Arsenal 6 - Blackburn Rovers 2: Irresistible flaws.

13 years under the Wenger administration, the Arsenal fans have become used to attacking football painted by artists. This afternoon, the same applied, the football that was produced was akin to football produced on the continent. This team is filled to the rafters with midfield technicians of the high quality, Rosicky-Arshavin-Nasri when he returns-Diaby, and the chief protagonist Fabregas. On this display, it is no wonder the team has been able to score 24 goals in 7 matches. All praise for the attacking style shown.


The downside though is probably something I keep mentioning, the midfield is not compact in defensive motions. The opposition seem able to pass easily around the halfway and 10 m behind, with no applied pressure around them and sufficient space to think for a pass. The use of a 3 man midfield also has repercussions for the defence, the prevalence of one-on-one duels, which if the opposition win, they are in on goal. The full backs as well today were not in good form, the crossing poor as usual,and lax defending, especially Sagna, who of late looks like he is in a comfort zone with the casual approach he takes at times.


In terms of the championship race, the result today means little, Arsenal beat Rovers 4-0 twice last year, so they were expected to smash them again today and pick up the obligated 3 points. Wenger needs to rectify the faults though on show today if he wants to get a team to be consistent and efficient unit able to attack and defend in equal quantities.


Player Ratings


Mannone 5: Two goals let in, probably his last match for a while as Almunia 'recovers'. Not much he had to do.

Sagna 4: Bad crossing, bad defending, what has happened to the Sagna of Auxerre and two seasons ago? He has become casual in his approach and isn't looking to improve his level.

Gallas 5: Not as commanding as he can be, probably thinking of skippering France in the upcoming matches as Henry may not play.

Vermaelen 6: Defensive lapse allowed a cheap goal, stunning strike to equalise, after that coasted through, lets hope he tries to maintain his level for a very long time.

Song-Billong 6: Good link man today, however needs extra work tactically to compensate for his low mobility. Needs to work with Fabregas and Diaby, you need to defend as a collective, not individually.

Diaby 5: Flashes of skill, but today he has seen what he is up against with the performance given by the other attackers, and with Nasri to return, this is another chance he has spurned. Needs to work as a collective when defending.

Fabregas 7: 3 assists, 1 goal, top performance by the captain. However needs to show the same aptitude in defensive motions where all the work is being left to Song-Billong. If he works on his defensive game, he will be a much better player.

Rosicky 6: Getting close to full fitness, however his maturity and genius influence is there for all to see. Get fully fit and he will be a major asset.

Arshavin 6: Nice goal, and more involved today than he has been all season, maybe warming up for the German invasion next week.

Van Persie 7: Nice goal, varied the points of attack, some nice build up work too. Will need to work on his poaching skills though in the future.

Walcott 5: Not on long, but long enough to score. Bigger thighs as well.

Ramsey 5: Also not on long, but some really delicious passing and appreciation of space.

Bendtner 5: Also not on long, 2 chances, 1 goal. 1 aimless run showing he wasn't on the same wavelength as his team mates.



Trainer Rating


Wenger 8. Deployed all his weapons where they should be, never interrupted them in the game as well, and some good substitutions. However maybe he could tell the team to close down more aggressively to ensure the opposition have no breathing space. Also could have instructed them to slow the game down more after the 4th goal and to be more compact and see the result out. Gets extra marks as well today for staying as long as he had, 13 years is a long time, lets hope the trophies come back soon.