Arsenal Loses, Again!

This might be the straw that broke the Gunners back. The media has been talking about how bad Arsenal is all season and, while they controlled much of the game, they now really do look like a team on the decline. This loss will drop us toward the bottom of the table, means we've already lost to Liverpool, Man U and Tottenham (in addition to Blackburn) and makes it very difficult for us to get anywhere near the top four. A major disappointment to say the least. A few thoughts ...

- We controlled the ball in the midfield well and had some real chances, but as usual they weren't taken. Gervinho should have scored, Walcott had two or three good opportunities and we rarely went wide, where it looked like there were openings. I think Chamberlain is the future on the wing for us and maybe Walcott can be moved to the center, but I am one of those who continues to doubt his decision-making and finishing (particularly in huge games). I think it is also time to say that Gervinho is a disappointment so far this year, though he has scored. He gives the ball up too often and doesn't have the finishing touch at present.
- Two mistakes really cost us huge. One by our goalie (really almost unforgivable) and another by Mertesacker, who looked much better for much of the game, but for the let down against Van der Vaart in the first half. Szczesny really has the potential to be a great goalie, but he needs to do better at times. If he's moving his feet a little, he would have saved the shot.
- The question of creativity in the midfield continues to be huge. Again, we controlled the ball for much of the game, but had a limited number of opportunities and failed to get the ball to Van Persie in dangerous positions. Ramsey looked bad in the first half before scoring the equalizer and looking better in the second in general. Towards the end, the whole team started giving the ball away and it showed the lack of leadership that is costing us huge.
- The back line is a huge problem, as we know, but it is odd to say that Song might be our third best centre back on the team (or maybe second behind Vermaelen).  He has really done a great job in the position in two straight games.
- Coquelin looks to be a talented player and one that could really grow into that defensive midfield position. I like Frimpong, but was really impressed with Coquelin's overall game and his composure.

The reality is that the top four is starting to look very difficult for Arsenal. That means next year we will not play in the Champions League, thus making it harder to get top class players. We need to go on a run right now (even if we do lose to Chelsea and Man City) and be very active in the winter transfer window. I think a Carling Cup or FA Cup are not out of the question and we do look in decent position to move forward out of our group in the Champs League, but really need to find a way to get this team some confidence again. Right now we are like the Cubs ... we find new and exciting ways to lose every time we're on the pitch!