at a good time and we can take stock, examine what can be improved and await the return of our injured players. Reinforcements are surely to be expected over the next few days, as the departures of Nasri and Fabregas have left us short of numbers in those areas of the pitch. We were largely good to go once we had Gervinho in and no departures, but for a good season we need four potent wide players.
Song and Frimpong as the two primary holders should be enough if we can avoid picking up silly bans, but Diaby’s injury record means we are short in central midfield with Cesc gone. Hopefully Wenger will find the required acquisitions and look to rebuild the side for a top four league finish this season with a title challenge next year. It’s not what I wanted out of this season, but shorn of our two most creative players I think an element of realism is required. As ever, Arsenal will be there or thereabouts and have done it without running the risk of the Blue Square Premier should a wealthy backer lose interest.
I’m proud of my club and the philosophy we have, even at moments such as these. All Gooners should be.