Hawaiian Shirts Target Silver Lining as Gap Widens

I am not saying that Arsenal players' took a holiday against Chelsea last week, but some of them were wearing Hawaiian shirts under their kit (apologies to Radio 5). Arsenal played well for 28 minutes and as soon as they conceded some heads dropped. Indeed the biggest problem was that the midfield did go on holiday for the Anelka goal, and then at 2-0 it was all over.

Perhaps the Arsenal fans should be blamed, as they carried on cheering the team at a goal down, and then some at two down. Some sang the "greatest team the world has ever seen" at three down. Perhaps the team began to doubt the sanity of some fans, making them anxious. I stayed to the bitter end but I didn't doubt the sanity of those who left early.

 

Silver Lining? 

Nonetheless, an unchastend Wenger is packing the lads up North on a win win mission. Of course he is expecting to win, but just in case they lose there is a silver lining awaiting. Yes, they will be able to watch a parade by a successful team. According to Wenger this will inspire them to greater efforts next season. Of course Wenger is not bothered that it might make the fans choke.

Gap has widened

Arsenal could be over 20 points behind the leaders after this game, last year they were only 4 points behind the league champions, but in the Crazy World of Arsene Wenger this is known as progress. Now blame the fans if you like Arsene, blame the Credit Crunch, and you may have a point on both, however what you can't claim is that this is some kind of achievement. A team that was 4 points away should have done far better.

Instead, the gap has widened, not just in terms of points, but also in terms of goals conceded and the weakness of the midfield. The gap has widened between midfield and defence. Watching the game at the Grove I am often astounded at the acres of grass between the last defender and the nearest Arsenal midfielder. Teams arrive in our penalty area with one man to beat. They get free shots and headers galore. How often do teams give Arsenal such space?

Yes, the open game is part of the cost of Wenger ball, but it is now becoming an open invitation to score. Why do other teams strikers need fewer chances against Arsenal to score than ours do against them? No our strikers are not worse, it s just that teams do not give them the space that Arsenal allow in return. The Arsenal system is far too generous to the opposition.

The midfield knows how to attack, but does very little to defend. That can work against Portsmouth, but not against the top six. Wenger ball has to adapt or die, and claims that the alternative is boring will not do. Man U defend as a team and attack as a team, they are now the team that is considered exciting to watch by the public and pundits alike.

Change has gotta come

Wenger is now asking for two more years to be judged on; unless he makes some serious changes they could prove to be a very uncomfortable two years.

Yes, he has Arshavin now, and he should be the exception that proves the rule, if one experienced player can make such a difference then imagine the difference two or three more could make. We cannot have a situation that if ever Arshavin can't play we are certain to lose against top opposition, which is exactly what has happened so far.

Whatever happens against United I feel he needs to shed some delusions. Firstly, that he can do it with this group of players. Secondly, that he does not has to teach the midfield and defence how to work together. Thirdly, that fans should put up with players who are not trying.