When was the last time Arsenal looked so pathetic?
Today, they were defeated 3-0 away against Manchester City in a game where it could have easily been 4-0 or 5-0 to the blue half of Manchester.
I’ve never seen so many poor passes from Arsenal in one game. Their first half performance was dire. Man City’s play in the first half wasn’t that much better either but it took a defensive error between Gael Clichy and Mikael Silvestre to give Stephen Ireland the opportunity to knock the ball into the back of the net.
In the second half, City replied with two more goals. A beautiful chip by Robinho and a late penalty winner by Daniel Sturridge.
Arsenal deserved to get a goal back in the second half when City goalkeeper Joe Hart lifted the ball into the air before kicking it, but Robin van Persie nicked in and slotted the ball into the net. Unfortunately, referee Alan Wiley disallowed the goal.
There were so few highlights for Arsenal in this game. Whenever Arsenal received the ball, Manchester City players quickly pressured the Gunners to prevent them from playing their sleek attractive passing game. Watching this game, it didn’t really look like Arsenal on the pitch. They were that awful.
I was surprised by the performance of Arsenal. I honestly thought that William Gallas being away from the team would galvanize the players and help them focus on the task at hand. This Arsenal side is desperately lacking experience and, without Cesc Fabregas due to suspension, is missing a true leader.
Arsenal have now lost in the league to Manchester City, Aston Villa, Stoke City, Hull City and Fulham. Before the season started, most people who have put money on the Gunners to win all those games. Now Arsenal languish ten points from first place.
It’s time for Wenger to go back to the drawing board. His decision to start Gavin Hoyte for his first Premier League debut seemed mistimed and a poor decision in hindsight. When Aaron Ramsey came on for Hoyte in the 60th minute, the Welshman made an immediate impression which benefitted Arsenal’s midfield play.
Wenger doesn’t have much time to right the ship. Arsenal plays Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday night in the Champions League. And who is their next Premier League opponent? None other than Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Sunday. Luiz Felipe Scolari will be licking his chops in anticipation.
Arsenal lose, Chelsea and Liverpool draw at home, ManU to come, hmmm does seem everyone is looking ahead to the midweek matchups. Any thoughts on Villa getting something from the Red Devils? Where is that top four dominance gone?
http://www.serieatalk.com/england-on-the-verge-…
AH oui!!!! Arse-anal sucks tits without me yes?
While Arsenal's passing did truly suck, you don't give any credit to the City attack. They have some real talent with Ireland, Robinho, Benjani and SWP and they're finally creating the chemistry that is only going to come with more time together. There was some great ball movement up front for City despite Vassell's crap effort today. They deserved more than 3 sentences in a 500 word recap.
I'm in America where we can't get any bloody coverage of the EPL.
Someone, please please explain what the hell is going on with the Gunners.
Email: brettandjemaine”at”yahoo.com
Wenger is in big trouble
I don't think Gallas had anything to do with it. The squad was woefully shorthanded. Fabregas, Toure, Adebayor, Walcott and Sagna were all out of an already thin squad. It wasn't an “untimely” decision to Start Gavin Hoyte. He had no choice.
Hey jerk, Check out Fox Soccer Channel or Setanta. We get more EPL games on TV than in England.