If you’ll recall, at the start of March Arsenal lost 2-1 to Spurs. That result left Arsenal 7 points off the LWCs, who at the time were in 4th position in the Premier League. (And I wrote this blog)
There were major questions to be asked about many facets of Arsenal’s current performances, and something had to be done. Fortunately (or unfortunately), Arsenal’s next game wasn’t for nine days, a potential dead rubber with Bayern Munich.
Big decisions
Something definitely had to be done, and fortunately for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger was the man to do it. The two players who had come under the most criticism following the derby defeat were Wojciech Sczceszny and captain Thomas Vermaelen. There had already been calls for the Belgian to be dropped, but as yet these calls were not heeded.
At first talk came out that Arsenal would name a weakened side for Bayern, knowing the tie was lost. Naturally, there was outrage, especially when it transpired Jack Wilshere would miss an indefinite period of time with an ankle injury. But when the teamsheet came out, the side was as strong as it could be, with two notable changes.
Lukasz Fabianski and Laurent Koscielny came in for their under-fire competitors, and keep their spots to this day. Arsenal came out looking in all ways tighter, more determined and more fluid than they had at most times this season. Most managers wouldn’t drop their number 1 keeper for somebody just back from injury, let alone their captain.
But Vermaelen’s departure has improved the defence innumerably. Per Mertesacker organises in his absence, and while the skipper is in no way a poor player, he struggles to mix captainship with defending, leading to the horrendous errors that led to the Spurs goals.
What’s more, Arsenal’s system has changed somewhat since the Spurs game. With the rejuvenated Gervinho playing almost as a second striker, and Tomas Rosicky drafted in to replace Wilshere, Arsenal look at times like the fluid 4-4-2-in-name-only sides of as recently as 07/08. Wengerball is very much in evidence.
Momentum
What’s more, Arsenal now seem to have *it*. That certain something that gets you through tough games, just like today. With ten men, and facing a barrage from West Brom, Arsenal battled through to claim a valuable win. You get the feeling this side really want to fight for the badge, and with the right action in the transfer market in the summer, there’s nothing to suggest they couldn’t have a say in the title race next season. It’s a big if, mind.
Spurs now have a once-healthy lead that was there only five games ago, cut down to a one point gap, with a tricky game against Everton tomorrow, minus their talisman Gareth Bale. If Arsenal keep up their form, of absorbing pressure and hurting in attack, and Spurs can’t handle the pressure, Arsenal could overtake them just as they today overtook Chelsea.
In fact, if Manchester City are defeated on Monday night, and Arsenal win both their games this week, we could be second, for a while. Seems odd for the latest ‘Worst Arsenal side in a generation’.
It’s funny what can change in a month. Where there was once despair and inquisition, there is now hope, and a genuine excitement to see The Arsenal play. Long may it continue.
Latest:
