Looking At The Bigger Prize

A man can’t be choosy. The choice was obvious. With two big games in the space of 5 days, Arsene knew he had to juggle his players and keep an eye on the Champions league encounter. Unfortunately for Arsenal it came at the expense of a thrashing at Old Trafford. FA Cup are and still one of the cups that Arsene Wenger really likes to win. Having featured in 3 of the last 5 finals will tell you of his desire to win the oldest cup competition in the world.

However given the context of this season, his team selection for this game was quite understandable. Leading the league table by a good margin and with an upcoming important 2nd round encounter against the reigning champions of Europe, you could almost sense Wenger’s reluctance in playing an under-strength side. Note that I used “under-strength” instead of second team. For on the field are still Lehman, Gallas, Toure, Fabregas and Hleb.

It’s always harder to play as a defense when two of the regulars are not around, especially when both are playing on the flanks. This match was lost in these positions. Traore and Hoyte were dominated throughout the match by Park and Nani respectively. The end result of them being run ragged was the central defenders had to be pulled away to cover and protect their flanks which leaves the center with miles of space for attackers to run into.

Gallas have not been the tower of strength that he was during the league encounter between the two teams. He even took the time to put some sense into Nani for showboating moments earlier. That said, when a captain shows no real desire to win the game, it’s a feeling that will transpire to the rest of the team. Toure was never in the game as well; perhaps it was because he was feeling slightly burnout from the recently concluded African’s Nation Cup.

For the same reason Eboue chose to take an early shower with a petulant kick at Evra that warranted a straight red. You really can’t escape the colour of the card once you stop looking at the ball when you jump for headers. Adding a high kick to boot, there’s not much to complain about is it? Stupid is what stupid is.

The thing that makes you smile about this game is the introduction of Flamini. In the 10-20 minutes that he was in, he gave it his all. He was running all over the pitch to cover for his teammates who have already given up the cause. This guy really deserved all the accolades that had showered him this season.

From this match, one would be pretty afraid to approach a Champions League encounter against the defending champion that is AC Milan but I feel that come Wednesday, it’s a different Arsenal that the champions will be facing.