United post match thought

Arsenal salvaged a point in Old Trafford despite in overall United dominated the game, especially in the first half, when the Gunners could not able to create single attempt at all. Arsenal were able to equalized, thanks to Tyler Blackett's own goal from Theo Walcott's cross. Arsenal remains on the 3rd place with 71 points from 36 games, while United stays on the 4th place with two points less but one game played more than Arsenal.

Generally, Arsenal were being second best and United controlled the possession. The introduction of Walcott and Wilshere on the mid of the second half rejuvenated the Gunners' performance. Only after this substitution - with United looked tired as the game wore on - Arsenal looked threatening.

United vs Arsenal Stats 

Source: espnfc.com

There are several take-ons from this game

1. Stagnant Line-up

Same Line-Up, yet again

Yet another unchanged line-up named by Wenger for this match: Ospina; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis; Giroud. It has been the same for the recent weeks despite blip in Swansea. While I understand Wenger wants the first team to settle, I would say changing one or two players per game would not do harm. Not changing the line-up could potentially give the sense of safety of the starters, giving them complacency and I think this might be the reason on the decline of the performance on the last two matches. If they know their place in the starting line-up is not safe, they would fight more for it instead of feeling safe because the manager keeps playing same team. 

Rotation could help Arsenal to prevent injury as well as to help the jaded players. Cazorla could do good with having one game off as he is one of the most played midfield this season, and so could Alexis. David Ospina is a good keeper, but I feel on the last two games he could do better. Szczesny did make mistake on the earlier of the season, but I think we could give him more chance. He has a faster reflex compared to Ospina and with a taller height, he has a longer reach. I feel he could have prevented Gomis' goal last week and also Herrera's shot today.

2. Aaron Ramsey is NOT a right winger

Aaron Ramsey has been deployed in the right side of midfield for the last six games, and he already expressed that he would prefer to play centrally. This match showed clearly that he is more dangerous from the middle rather than playing from the wing. After Walcott and Wilshere coming in for Bellerin and Cazorla. Ramsey and Wilshere played in the middle and the flow of the game getting better. Last season, Ramsey was our best player and he was doing that from the middle.

After the Wilshere and Walcott coming in, Coquelin moved to right back and Ramsey partnered Wilshere in the central of the park

I would say we could afford to rotate Santi Cazorla - who looked very ineffective - in the middle of the park and give Ramsey the game from his preferred position. From that position he influenced the game more and started the equalizer from his long range pass to Walcott. He was also involved in at least three attacks on the final 15 minutes when he plays from the middle, while he was struggling to make impacts from the right flank.

3. Challenging for Title

Maybe Thierry Henry is right, this team needs few players to win the title. Olivier Giroud might be banging goals few weeks back but he looks short of ideas in the recent weeks. Now I might agree with Thierry Henry about additional striker Arsenal need before they can challenge for the highest prize. Giroud is not a bad player, but he is a very static striker. His movement is not the best, especially because his pace could not help him. 

There were some occasion where there was a lot of spaces behind United defender and David da Gea, but then we could not sent a decent through pass to Giroud because he was too slow to race with the defender. He would be useful to break the deadlock against the team defending very deep as he provides decent flick. But he could do better in his final touch as he wasted at least two golden chances today. A pacy striker who has a great touch would be useful for us in the team. He could complement Giroud, or in the other tactics, he could be upfront alone.

Another thing is consistency. He could hit the best form in five games before switched off for the next few games. That what happened this season and last season. 

5. Hector Bellerin's Inexperience

Ashley Young run rampant from the left flank, leaving Bellerin exposed due to his inexperience. He has done quite well this season, but seeing him run ragged by Young showed that his inexperience in the big match. Mathieu Debuchy has a better defending compared to the Spaniard, but Bellerin is still 20 years old and there is still more from him. He could do better in defending, especially against tricky winger like Young.

To sum up, this crucial one point through a lucky game made us could comfortably finish third, but there is room for improvement in the next game. 

PS: Sorry for not writing for a long time. Gonna try to be more consistent with writing.

Post Match Thought on Everton vs Arsenal.

Arsenal grabbed a hard-earned point in the Goodison Park after they scored two late goals via Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud. Everton, for most of the time, was the better of the two teams, but two decisive moments changed the game, especially after Arsene Wenger introduced Santi Cazorla and Joel Campbell in expense of Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. 

