I would like to say two things regarding yesterdays defeat to Swansea. 1) Well done Swansea, you outplayed us and never stopped trying to play football 2) Some perspective is needed in regards to where Arsenal stand as a football club right now. It is for this reason that i have pretty much ignored twitter since the defeat, although did see that someone appallingly laid into Ramsey and hopefully there will be repercussions for him or her.
One of the hardest things i have about the defeat yesterday is that it was not surprising, i never truly expected us to win that game, although the early goal certainly gave me belief. I honestly thought it would be a draw as i said in my preview of the game, as it was always obvious that our full backs would struggle. I believe that if we had one fit full back for each side, then we would have not only won the game last night but have seen better results against Fulham and Wolves over the Christmas period. It is amazing how much balance is lost throughout not only the defending side, but also our attacking game. This is however not an excuse as Man Utd have had just as many injuries as us and they are at the top of the league.
Wenger said that we missed some unbelievable chances but from memory i cannot remember a host of great chances. Van Persie had one in the first half which he hit straight at the goal keeper, Mertesacker had a chance in the second half which he poked wide and Arshavin had a couple of chances from outside the box which he should have done better with. Swansea however also had a number of chances to add to their lead and Dyer was always looking dangerous. It wasn't a penalty, but certainly looked like it in real time and it would of been interesting game had they not given it, seeming as they didn't score again until near the 60 minute mark.
Perspective is needed as well due to the fact two games ago, we were sitting 4th and everyone was very happy with the club and our revival. Since then, we have had two defeats and progressed in the FA cup with a very unconvincing display. I don't think we have been playing well for a while now and players are under performing, which is not helping our cause. I called for Arshavin to start the game and he was disappointing in the end, even with the assist. I have never really rated Walcott that highly, he can have outstanding games but a lot of the time can go missing. I am also never confident he is going to get past a player like i am with Gervinho. It is clear from yesterday and the Leeds game that we are going to miss Gervinho badly. Djourou is playing out of position but is not getting the basics right like pushing out of defense after a corner, that is basic stuff that should just come naturally.
Ramsey looks like he needs a rest and we badly missed Arteta today who will hopefully be back for Man Utd along with Vermaelen. If those two are back then you have a much stronger looking defense added to the fact we won't want a repeat of earlier in the season. The trouble we have is that with the 25 man squad rule of which 17 can be non homegrown, places are being taken up by Almunia, Park, Diaby, Chamakh, Squillaci. That is 5 places taken up by players who have hardly played a minute of Premiership football. Then add Arshavin to the list who is under performing and we are already 6 players down without injuries. At the end of the season, a lot of dead wood still needs to be gotten rid of and that doesn't include the likes of Denilson, Vela and Bendtner coming back.
I think we are going to have to huff and puff our way past the last two games of January, i do not expect any signings in the January transfer window but would be pleasantly surprised if there was one. If we can get a draw against Man Utd and beat Villa in the FA cup, then we should be in an alright position to achieve 4th with a potential cup glory along the way as Sagna and Wilshere come back. Not exactly the highest hopes but what will be considered a success after the start we had.
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