Wenger’s proverbial handbrake was on full strength as 10-man Arsenal surrendered a 1-0 lead towards the end of an exciting match at Craven Cottage through a series of defensive mistakes as the severity of our full-back crisis hit home.
Zero End Product
Arsenal carved multiple chances in the first half, creating 9 shots on target, as Gervinho and Ramsey posed the Fulham defence many problems. The Ivorian’s already hugely criticised finishing was in the spotlight once again. As has been said many times, he is excellent at getting himself into a good position and as his 15 goals for Lille last season show, he does know where the net is. Arsenal fans are yet to see this side of him and one hopes Wenger is making him work heavily on it. He should have had a penalty in the first half after Senderos clipped his ankle but the referee, who was poor all night, waved away the half-hearted appeals.
On the other wing, Walcott had a night to forget. Without a natural full-back overlapping him he has become even more predictable and the increase in his crossing ability that he had shown a few weeks ago seems to have deserted him. His final ball left much to be desired all night. Hopefully Chamberlain can stake a claim against Leeds next Monday and make Wenger seriously consider rotating the two of them.
Beyond a crisis
The full-back situation at the club really has become a disaster. Coquelin, a deputy defensive midfielder, started at left-back and in all fairness had a very good game. Composed on the ball, quick-thinking and a good range of passing ensured he did himself justice. However, he is a deputy defensive midfielder playing at left-back and as expected made minor positional mistakes, one which left Zamora open to score the winner for Fulham. This isn’t a harsh criticism of the player as I love him and I think he could prove to be a player of real quality, he simply shouldn’t have to be playing at left-back.
At right-back Djourou had a night to forget. He has had a mixed bag of performances there and tonight was one on the, to quote our young intellectual Frimpong, ‘not dench’ end of the spectrum. His second yellow was extremely harsh though. Zamora threw himself down and Probert, who looked reluctant to give Arsenal anything (what do we have to do to get a penalty!), bought it. Thankfully his suspension will be for the Leeds game as far as I’m aware and I doubt he would have been starting that. What is certain is that Wenger needs to really think about signing some short-term cover for our fallen as all aspects of our play are being hampered by the absence of a natural full-back.
TGI January
So after an excellent end to 2011 where we clawed back from 17th to 4th the beginning to 2012 has been a bit of a dampener. The squad does look stretched and reinforcements are definitely needed. Let’s hope Wenger pays heed and shows the touch of genius he still possesses with signings like Arteta who has been a revelation. On the plus side, Mertesacker appears to have fully settled himself and Koscielny cannot be praised enough, his goal tonight just rewards for his efforts and it allowed the travelling fans to show their appreciation for him.
As I’m sure everyone knows we also have one major event coming up, Thierry Henry looks all but set to return to the club on loan which will be a massive boost to everyone and I believe Wenger wouldn’t have brought him back unless he believes he can still do it at the top level. (Also in case anyone hasn’t seen this yet I highly recommend you take a peek, just have a few Kleenex handy!). Up next we have Leeds in the FA Cup and I would expect Wenger to ring in the changes including the sight of the King back in the Red and White, until then let’s remember this was only one defeat and this team has the backbone to bounce back, I shall leave you with this delightful video
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