Arsenal fell behind 1-0 to PSG in the first half, came back
to take the lead in the second and then ceded it with a costly mistake from
Iwobi. Now, given the strange rules of the UCL Group Stage, Arsenal is likely
to finish second behind PSG, even as they have the same number of points and a
superior goal difference. Three thoughts on the game:
1. Arsenal Falter on Biggest Stage Again: Arsenal are still undefeated since the opening day loss to
Liverpool, a streak that has now extended to 18 games. And yet results over the
past few weeks have stamped the momentum that inspired hopes of finally ending
their title drought. Draws against Tottenham at home, a faltering United at Old
Trafford and now PSG at home have tempered expectations among fans too used to
second half disappointment. Against the top teams this season, Arsenal have
lost to Liverpool, beaten Chelsea handily, drawn with both United and the Spurs
and drawn twice with PSG.
In this
game, Arsenal fell behind in the 18th minute, when Blaise Matuidi
blazed down the left channel, beat Jenkinson and then Mustafi and then sent a
perfect weighted pass to the hot Cavani, who finished with a toe poke in front
of Koscielny. PSG were rampant and, but for a few near misses by the Uruguayan,
who has made the number 9 his own in impressive fashion since Ibrahimovic
jumped ship for United, could have put the game out of reach. Instead, Arsenal
struck back on the cusp of halftime, with a clever reverse pass from Ozil
finding Sanchez, who was clipped in the box. Giroud stepped up and added
another goal to his recent streak, leveling things from the spot.
A
fortuitous mistake by PSG’s Verratti in the 59th minute of a more
even second half spell, sent the Gunners into a lead that would have guaranteed
first place in the group. Arsenal began to sit back and a few quality chances
presented themselves to Cavani, but he again fell short of expectation. That
was until the 77th minute, when what looked like a harmless header
from the left-hand side of a corner was steered by Iwobi past his own
goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Both
teams poured the pressure on for the winner, with Wenger subbing in Walcott, Ox
and Xhaka, but none was forthcoming and the Gunners had to settle for a draw
that makes second place their likely finishing place in the group once again,
even as they have gone undefeated in their first five fixtures.
Wenger
must take a little of the blame for the result, again failing to give Xhaka the
start he seems to deserve at this point. Instead Ramsey and Coquelin sat in
front of the back four, unable to get the team out on the break with sufficient
efficiency; the absence of Cazorla continuing to be felt acutely by the side.
Giroud, Ozil and Sanchez played their part, though all three snubbed a couple
of quality opportunities to get in on goal. And Iwobi’s development continues
to be stunted slightly by his inability to keep his cool in and around either
box. His defensive skills are not the reason he is on the pitch, but one must
have the sense to not tip a ball when backwards is the most likely direction it
will fly. On the offensive end, he still lacks the finishing touch and poise to
pick out the right pass. Mustafi, a rock since his transfer, had an off game
himself, partially complicit on both goals. But a point from behind should
never be excoriated with too much vigor.
2. Familiar Script Repeating Itself? On the other hand, Arsenal have finished second in their
group for five years now and, of course, gone out in the Round of 16 each of
those years, plus one more the season before. Since their march to the Finals
in 2006, the Gunners exploits in Europe have become all too familiar – a winnable
group, a slip-up and then an earlier than expected exit. Even with the great
squads of the late 90s and early 2000s, Wenger was never able to accomplish
what the other top managers in the game generally do, winning at least one
European Cup. Given the number of top teams who could find themselves in second
place – including Bayern and Real Madrid – it might not be the worst year to
finish second, but Barcelona could still await them in the first round of the
knockout stage, or another team that will be favored. Another early exit in the
Champions league could suit them this season, if they remain in the title hunt,
but would be another mark against Wenger’s rather suspect record over the past
decade plus.
3. Signs of Steel Amidst the Recent Drop-off: While it is disappointing to drop points from the mouth of
victory, as they have against PSG and Tottenham in recent weeks, it is
important to remember that they were outplayed early and came back to take the
lead after falling behind in this game. Against United last weekend, they
scored late to equalize and against Ludogorets, they came back to win after
being behind 2-0 in the first half. Other comeback points and victories have
occurred this season, including the last second victory over Burnley, and their
only loss almost saw an even more impressive turnaround back in August.
That
sort of steel is what makes champions and while more of these draws need to be turned
into victories, going 18 undefeated is nothing to scoff at, particularly when
they were behind in several of these games. That they have gone on this run
without the services of some of their top stars, from Cazorla and Bellerin
recently to earlier stints on the sideline for Ramsey, Giroud and Coquelin
(among others).
Now
Arsenal have a run of winnable fixtures and need to take full advantage,
building momentum for the second half of the season. They can afford to drop
points to City, if they can take care of Bournemouth, West Ham, Stoke, a struggling
Everton, West Brom and Crystal Palace to round out the year. They also have a
tricky fixture against a tough Southampton in the Capital One Cup next week and
a final UCL Group Stage game at FC Basel in early December. The future could
still well be bright, if Arsenal can avoid the sort of midseason drop-off that
has hurt them in the past.
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