The game at the Emirates between Arsenal and Liverpool promised much, and to an extent, delivered somewhat. Liverpool came into the game carrying a couple of injuries which forced Kenny Dalglish to field the same team as on Monday against Man City. John Flannigan started at right back, while Jay Spearing took his place alongside Lucas in the middle of the park. For Arsenal, the situation was slightly different as they welcomed back the defensive duo of Johan Djourou and Wojciech Szczesny. That meant that Jens Lehmann and Sebastian Squillaci returned to the bench. I won't bother wasting more time with a match report so let's head to the aftermath and what should be taken out of the game.
Firstly, Arsenal headed into the game needing a win and nothing less. Liverpool somewhat needed the same result to keep their hopes of finishing in the top 5 alive. So, the final result really did not help either cause, but the Merseysiders went home the happier side, stealing a point, with the last kick of the game, in the 101th minute. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, nor did I make a mistake. This was all courtesy to a trio of injuries, to Carroll and Carragher, sandwiched between Eboue, all in the space of 5 minutes in the beginning of the second half. For the neutral, the game and drama could not have been bettered by any other, though there are ones which are completely mind-boggling.
What Dalglish did on the day worked out in the end, though in the first half, Liverpool were over-runned and were hanging on by their fingertips. In a way, the substitution of Andy Carroll did help them, as Luis Suarez was deployed more centrally, and Dirk Kuyt was given a role to sort of be the battering ram, thus freeing up space for Suarez. In the first half, this didn't work as the Uruguayan was put on the left of a three-pronged attack, with Kuyt on the opposite flank.
As usual at the Emirates, chances came and went for the home side, and they couldn't figure of a way to get past the opposing team. Robin Van Persie couldn't get out of third gear, Fabregas didn't really turn up, though there were a couple of good passes from him, but not enough to be in the Barcelona team. Samir Nasri on the other hand, looked like he was going to cause the Reds problems every time he had the ball. One player who really is turning heads at the moment, is none other than Abou Diaby. The Frenchman excelled in the defensive-midfield role, and was immense in the middle of the park. Comfortable on the ball, he also could put his foot in when required, and his pace is a real asset, more so than Alex Song. However, I'm surprised that Arsene Wenger did not give Theo Walcott to trouble Liverpool debutant Jack Robinson more in the second half. In a game where defenders tend to sit deep, pace will always trouble them.
Also, the inclusion of Nicklas Bendtner on the right again leaves me flabbergasted. The 'Great Dane' is at most a bit-part player at the club, but in times of desperation, he is called upon to sort of be a game-changer, or hero. This decision leaves people more dumb-founded when you have an experienced target-man on the bench in Maroune Chamakh. I know that Arsene is his own man, but at times, he is just too stubborn. For a great manager like him, he has to find way past teams who come to the Emirates and defend deep. If the 'tippy-tappy' football doesn't work, then it must be changed. I'm not saying that he has to change his tactics and throw out the current one. In football, adaptation is crucial, as it will be the difference between champions and also rans. Most pundits criticise players of not being able to adapt to the a different league quick enough, but this season especially, Wenger has witnessed teams that visit the Emirates play a similar style. His failure to adapt his tactics has cost Arsenal huge this season. For instance, the Cup Final was exact, where Birmingham defended resolutely, the FA Cup where Sir Alex played seven defenders and hit Arsenal on the counter, numerous occasions in the earlier stages of the Cup competitions when Arsenal were forced into unnecessary replays. Presently, in the league, the story has been no different. Four of the last five league games have ended in draws for Arsenal, and no matter what anyone says, that is nowhere near Championship winning material. Sunderland, West Brom, Blackburn and now Liverpool have all managed to stifle the Arsenal play, and Wenger has still refused to adapt his style of play.
For example, Sir Alex and Jose Mourinho are pioneers at adapting their teams to exploit their opponents weaknesses so that teams will find it harder to read their style of play. Hence, versatility is extremely key. I just feel that if Arsenal want to get to that next level, which will see them win something, they have to adapt and be versatile. Otherwise, ten years from now, we will be saying the same thing.
Till next time,
Goodbye
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