The first match in 2012 ended with a defeat. After leading 1-0 on first half, they gave away the lead and surrender 2-1 to Fulham. There was some optimism Arsenal would able to back to the title race, with 9 points behind Man City and still 17 games to go. However with this performance, I think it would be impossible for Arsenal to win the Premier League. The performance against Fulham in the second half is one of the worst Arsenal display this season, aside from the bad defeat at Old Trafford in the beginning of the season.
The first half was solid, if wasn't spectacular. However, they are lacking of product on the final third. They might have been 3-0 up on the first half. But they only managed to score once, by Laurent Koscielny. It also wasn't really a build-up. Ramsey's deflected cross taken by Koscielny's header, and it was 1-0 for Arsenal's lead. Song, Gervinho, Ramsey, and van Persie had chances to score, but failed to put the ball into the net.
I've been noticing there's always same mistakes in every match : Inefficiency and Complacency.
First one : Inefficiency. Arsenal had many chances in the first half, but only one leading to goal. Theo Walcott, who asked for a wage raise, was very wasteful upfront. He didn't make any successful cross today, and his decision making back to Walcott 2010, unlike Walcott in October-November we had expected. Gervinho also hadn't been sharp enough. It wasn't a new issue. Technically gifted, but not composed enough in front of goal. That what Gervinho had been showing this season. Robin van Persie didn't have the best game of his career - and again if he doesn't score, Arsenal can't win, somehow. Aaron Ramsey too often misplaced through ball, and Mikel Arteta wasn't brave enough to make killer balls.
Second : Complaceny. Almost in every non-winning game for Arsenal starts from this problem. After leading 1-0, the mentality of the player always think they will easily score the second goal. Against Sunderland, Stoke, Wolverhampton, and Fulham, they conceded after leading one nil. Fortunately against Sunderland and Stoke, Robin van Persie came and saved the day again. Against Wolverhampton, they were only able to secure a 1-1 draw. But this time, Arsenal lost 1-2 against Fulham. They deserved the victory, as they played much better than the Gunners in second half.
The encouraging thing from this match is the performance of Francis Coquelin. The Frenchman, who originally plays in Alex Song's position, was strong on the left back, and made couples of good run as well as sturdy defending. His mobility has been his asset too. Despite the last goal come from his side, he couldn't be blamed. It was Squillaci's mistake which led to the goal. This player would have bright future if he can continue playing like this.
Well, this season, Wenger should focused on how aiming for the fourth place, or meaning Champions League next season. With the squad has been hit by injury crisis, it would be wise to dip into the transfer windows, which just opened two days ago. If Wenger bought one or two world class player, Arsenal might back to aim title, but not for now, they were miles apart from the title.
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