Defeated At Wet Wearside

It finally happened. 16 games into the season, Arsenal was finally beaten not by the most challenging of teams, not by the most elegant of teams and definitely not by the most talented of teams. A defeat is still a defeat regardless who the team is.
Over the years, Arsenal have found it tough whenever they visit the North East of England. This week did not proved otherwise. Twice they visited this part of the country, and they only came away with a single solitary point. Rain or shine, good pitch or bad, bias referee or not; the team should shoulder the blame.
Arsenal was lacking cohesion. Inablitity to string together more than 10 passes together. This was a match that the leaders on the field did not stand up to be counted. Toure and Gallas, the towers at the back was both found wanting. Clichy looked jaded and so did Sagna. Perhaps the amount of matches was taking its toll.
Creativity was almost non-existent. Rosicky position on the left of midfield is wasted. He should be made the fulcrum of the team in the absence of Fabregas and Hleb. He will always find it tough on the wings without the extra burst of pace. Adebayor again was abit strong with his first touches which allows the excellent Wheater and Woodgate to get in and clear the danger. Time for Bendtner to be given a chance.
But the most startling of points was Gilberto's game. Out of sorts would be an understatement. He looks past his prime. Perhaps Wenger was right to bench him at the start of the campaign in place of Flamini. Who in turn looks very energetic and positive. How Arsenal missed his drive as well as others like Fabregas, Hleb and Van Persie.
It's time for the team to bite the defeat and move on. It's also good that the undefeated tag will no longer follow the team. That pressure being taken off is a very big relief. It should bring everyone down to earth and get the job done from now on.
Wenger would not be too displease. All credits to Boro who played out of their skin to limit Arsenal's shots on goal to just the Rosicky goal. It's time for the team to bounce back. Beginning with the midweek Carling Cup games against Blackburn. The senior players would get the rest needed before the crunch and hectic year-end schedule.
Time for the juniors to show the seniors the joy of playing football and proud of being associated with Arsenal Football Club.