Down & Most Probably Out

Drawing 4 games on the trot is not championship winning material. Losing the 5th definitely puts you out of the title race. The strength and determination of earlier part of the season has faded away. Perhaps the boys are tired or perhaps it's the combination of injuries which have crippled their title aspirations.

It's easy to say that injuries played a part in the meltdown. However when you consider that it is injuries which have crippled Arsenal's attacking threat on the left side of midfield, then it is a problem. No one could've imagine that Rosicky, Van Persie and Eduardo are all injured at the same time. Had Ronaldo, Giggs and Nani been injured together, United themselves would have found it hard to play their normal game.

The tactics that Wenger employed since the problem only further highlight the pivotal roles that these 3 players held. Switching to a lone striker aided by Hleb, a plan that worked really well against continental sides but less so against English opponents.

Sides suddenly found it easier to contain Arsenal. The wide players are not as mobile and dangerous as when Hleb and Rosicky are on the wings. These 2 can switch flanks with consummate ease. Their ability to drift in-field also cause many problems to opposing sides. Walcott and Eboue does not present the same danger as the earlier two. Always trying to beat their markers and look for the cross into the box. Their quality of crossing and decision making leaves a lot to be desired.

Having said that, perhaps the biggest folly is dropping Senderos into the bench in favour of a returning Toure. Gallas sees to miss the big Swiss. The Gallas-Toure axis did not show the same solidarity of earlier. Hassled by Drogba and even out-jumped by Anelka shows the drop in confidence level. Or perhaps the desire to be there fist is no longer there.

This is a time for Gallas to show his leadership. If not, the baton should be passed on to someone more inspiring. Flamini, not a timid character himself, would certainly fit the bill. Energetic all season, he has been the real star of Arsenal's season. His performance has not dropped while most of his teammates has gone off the boil. Keeping him happy with a new contract is surely the first thing on Wenger's mind.