Slipping Out Of Grasp

After the triumphant victory at San Siro, it was a return to the Premiership quest. Two games against teams undoubtedly much weaker than AC Milan. Two matches to maintain or even stretch the lead the top of the table. Somehow things turned out to be quite the other end of the spectrum. In the space of these two games, Arsenal have lost the lead to Man Utd. Shocking outcome, but not entirely unexpected.

On a less than desirable pitch, Arsenal struggled to produce the same quality of football that was so wonderful to watch in midweek. Passes were never going to be easy to make and quick one touch football is almost impossible as the football cum rugby pitch was never going to allow it. Perhaps it was from a tactical point of view that Wigan kept their pitch the way it was. It would certainly help their cause especially up against many a side that play passing football.

Yet despite the shortcomings in terms of facilities, Arsenal did manage to muster a few chances that would have been put away in another game. Adebayor has lost his scoring touch. Put through by Fabregas in the first minute, he muffed the chance by shooting straight at Kirkland. You may think it has something to do with the change in hairstyle but I’m sure that there’s more than that. The last month or so have highlighted the Togolese’s fallibility as a footballer. He doesn’t work as hard as used to. He has become more and more selfish in his game. Perhaps the praise and adulation showered by fans and pundits alike early in the season has finally got to his head.

Fabregas had the oppourtunity to clinch victory in the final minutes of the game but he too shot straight at the on-rushing Kirkland. Wigan rarely threatened and when they did, they were restricted to shots outside the box which Almunia comfortably dealt with. The bright side of this clash is the return of Robin Van Persie who played the last 30 odd minutes. He getting back to his full fitness would be vital in the run-in.

Aliadiere’s return to Emirates also brought about his first goal against his former employees. There are quite a number of those in the past few years; well most of them were from Anelka. Anyways it was another frustrating match for Arsenal fans. In spite of having the lion’s share of possession, the penetration or rather the lack of it was visible for everyone to see.

Hleb’s play looks lethargic and in need of rest. Fabregas was no longer marauding up to join in on attacks. Adebayor seems to playing only with himself and when he’s done, he passes the ball to Boro players. These players are tired from a very long campaign and a rest every other match wouldn’t hurt.

Boro got their opener from a quick freekick in their own half which should have been called offside as Aliadiere was chasing the initial ball but change direction once he saw Tuncay going for the same ball. Gallas was non-committal in defending and should have cut the cross instead of letting it run through.

From then on, it was a similar story to last season’s troubles. Trailing at home against a side who really only came to defend. Passages of play through the middle was easily dealt with my Wheater and Huth. When the equalizer finally came, it was in the dying minutes of the game. Toure headed the ball in off the corner. There was an oppourtunity to claim victory with another corner but the referee who was never taught to read time decided to blow the final whistle.

4 points lost and the title seemed to be getting further and further away. Perhaps the team still needs another player of two. Perhaps Wenger shouldn’t be too stubborn in terms of the style of play. Perhaps the referee could’ve played another 30 seconds. Perhaps Adebayor shouldn’t cut his hair.

The “what if’s” comes from pure and utter disappointment of a slipping title.