Arsenal Wins; Chelsea Collapses

The start to 2012 has been a veritable nightmare for the Gunners after returning to the top four in the last breath of 2011. Giving up a lead late and losing all three points to Fulham, tying Swansea only to give up the winner seconds later, a listless draw against Bolton when we had chance after chance and a late loss to hated Manchester United at home when the best player on the pitch was taken off for the little Russian that can't. The only sparkles of hope were a late winner in the FA Cup against Leeds, pushed in by beloved Gunner Thierry Henry in his return, and a wonderful comeback against Aston Villa in the same competition with three straight goals for an important victory that brings hope of finally ending the trophy drought. We went into the game against bottom dwellers Blackburn needing maximum points on Saturday and didn't disappoint.

In fact, with the exception of the 5-3 victory against Chelsea, this was the highlight reel game of the season that might just have rejuvenated our chances of a second half drive back into a Champions League position (we sit only three behind a wobbly Chelsea, though Newcastle and Liverpool are also clearly in the hunt for the coveted $30 million spot). Again Blackburn has one of the most porous defenses in the Premiership and they played much of the game a man down (and without Samba), but pouring in seven goals should do a lot to restore our confidence as we prepare for the toughest stretch of the season. Next up is the rejuvenated Sunderland side that Martin O'Neill has inspired into top form. Then we have the first leg of our Champions League bout against Series A second place squad AC Milan, an away FA Cup game that could vault us into the semis, Tottenham at home, Liverpool in the Kopp, leg two at home then Newcastle and Everton. If we falter in the next five weeks, Wenger's time at the Emirates is surely over, but a good run of form could restore a season that started terribly, sparkled into hope and then started to fizzle a little over a month ago. 

As to the 7-1 drubbing of Blackburn at the Emirates, there were a lot of positives to take from the game. First and foremost for me was a better performance from Walcott on the wing and one of the best showings by Song going forward all season. Chamberlain is quickly becoming our second-best offensive threat and his two goals show that he does have the finishing touch at the top level that he's been showing in other competitions. Van Persie got his hat trick, Arteta threw one in in his return and Henry got a late goal to cap a wonderful day for the team and fans. Looking forward, I think it is clear that we should be seeing a lot more of Chamberlain and very little of Arshavin for the remainder of the season. Rumors are out that Henry might extend his loan for a few weeks and Gibbs appears close to being fit again. Seeing Sagna was also good news and he played solid on the right for the last twenty minutes or so. 

But the game did leave me asking a few questions. Many Gooners including me have been complaining about the form of Ramsey over the past two months and our attack looked much stronger with him out. I wonder if he can get back into form, particularly as Wilshire looks set to miss most or all of the rest of the season, or if he will find himself relegated to the bench (as I think he should be at the moment). I also am thoroughly impressed with Coquelin and wonder if there is a place for him once the injured come back (the answer probably being only to give others rests and as a sub). And when Gervinho returns we will have a serious competition for the two winger positions between Chamberlain, Walcott and the Ivorian -- which I see as good news. While Walcott does show up with some great crosses when he's playing well, I still wonder if he will ever get his instincts right in front of goal (and if not, if it's worth selling him this summer to help fund bringing in a creative midfielder and striker and/or Goetze or Hazard). In any case, a positive win that also restored our goal differential to respectability and which could prove important in such a tight race for fourth.

Finally, a quick note on the weekend's other games. Man City looked strong in taking down Fulham, gaining two points on the chasing crosstown rivals. Man U however pulled off one of those unlikely comebacks that could be demoralizing to a Chelsea squad that just can't seem to find consistency under Villa-Boas. Yes one could argue that Howard Webb again showed his favoritism for MU with the penalty decisions (particularly the second), but when does Chelsea even give up one goal leads in Stamford Bridge in the past? This year has been different and even as the squad looks impressive at times, their age issues (manager too young; too many stars getting old) and lack of consistency could see them be the team to fall out of the Champions League next year. This was the kind of loss that felt a little like our dramatic collapse draw against Newcastle last year that was a precursor to our complete collapse. Chelsea might have too much experience for that kind of fall, but there have been serious questions asked all year. The Tottenham-Liverpool match today was also a little telling, as Liverpool continues to have trouble scoring and Liverpool, with Harry stuck at home watching because of court and jet trouble, seemed intent on just toughing our a point (which they did). Liverpool had the ball most of the game but lacked creativity and a good final ball into the box for most of the fixture, while blowing the few chances they created. Given those results and the Newcastle win, I wonder if it may be Arsenal and Newcastle duking it out for the spot while Liverpool continues to tease and Chelsea falls into the abyss (though for the shorterm). Their pickup of Cahill seems prudent and as the aging stars depart, the new generation and summer signings should probably restore them toward the top -- but for now they certainly seem like a team lacking confidence (and results). Go Gunners!   

P.S. A disappointing admission from Wenger today that they might not have the money to go after Hazard and that the club is expected to make profits in the $15-20 million range. But if they keep marching toward  mediocrity, can they really sustain those profits? If not buying anyone of note in the transfer window costs us $25-30 million, does that make sense? And what big names will play at a club that claims it can't afford 30 million pounds for one of the brightest young stars in the game, after tracking him for years. Can't seem to stay on the positive side of the news with this club this year.