Many United fans would remember the mauling they gave to Arsenal, the famous 6-1 in which they were rampant, and Andy Cole was playing like a man possessed. Well, for those who have a certain amount of amnesia, or 'mad-cow disease' as I would like to call it, then, August 28th 2011 will be a day to last in memories, and will definitely go down in the history books. Prior to the match, 99% of the fans gave Arsenal absolutely no whisker of a chance. That's exactly how it turned out to be. Mauling, daylight murder, beating, spanking. I think I'm running out of words to describe the events of August the 28th.
United came into the match brimming with confidence, after back-to-back wins with the second edition of the 'Babes', first by the great Sir Matt Busby, and now followed by Fergie's Fledglings. Jones was alongside Smalling in the centre of defense, with Tom Cleverly pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Rooney supported the surprise package of the season, Danny Welbeck. On the other side of the fence, Arsene Wenger had only two players from the starting 11 from last year's fixture, them being Wojciech Szcezsny and Laurent Koscielny. (Djourou did not play in OT last year). Traore started at left back, in place of the injured Kieran Gibbs, and Carl Jenkinson was on the opposite flank due to Bacary Sagna's illness. Aaron Ramsey sat alongside 19 year old Frenchman, Francis Coquelin, who returned from a season-long loan spell with Lorient. Tomas Rosicky was given the free role in behind RVP, who was flanked by the out of form Russian, Andrey Arshavin and probably Arsenal's best player thus far this season, Theo Walcott. I will not dwell on the happenings of the game, because many witnessed it, and it is not at all fun for me even writing this article, so I will go into the effects of it, and what has to be done by 'Le Professor', to stop the bleeding, or whatever you want to call it.
First, and most importantly, I wouldn't point the finger at Arsene Wenger. Yes, he does have a unique way of handling things, but it is too early to jump the gun. The number of players that were missing were staggering, either to injury or suspension. First three games, and Arsenal have more red cards than goals. Gervinho, Song and now Jenkinson will be absent come the next game, but Frimpong should be back. The difference in the performance could be witnessed, the games between Udinese and now United. Gervinho's directness was missed, as Arshavin was quite blunt. In the middle of the park, it was easy to notice that Arsenal were being overrun without Song, though Coquelin tried his best, but after it was 3-0, every Arsenal player's head dropped. Thomas Vermaelen was indeed missed, and his influence is extremely vital if Arsenal want to have to chance to be in the top four this season. Also, I was surprised to see Arshavin start ahead of Ryo Miyaichi, because the Russian dynamo was really disappointing. If half the players mentioned were on the field, Arsenal would have played much better, but then again, I will not go into the "if's and but's".
Next, the lack of incisiveness in midfield was evident. Aaron Ramsey was given too much of responsibility in trying to help Coquelin and also orchestrate the Arsenal attack. With Fabregas and Nasri gone, they lack a cutting edge and the sense of urgency Wenger's side always had. What Arsenal had to do was have the front three interchanging at all times, similar to what the Catalans do. In that way, the marking by defenders can be neutralised, and it makes it easier for the playmaker/s to find their men. Often a time I could see Ramsey caught in two minds on whether to push forward, or hold back and let Rosicky play the offensive part of it. It is without a doubt, that the Czech loves to play in the centre, but he cannot do it alone, plus with him, age is a huge factor. Yes, Jack Wilshere is still in the building, but the boy is just 19 years old. The question remains as to whether he will want to remain at the Emirates if the club is not in the Champions League next season. If it were up to me, I would sign a good striker, someone in the mould of Jermain Defoe, and play RVP behind him. That way, the need of a playmaker can be quelled for now at least, until January arrives. Defoe would be a great signing, plus he's not a starter for Tottenham. A trade with City for Tevez would've been absolutely great but that is almost impossible. There are rumours of Kaka coming in, but it's like clutching at straws really.
If a striker can be brought in, but not Park Chu-Young, because I doubt his abilities to lead the Arsenal line, then Arsenal could be firing again. Another name I can think of is Karim Benzema, but he would cost at least 30 million, and Wenger is not going to spend that amount for a single player. If Arsene doesn't want to sign a striker, then he has to play Walcott through the middle and let RVP be the link. That however means that either one of Arshavin, Miyaichi, or Alex Chamberlain has to play on the right, and I would play Chamberlain anytime, with Miyaichi on the opposite flank. If that happens, then the Gunners' attack will be full of pace and guile, but then again, nothing is without a backbone. The Defense.
Last night, Arsenal's defense was comparable only to that of the Malaysian National Team. That leaves only one word to describe damn. Mediocrity at its finest hour, or in this case, ninety minutes. Djourou was AWOL was most of the game, and Carl Jenkinson was caught out of position more often than not, getting a shellacking from Walcott in the process. The young defender was finally exposed at Old Trafford, after the rave reviews he got from pundits and fans alike. There might be a need for a left back, though the fish in the sea are decreasing by the hour. It ain't my job to look for players, but I would recommend Marcelo from Real Madrid, but then again, this article would never reach Mr Wenger. Gary Cahill MUST be brought in, along with Chris Samba, because I think Phil Jagielka is overpriced. (What will Wenger think?).
The bottom line is, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger must've been awaken from their siesta, because never in my life have I witnessed the team that I love get thrashed and bullied in such away. Sure, most players weren't there and what not, but in the end of the day, it was Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal. My advice to Wenger is not to take this too hard, but learn from it. Maybe he woke up on the wrong side of bed, but this cannot, and should not happen again. The international break could be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal, and for the first time in a while, United have started very well. In the past, they have stuttered at the beginning, but picked up after January. For the sake of the Premier League, let's just hope that the tables have turned this time around.
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