Tough Loss for Gunners

Not a good day at the Emirates for the Gunners who gave up two early goals and lost 2-1 to Wigan; as Fergie predicted. The Emirates has been a relative fortress most of the season, but two goals in the first eight minutes turned out to be too much to overcome, even as they attacked throughout. The game could turn out to be even bigger in the pursuit of third or fourth, as Mikel Arteta sustained an injury before the goals that could see him gone for the season. The club hasn't won without him all season and we must also note the absence of Koscielny playing a huge role, as the two early goals were both the result of rather pathetic defending. 

A few thoughts about the game. The first and second goals, in my mind, can be blamed partially on Vermaelen who is getting involved far too far up field too often. In recent games Kos has covered back with Song to make up for a centre half who pushes forward a little too often for my tastes. And why do so so early in a game that we should dominate? The strategy backfired and cost us the early two goal deficit. While some will argue he got one back later in the first half, the damage was done and we never found the equalizer that seemed likely throughout. Another strategic problem for me was our slow build -- as we lacked the creativity to provide many real chances, even as we dominated possession until the end of the game, when Wigan killed it off. I followed Ramsey throughout, and noticed that almost 90% of his passes were either lateral or backwards. Playing center mid that is sometimes necessary, but he needs to get the ball forward at times and seems unwilling or unable to do so. Sagna had a very unimpressive game on the right, contributing to the second goal, being dominated by Moses most of the game and getting in few good crosses. Walcott also had an off day and Van Persie was barely involved. One also has to wonder why Chamberlain is getting so little time on the pitch and why we took off Benayoun, who seemed the most creative player yesterday.

The loss could be devastating if we don't  take care of a resurgent Chelsea on Saturday, as Newcastle, Tottenham and the Blues are all right back on our tales. As Warren Barton noted last week, the Gunners will never challenge for the title until they can stop losing games they should win. The flat loss at QPR was terrible and this performance even worse in my estimation -- as not playing such a high line might have made the final score 1-0 in our favor. Wigan was hot coming into the game and I just don't understand why we had to push everyone so high up the pitch so early. In any case, the game with Chelsea at the Emirates now looms large and could very well determine our fate. With Van Persie spotted dining with a Man City rep and hanging out in the Barca hotel last night after the loss, one cannot underestimate the importance of a top four finish and good signings early in the summer. Dropping out of the Champions League right now could very well spell doom for the club in the short run as RVP leaves and others are less likely to sign. One hopes the club wakes up and finishes strong before it's too late.