The display by Arsenal on Saturday against Manchester United was abysmal if nothing worse. Although Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager had stated the unavailability of fit, first team players, a side leading the Premiership would be expected to field a side which would pass the ball around. Arsenal on the other hand were made to look like a school team with a host of talented players from around the world.
Manchester United held possession for over 50% of the game, a rare statistic in any clash among the top four for a long time. This statistic is however only good on paper. Any viewer would have bet for an 80% possession by Manchester United if a Nokia phone was up for grabs. Nani, a new-comer, ran around the park with the ease of an artist on a piece of canvas. He created chances, scored a goal but most importantly terrorised the experienced Kolo Toure and William Gallas. The Arsenal wing-backs are best left alone. They are probably still on a pace-maker after the shocker of a game they had. Justin Hoyte played his best football for Arsenal only when he was out on loan to Southampton. Traore is exceptional against the lower Premiership sides and the Championship sides but the quality of the United side revealed his unpreparedness for the highest level of football.
The point of distinction throughout the game could be summed up in one phrase - depth of the squad. Arsenal sure was hit by injury woes but United did not play its full strength either. Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung staked their claim when given the opportunity. Wenger has always showed trust in the young talents he scouts out of places unheard of. And this, Wenger should never change as it has always ensured a healthy future for the club. The match was a disappointment for Arsenal not for the loss of an FA Cup but for the loss of morale and loss of discipline which they have displayed throughout the last 2-3 seasons. Arsenal has a Champions League tie with champions AC Milan and that only compounds their worries. Wenger would no doubt have to showcase his best side against the Italians. The omission of Matthieu Flamini would hurt Arsenal a lot against AC Milan as the free floating Kaka would have the whold midfield to himself. Gilberto Silva is only a shadow of the silent, predatory defensive midfielder he was. He has lost his ability to run behind for the ball after a trademark counter-attack. A strong spine is a necessity for any football club and Arsenal is no different. Flamini, Toure and Gallas, Adebayor and Fabregas are a must for Arsenal. In an FA Cup, as Wenger has always done, a suitable and exceptionally talented attacking midfielder is required. It was Cesc Fabregas till a couple of seasons ago and the emergence of Denilson of Alex Song can cover this flaw.
There are certain things Arsenal can learn out of this thrashing. For one, they know now that the Premier League is still not theirs. They are only 5 points clears and have a game against Chelsea and United each. Any lackadisical attitude amongst the players would definitely have to face the wrath of the French boss. I am an astute Arsenal fan and seeing them play like this has shaken me. But I am happy the warning came so early.
Manchester United held possession for over 50% of the game, a rare statistic in any clash among the top four for a long time. This statistic is however only good on paper. Any viewer would have bet for an 80% possession by Manchester United if a Nokia phone was up for grabs. Nani, a new-comer, ran around the park with the ease of an artist on a piece of canvas. He created chances, scored a goal but most importantly terrorised the experienced Kolo Toure and William Gallas. The Arsenal wing-backs are best left alone. They are probably still on a pace-maker after the shocker of a game they had. Justin Hoyte played his best football for Arsenal only when he was out on loan to Southampton. Traore is exceptional against the lower Premiership sides and the Championship sides but the quality of the United side revealed his unpreparedness for the highest level of football.
The point of distinction throughout the game could be summed up in one phrase - depth of the squad. Arsenal sure was hit by injury woes but United did not play its full strength either. Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung staked their claim when given the opportunity. Wenger has always showed trust in the young talents he scouts out of places unheard of. And this, Wenger should never change as it has always ensured a healthy future for the club. The match was a disappointment for Arsenal not for the loss of an FA Cup but for the loss of morale and loss of discipline which they have displayed throughout the last 2-3 seasons. Arsenal has a Champions League tie with champions AC Milan and that only compounds their worries. Wenger would no doubt have to showcase his best side against the Italians. The omission of Matthieu Flamini would hurt Arsenal a lot against AC Milan as the free floating Kaka would have the whold midfield to himself. Gilberto Silva is only a shadow of the silent, predatory defensive midfielder he was. He has lost his ability to run behind for the ball after a trademark counter-attack. A strong spine is a necessity for any football club and Arsenal is no different. Flamini, Toure and Gallas, Adebayor and Fabregas are a must for Arsenal. In an FA Cup, as Wenger has always done, a suitable and exceptionally talented attacking midfielder is required. It was Cesc Fabregas till a couple of seasons ago and the emergence of Denilson of Alex Song can cover this flaw.
There are certain things Arsenal can learn out of this thrashing. For one, they know now that the Premier League is still not theirs. They are only 5 points clears and have a game against Chelsea and United each. Any lackadisical attitude amongst the players would definitely have to face the wrath of the French boss. I am an astute Arsenal fan and seeing them play like this has shaken me. But I am happy the warning came so early.
This article has been written by The Missing Clown. The Missing Clown is an Arsenal fan
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