from
the bunker
Ashburton
Grove
Referee:
Lee Probert
Arsenal
0-1 Manchester City 29
November 2011
Aguero
[83]
When
the line-ups were released for this match I have to say I had a cheeky feeling
we just might sneak this one. I had no idea that we would put in such a massive
shift all over the park and after 90 minutes feel hard-done by to lose by a single
strike from one of City’s plethora of high-priced attacking players.
From
the outset it looked as though Mancini’s tactic was to keep us at arms’ length
until the later stages, then bring on some of his even bigger guns to try and finish
us off. This was never more evident than in the dozen or so passes to
Pantilimon over a period of about 2 minutes early on, most of which came from
Savic. That tactic, it appeared would get turned on its head somewhat, because
we made a strong start and it was apparent we would give them a match.
Yossi
Benayoun was dynamic and full of running, working manfully to pull the strings
from midfield. It was a nice touch by Wenger to give him the armband and he
rose to the occasion with an inspirational performance that said everything
about his professionalism and dedication to the Arsenal cause. Contrast that to
the recent appearances by Arshavin. Whereas Yossi looks motivated and
determined to fight for his place, Arshavin continues to look uninterested. It
is telling that despite playing so often and recently in clear need of rest,
Gervinho was the first to arrive from the bench.
The
other standout display came from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who put in a
better-rounded shift than previous outings, showing a willingness to get
involved defensively with an added resilience when on the ball. Not everything
he did came off, but he worked the City keeper on a few occasions with some
fiercely hit drives. It was especially pleasing to see him display equal venom with
either foot. At one point after a move from the Ox the cameras cut to Walcott
in the stand as if to say ‘are you watching Theo?’ There is some work yet to do still for the
youngster, but his progress is palpable. It would seem Premier League minutes are
not far off.
That
Aguero was brought on so early indicates the threat our second team posed to
the gazillionaires’ mercenary club. His impact was largely corralled by an
effective rearguard action that reinforced the recent changes in defensive
training mooted by Szczesny over the last week.
Speaking
of that substitution, if the sight of Nasri praying and looking cowed before
kick-off didn’t say enough, the androgynous
benchwarmer appeared relieved to be taken off, only to realize he wasn’t
being substituted [Note the shirt color. Coincidence? I think not]. He didn’t
fancy it one bit and his part in the goal celebration underscored his relief at
escaping the Grove with something to brag about.
City’s
goal came on a corner when we sent too many men forward and were caught out by
some quick movement and thinking by Dzeko and Adam Johnson. Aguero was put in
clean by a deft flick from the City winger and he had a very simple finish
indeed past Fabianski, who reminded us why he’s called ‘flappy’ with some poor
efforts in the first half. Ultimately we
were guilty of trying too hard to win
the game.
After
Aguero scored he got shirty with just about our entire backline, one at a time.
It is fitting that his nickname-sake looks like a little turd.
Having taken a swipe at Vermaelen that failed to make contact, it became clear
the only thing missing from that nickname is a “T.” However the big vanny award still goes to
Nasri who, in addition to getting denched off the pitch, got denched down the
tunnel to boot apparently.
Mani
I dub thee Frimpong the Damaja. He
utterly shackled Nasri and along with Coquelin bossed a midfield boasting Nigel
De Jong [World Cup finalist] and Owen Hargreaves [two time Champions League
winner] in addition to the Arsenal deserter. The way these two kids hunted the
ball and surged forward after regaining possession bodes very well indeed for
their Arsenal futures. Both would be very adequate understudies to Song. They
each provide something different. Frimpong is the more like-for-like cover at
the DM position, whereas Coquelin is more capable of attacking. His movement
and first-time cross early on for Park’s shot was superb.
A
word about the strikers. It was interesting to see Park and Chamakh paired
together, but in the end neither took their chances. Park came closest, forcing
an outstanding save from Pantilimon on the aforementioned opportunity, but
otherwise he appeared a little slow in thought. I still feel he has something
about him that reminds me of Eduardo, who also took time to settle. Still, how
long before he actually starts making a dent on the manager’s league plans?
Chamakh
put in a great deal of effort and energy, was involved as well in Park’s early
effort with some nice hold up play and a great pass out wide to Coquelin, but
otherwise his first touch was leaden and he really tends to kill our attacking
momentum. He refuses to face the goal with the ball and was caught sleeping
criminally on Gervinho’s late cross that could have sent the match to extra-time.
In
the end, it is probably better that he didn’t take that goal, because it would
seem any further involvement in this competition might force Van Persie’s
presence when his talents and fitness are better applied to the league and
Europe. But the lack of adequate attacking talent in reserve was on startling
display in both matches this week. Wenger would be well served to take action
in January. I have a feeling he just might.
It
really is quite something to have lost to a major rival on one of only two
attempts on target, especially given the vast gap in spending on the two
starting XI’s, and still feel a sense of vindication in the quality of our
squad. In fact, we outplayed City for long stretches of the match, particularly
in the second half, and before their goal it looked as though there would be
only winner. It was a display to be proud of from an increasingly resilient
Arsenal---full of energy, commitment and drive to win. It is hard to keep
saying that it is a nice surprise to see the change in attitude, because it is
evident in every match. We have developed a real consistency with these kinds
of performances, so much so that it makes taking a result like this on the chin
just that much easier.
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