Few take outs from the game.

1. A striker is needed in the team

Olivier Giroud, we need him 

photos from theguardian.com

Like it or not, Arsenal's current system need Olivier Giroud, or at least a support striker. With Alexis playing upfront in the first half, Arsenal can't really build up the play, as no one waiting in the box to receive the ball. As Everton played tightly at the back, Alexis was forced to drop very deep, leaving empty space on the box, thus every time Arsenal got a decent position on the flanks, they have no one to aim for. It was an easy job for Everton to defend from that kind of attacks. This is however, changed with the presence of Giroud. A pivotal target man, who even like to drop deep, he tends to wait in the box. This unsettled Everton's defence, especially after the introduction of Cazorla and Joel Campbell. Two of the goals for Arsenal came from the crossing and it's no coincidence that the goals came after his introduction.

I'm not saying we don't need more striker. Giroud is a great striker at its best but he often had a day off, while Sanogo is too raw. An addition striker is welcomed but I feel like we need a quality defensive midfielder who can play as a defender more than a striker.

2. Midfield Compositon

I feel strange that Wenger keeps playing Jack Wilshere in the starting line-up despite not playing well recently. Despite playing well in the Community Shield, Jack lost his form on his last three games. Seeing how we play better with Cazorla on the hole, Wenger might want to think to sacrifice the Jack for Santi, even though he's a bit inconsistent. Though I hope Wilshere can do a Ramsey after discovering a great form through serial of criticism in the first team.

In addition, I see Ozil wasn't really comfortable playing down the left wing today. It's true that he was played on the same position in German National Team and he likes to run through flanks when he is played on the hole. However, playing on the wing gave you extra responsibility to track back the winger, and in this game Ozil lost the plot when he let Coleman took the cross that lead to the opening goal. I hope Wenger would put Ozil back to the number 10 role, and give him the freedom he would like to have. I don't want to see Ozil doing an Arshavin who was forced to played out wide and lost his confidence and touch.

3. Inconsistency

It was another inconsistency shown by the squad as they crumbled on Everton's fluid attack on the first half and could've scored more than two goals, but lucky they didn't. It was not only about the team or the strategies, but also the individuals that plays for the team. Each of them can play really well in one game but invisible for the next game. Giroud, Sanogo, Cazorla, Wilshere. These are at least four names I remember playing well in one game and disappears in the next game, or vice versa. This is a vital area Arsene Wenger must think of how to solve as this would be the most critical issues to win the League.

Post Match Analysis

So the curtain for the Premier League has raised for the new season, and Arsenal started the campaign by defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the Emirates Stadium. It was much harder than people would expected, especially after Palace's manager, Tony Pulis resigned just two days before the campaign. Palace even got a lead on their first corner of the game when Brede Hangeland headed the ball to the far corner, 0-1. Laurent Koscielny levelled the scoreline just before the break when he made a great header from Alexis Sanchez' freekick, 1-1. When everyone thinks the game would end in a draw, Aaron Ramsey made an important goal, as he slotted the ball from the close range after Julian Speroni parried Mathieu Debuchy's shot. The final scoreline is 2-1 for Arsenal's victory

There are few points I'd like to highlight from this game.
1. Santi Cazorla didn't have the best game today, though he is much better in the central position after the introduction fo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Crystal Palace marked Cazorla really tight, not giving him the space he wants, and he struggled throughout the game. He is forced to play deep or wide when he played on the wing. However, he might not playing centrally very often as Ozil is coming back next week.

2. Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal is quite impressive in this game. Both acts as auxiliary wingers on the match as Arsenal pushed for the goal. Debuchy looks an upgrade for Sagna in terms of attacking and his off-the ball movement is impressive. Nacho Monreal was solid after Kieran Gibbs limped off injury, and combined very well with Alexis and Cazorla, bombing on the left wing and sending few dangerous crosses.

3. It was a bad set piece defending on the conceded goal. No one is lurking on the far post, plus they lost Hangeland on the process. We've been doing zonal marking, but we suffered this when Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud not on the pitch.

4. Olivier Giroud was much improved from the pre-season defeat against Monaco. He looked sharper upfront, and held the ball well. