In what was the 200th Champions League game for Arsene Wenger, he and the team had a night to forget. The game meant nothing in terms of progression to the next round for the Gunners but there were some concerns that Wenger will soon need to address.
Thank God for Szczcesny
I’m sure Bob Wilson cried himself to sleep after watching that. Fabianski has been making noises about his lack of first team football and even despite his injury I can’t see why that should change. His erratic decision making worried a defence that already contained Squillaci. His decision to run off his line for the first goal was rather hard to explain, but I believe it also showed the problem with playing a centre-back out of position. Djourou’s natural instincts pushed him towards the centre whereas a natural right back would have been nowhere near Squillaci. As frightening as Fabianski is at times I think we should remember the form he showed when he got a run of games last season before his injury and the emergence of Szczesny, he can be a good keeper but it boils down to if he can cut out the mistakes and the defence can learn to trust him.
Mannone made an appearance after 25 minutes due to a knee-injury to the Pole that looked rather serious and soon found himself guilty of a clanger. His attempt to try and kick the ball rather than catch it in his own box was due to rustiness in my opinion. He had no idea he had made it back and it would only take a run of games to build up match sharpness.
Being a goalkeeper for Arsenal requires being on high alert for 90 minutes, possibly doing nothing for 85 then having to make a save, because of our ability to retain possession. The keeper is also utilised as a sort of sweeper which needs quick decisive action with the consequences of hesitancy fatal. Unfortunately, at the moment, neither Fabianski or Mannone appear to have this and we could be in some trouble if Szczesny ever gets injured.
The Young Guns
The youngsters on show were Frimpong, Coquelin, Chamberlain and Miquel came on as a sub for the injured Santos. The Brazilian left the stadium in a surgical boot and Wenger speculated he could be out for a while, the decision to play him looks even more of a silly gamble as the team is now bereft of any recognised full back, although Vermaelen can play at left back. Frimpong and Coquelin had really impressed me in their appearances so far this season, particularly the Frenchman who looks the more finished product. Unfortunately they were unable to make much of an impact on this game but playing in the intense atmosphere of the stadium (including the disgraceful flashing of laser pens) will be good experience. Frimpong looks like he needs more first team experience and a reported loan deal to Wolves would be a good option.
The main highlight of the night was, once again, the performance of Chamberlain. While relatively quiet and isolated on the right wing, he looked like creating something everytime he got the ball. His confidence to take on players and the pace and the strength to ensure he does it means he is a really dangerous player to have at our disposal. I must admit I was one of the people to exclaim ’14 million on another kid!?’ when Wenger bought him but he really is looking worth every penny. Miquel had a solid 40 minutes at left back and the injury to Santos along with Gibbs still recovering from surgery on a hernia means he’s closer to the starting XI than maybe Wenger wants.
An Interesting January
Arshavin was once again given a chance to prove he’s still vital to the team and once again he blew it. I’m among the Arshavin fan club but even I’m starting to admit that maybe January is the time to cash in on him. We really can’t rely on him to perform anymore and his lack of concern is becoming a major worry. I would say the stretcher boys covered more pitch than him last night. His pass completion rate of 73% (stat via Orbinho) cannot be down to the fact he tries key passes the majority of the time because he very rarely did. Rumours circulating about Podolski or Gotze signing in January, who can both play left wing, might spell the end for the little Russian.
Chamakh once again had a disappointing game although his effort cannot be faulted. He, like many others, looks like he needs a run of games and most importantly a few goals to regain his confidence and become the player who saved us at the start of last season, I for one am not writing him off completely. Benayoun impressed as the spearhead in midfield and showed why Wenger signed him with a sumptuous volley for the goal. He’s a good squad player and willing to put in a shift anywhere for the team.
Since it was a dead rubber game I’m not going to do player ratings, I just wanted to point out some issues I think could be glossed over as a result of progression already being guaranteed. The majority of the first XI will now be fully rested for the Everton game and the Champions League can take a backseat till February when the knockout stages commence.
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