I rued the line-up when it flashed on the screen.
Bale vs Jenkinson
Scott Parker/Dembele vs Ramsey
Anybody else vs Giroud
Man for man, Arsenal looked like they were at a losing end. And we're already discounting the advantage of the home side's 12th man. In what way is Ramsey (I nicknamed him lousy) better than Rosicky, a matured, proven international player, the little Mozart who influenced Arsenal into winning ways last season? The former loses possession cheaply, is useless down the wings, does not have any strong attributes and is of little impact in an Arsenal midfield. What justifies that he starts games more frequently than Rosicky? I have simply no clue (by the way lousy started because Diaby was injured).
The first 35 mins was surprisingly evenly matched, with Arsenal creating a few chances, only to be spurned by the ineffective and wasteful Giroud, and Bale in a more central role therefore making Jenkinson a more relieved man. I thought Jenkinson was a menace attacking down the right with his pace and crossing, and Mertesacker dealt with high balls and Adebayor pretty well. However, a lapse of concentration and miscommunication from Arsenal's backline resulted in 2 quick fire, identical goals that rocked Arsenal's stability. A defeat to long time bitter rivals loomed. The defeat could potentially spell calamity in Arsene's many years of strong foothold in North London - the race for 4th place would open up to 7 points (with 11 more games). Never has Monsieur Wenger finished below Tottenham.
On 51 mins, the under-credited Mertesacker brought the game back with a set piece goal. Arsenal fans were stoked. Tottenham seemed comfortable to play defence and hit on the break, and we kept on pushing, but Tottenham was well organised. Giroud was really anonymous at the front and when I saw Rosicky warming up, I thought the obvious choice was to either have Walcott spearhead the attack (and Rosicky down the right), or remove the non-influential Lousy. And here's why I think Wenger has blown his mind - off went Jenkinson. WHAT?! That move meant Lousy would slot into right back - DOUBLE WHAT?!?! Didn't I just iterate Lousy was lousy? How is he better at right back where his natural (albeit poor) position is central?! How is Lousy to cope with the blistering pace and sharp movements of the in-form Bale?!
To be fair, Lousy had a very good 1 on 1 chance with the keeper (assist from Rosicky) but he took too much time on the ball and if his shot hadn't hit Assou Ekoto, it would have been off target anyway. To be critical, there was once (1) Lousy had time down the right to cross into the box with Giroud threatening, and HE BLASTED IT SO BAD THE BALL WENT FOR A THROW-IN ON THE LEFT. (2) A counter attack from Tottenham released Siggurdson in space on the left edge of the box where Lousy should have tracked back. WENGER ARE YOU READING THIS? If I, only a football fan behind the tv screen, can spot all these mistakes from Lousy game after game, and you a keen eye for talent and potential I don't doubt, fail to penalize Lousy I ponder!!
Vermaelen was by his standards, poor. Wilshere and Carzorla were trying. Walcott was neutralized. With only seconds to go, Arsenal had the opportunity to level the game with the last kick of the game by Sczescny from deep. The ball pretty much summed up Arsenal's season. It was cleared off easily by Tott's defenders (3 white against 1 red). There was simply no desire to go for the ball. A lack of fighting spirit, lack of leadership on the pitch, a lack of competition for starting places I dare say, Arsenal probably does not deserve 4th place.
Tottenham fans were singing "Wenger, we want you to stay". It's high time for a change. 8 years without silverware and imminently, 9. Good bye, Professor.
