Arsenal had all the pressure on to get a result with Chelsea edging ahead of the Gunners and with the title slipping from within reach. Wenger had previously sent out the message that his team will fight until the end but after a bright start it became a typically disappointing Arsenal result.
Positive 1st half... oh wait
The Gunners started on top with the pace of Walcott causing problems for Paul Robinson at left back but once again Theo lacked that cutting edge and final ball that has been missing from his game for too long. Fabregas went close in the 14th minute with a drive that narrowly missed the bottom corner but Bolton also showed that they can be dangerous with Chelsea loanee Sturridge making a delightful pass that saw Lee caught in two minds and ultimately missing out. But once again, the Achilles heel of Arsenal was struck and their weak defending from set plays was punished by Cahill, who met a corner that arguably crossed the line, then Sturridge who made it certain that it crossed the line. All of a sudden Wenger’s team talk had to change.
Undone...again
The Gunners came out early for the second half, there was no doubt they knew that they had to attack more incisively and defend for their lives but within 1 minute of the restart Djourou gave away a penalty, not what any north London fan wanted to see. Fortunately, Davies’ poor penalty was saved by our young pole which seemed to lift the spirit of the players; in particular the captain and RvP, who combined well to score the equaliser. Arsenal very much had their own way for the rest of the game and it just seemed like a matter of time before the Gunners would score and keep themselves in the title race however with just 1 minute of regular time to play, Bolton broke and scored from the resulting corner. An emotional Cohen took his shirt off to reveal a picture of his late father which is ironic because Arsenal’s title hopes were dead and buried.
The importance of the set-piece
The failure to defend two set-pieces was the reason Arsenal lost today. Two set-pieces that, if Wenger would not be so stubborn and buy a quality centre-back, would not have been conceded. Now we can say that we did buy a centre back in Koscielny, but he’s not good enough. We can make the excuse that Vermaelen has been out all season, but that’s not good enough. Players need to take responsibility and want to defend as much as they want to create. Arsenal have conceded 54% of their goals from set plays, it needs to be addressed. It’s not been a problem just this season alone, it’s what fans have been crying out for, for years.
Hate to say I told you so
Being an Arsenal fan this season has been one of the most difficult things a person can go through. So much promise and so much disappointment to follow. It would be foolish of me to analyse the team and tell you what we could improve or do better next time because it’s been the same old story for the last 6 years. Poor defending and a blind belief that Arsenal are the best attacking team ever to have existed without being able to perform when necessary. But of course, you already knew that.
Man of the match
Sturridge, on loan from the Blues who have leap frogged us, is my pick for the man of the match. A brilliant pass in the first half and a goal right before half time. It’s nice to see another promising English player doing great things in the premier league. I just our young English striker could have contributed the same today.
What do you think?
Do you think it’s time for Wenger along with his stubbornness to leave? Or should he stay, who should Arsenal sign this summer to ensure that their defence stops leaking goals from set pieces?
