Arsenal Wins! British Press Protests

Arsenal pulled out a last second 1-0 victory over Marseille in the Champions League tonight, but the British media is protesting the result, arguing that it undermines their grand narrative for the season (dubbed the "Fall of the House of Arsene"). The press has consistently argued since August that Arsenal is underperforming, that they lack quality, that Wenger must be sacked, that the team can't compete at the highest level and that really they should just accept relegation now to avoid the disappointment of actually playing the remaining 40 or so matches in all competitions. Unfortunately, Arsenal has decided to go off script and actually surge to the top of their group in the Champions League (a feat that only Chelsea can match -- Man City (3rd), Man U (2nd)). But the media hopes to see a quick turnaround to the disappointing form they so adore decrying. 

On a more serious note, how should we judge this result? Well, one thing to consider is the argument that this team has no character or winning edge. The  truth is they have won several games when not playing at their best (including the crucial road game against Udinese and a nervy 2-1 victory over Sunderland last weekend), and I can't remember a recent game they actually won this late. This is huge for our confidence and there were some surprising and heartening performances. Gervinho showed a lot of energy and verve after coming in and either purposefully or serendipitously assisted on the 91st minute goal. Ramsey scored the huge goal, hopefully increasing his confidence going forward on the rebound from his injury. Djourou was actually the key player in setting up the score and was decent on the wing, maybe finding a better home when we do use him. Koscielny was pretty solid in the back (with a few errors) and might have saved a tap in in the second half. The back four kept a pretty good line (I was paying attention), fixing some of the errors that have cost them since the season began. And we won without a goal, or really great performance, from Van Persie -- who seemed a little off today including missing on a relatively easy header; though he was offsides.

Now to the other side of the equation. Santos looked lost for huge parts of the game, making some questionable decisions, missing several passes and seeming a little shaky on defense (particularly in the first half). Mertesacker got beaten relatively easily a couple of times and I really do wonder if he has the quality to lead us out of our defensive malaise. On the other hand, a clean sheet is a clean sheet and our first on the road in the UCL in 3 1/2 years is nice. I also have to join the chorus and say it's time to give Oxlade a chance to supplant Walcott on the wing. Yes Walcott has incredible speed and creates the occasional opportunity, but he should have scored in front of the goal, missed several opportunities for good crosses and just doesn't have the quality in the final third necessary to be a top player week in and out (even as some very smart football analysts like Warren Barton still love him). I think I have to reiterate my point from last weekend -- Arteta is pretty disappointing so far and needs to up his game or find a spot on the bench while others take over. It is clear to me how much we miss Fabergas now as we control the ball in the middle but have a hard time moving forward with any consistency or verve. Jenkinson looked a little better and at least is getting down on the right side and trying to send crosses in, but still has a lot of work to do to get to top flight form. And Song is strong on defense (though almost had one costly mistake) but really does need to think about his attempts at forward passes, as too many are cut off en route. Arsenal looked better on set plays and throw ins (I can't believe how many they have given to opponents this year rather than the simple toss and flip back). They showed nice control of the midfield and had some nice movement forward. But the team is too predictable and slow in its buildup and that hurts us in actually scoring goals. We need to find more creative ways to move forward, use the wings on the approach on occasion and make good crosses and cuts in the box. When I think back to the invinsibles, I yearn for one attack that smooth. 

In a broader sense, it must be acknowledged that this team has a lot of promise for the future, particularly if we can pick up some talent in the winter and summer transfer sessions. Chamberlin, Ryo, Miguel, Frimpong, Campbell, Ramsey, Wilshire and a host of other youngsters mean the future of the club might be quite bright. If we can start climbing up the table again, putting some pressure on Tottenham and Liverpool, I don't think the top four is even close to out of reach for us. But we need to build on our successes and put the best team possible on the pitch. One clear critique of Arsene in recent years is continuing to play players who underperform -- like Bendtner, Dennilson, Arshavin (starting to show glimmers of his old form again) and Djourou (last year). Why haven't we seen Park once? Particularly as he may be the player that killed the Hazard deal last summer and maybe cost us Eden for good. Why hasn't Chamberlin played in the last two games, given his incredible form of late (and Walcott's lackluster efforts)? I'm sure the press will find bad news to cull from the game, but I think we may be on the road to turning things around (without anyone really noticing, we have won 5 of 6, and really lost that darby against the run of play with a bad call thrown in for fun). 

P.S. It's hard not to at least note another bs call from the refs in a UCL game. If that isn't a clear hand ball, what is? We really do get the worst calls of any team I can think of.