There are a few things that are undeniable when you think of the Arsenal squad at the moment. Firstly, on their day, they can match any team and win handsomely. Secondly, they have a number of immensely gifted players that can dominate and show their true worth and class.
So what’s the problem? Well, Wenger has elements missing, that will prevent this current crop from winning anything more than the most insignificant of trophies. The back line is interchangeable and irritatingly inconsistent and they still lack a defensive minded midfielder of genuine quality.
There’s also the manager’s indifference towards record signing Lacazette, who is often left out and not being afforded a full 90 minutes regularly enough. Hence the boos when he was replaced by Coquelin, which was a whisker away from an insult.
The hotshot Frenchman could easily be the leading goal scorer in the Premiership by now but instead, Wenger affords the striker a bit part role which simply doesn’t help the side or the player. He is also unclear as to what his best team is and perhaps the constant tinkering isn’t helping his cause either.
I accept there have been injuries but even when available, Wenger will ring the changes to keep the troops happy. The win at Spurs was surprising, especially the manner of it and it could have easily been by a much greater margin.
It was a game where both Ozil and Sanchez arrived for work and put in outstanding performances. But before we get carried away with this, we have to ask the pair “where have you been hiding?”. Both have paddled through games and looked to be more pre-occupied by their future destinations than the trivial matter of earning their wages.
Spurs were insipid, flat and clueless, whereas Arsenal were determined, committed and artistic, if there is a shift in the North London Hierarchy, it wasn’t evident at the weekend. For all the rave reviews and promise of this gifted Tottenham side, it came to nothing as Arsenal pressed, harassed and outwitted their local rivals.
Yet this could all be smoke and mirrors in the context of a season which could end up with the club fighting for the crumbs at the top table. City, are playing some of the finest football I’ve seen since the Premier League was established and the title is theirs to loose. Even at this early stage, it would take a phenomenal collapse to let the other clubs get close.
If Arsenal want to make a serious challenge, then they can’t afford anymore slip-ups, anymore loses and very few draws but their inconsistency has been alarming. Which Arsenal turns up in the next half a dozen games will provide the answer.
Will it be the fragile, spiritless side or the determined, classy, attacking team that we know and love. It’s hard to put this game into context because as soon as fans think Arsenal have finally hit their stride, they underperform and it’s back to the drawing board.
Lacazette, Ozil, and Sanchez, if they are all available and focused may provide the key because the understanding and interchange is clear to see in attack. Even Ozil’s lack of tracking back and failure to help defensively had disappeared but I can forgive that if he is up to his brilliant best sweeping forward.
Comparisons to Bergkamp have always left me baffled. The Dutchman is one of the best players to pull on a red and white shirt but Ozil has the vision and his timing is impeccable. The cutting pass with slide rule accuracy can undo any side on the planet and in Lacazette and Sanchez, he is safe in the knowledge that he has someone ahead of him that is capable of cashing in on his gifts but Bergkamp he is not.
Mustafi was superb in defence, at times he showed a lack of game time but to perform to such a high standard and score the opener was a credit to him. To think that Arsenal were on the brink of shipping him out before the season started is incredible. As for the offside controversy, look at both goals and you will see that it’s like picking gnat shit out of pepper.
It’s close but I thought that the ref got it absolutely right. The awarded foul on Sanchez was dubious, even the player leapt to his feet with the intention to carry on. Gary Neville claimed on MOTD that it should have disallowed for offside but take another look.
When the ball left Ozil’s foot , Mustafi was technically and marginally offside by a shoulder but not as it arrived and when it was forced into the net. He had somehow drifted onside and it would have taken a series of replays to identify it as anything else. I’m still watching it now but I am of the same mind.
Lacazette was never offside unless you bring fingers and shoelaces into the equation. Spurs can complain but they were outplayed and out fought and out thought. Let’s see what happens but beating Spurs certainly helps with supporters optimism and is almost like winning a cup, almost.
