Strong enough?

 I was not over confident that Arsenal would win this one, hence I predicted 1-1, as Swanselona are a top of the division club at home, and a bottom of the division club away. Arsenal don’t beat top of the division clubs anymore, no I don’t count Chelsea, unless they buy in the window. I digress, were we strong enough? Well an experienced German centre back, and Koscielny who is on top form, and Djourou who Wenger seems to rate, promised a reasonable defence.

Song and Ramsey are regulars, Benayoun an experienced Israeli international can hardly be exhausted, up front Walcott an established England International, the red hot van Persie and the Captain of Russia. One possible weak spot the young Miquel, but every team should be able to carry a few youth. Overall this was an experienced team.

On the bench, amongst others Rosicky, Oxlade Chamberlain, and the messiah, so we were hardly down to the bare bones. The idea that we were a weakened team overwhelmed by the transfer riches of Swansea doesn’t wash.

50 – 50 Possession not that good

Statistics never tell the full story, yes overall it was 50 – 50 possesion, but Swansea dominated for the first 60 minutes of the match. They fought harder on and off the ball for the whole match, they often out passed Arsenal, they wanted it more than Arsenal.

Arsenal went 1 up with another fantastic goal from van Persie with another excellent assist from Arshavin, but only 12 minutes later conceded the first goal, on 57 minutes Swansea went ahead. On 69 minutes Djourou put a good ball to Walcott who finished with aplomb. Then Arsenal took the afternoon off to allow Swansea a third. It was not just one lapse, but several, Arshavin gave Ramsey a difficult ball, Ramsey failed to shield it, and Miquel was out of position, so 3-2 it was.

Wenger responded by bringing Oxlade Chamberlain on, but I couldn’t help wondering if that shouldn’t have been done earlier. Henry was not as capable as the Ox at throwing himself into the pace of the game. The Ox looked far more dangerous.

Arsene Wenger sums it up

"That's now twice - at Swansea and at Fulham - where we have given the game away," Wenger told Arsenal Player.  - At our level that is frustrating and not good enough. - We were unlucky with the penalty decision against Aaron Ramsey in the first half. But after that our defensive performance was not good enough. - It is down to a lack of composure and the right decision-making. Today we came back to 2-2 and straight away we gave the third goal away. It is really a concern. It is time for us to wake up and be focused.”

Stewart Robson summed it up as a dubious penalty and two lapses of concentration. All this begs the question why does this team have lapses of concentration? Is it the quality of players, or the training? Is the ethos at Arsenal not able to create a fighting spirit that can remain composed and focussed? It’s easy enough to point out the lapses in focus, we have all seen that over the last few years. It’s the solution that is required, so when Wenger criticises the team he does need to reflect on his own role in that failure. Why can’t he create a team that can concentrate is a question he must ask himself.

Arteta knockers

Those who think Arsenal would play better without Arteta got their wish, but without Wilshere being available it was a matter of being careful what you wish for. Without Arteta the midfield, including Song, struggled hard to avoid being overwhelmed.

A Blip? Four points from last four games or seven from last six

Two losses, a win ground out against QPR, and a draw at home with Wolves, all four points at home and none away. Of the seven points out of six a win against Villa, and a defeat from Man City. However you slice it it’s not exactly a rich vein of form. Is it a blip or is it an indicator of how the season is going to pan out?

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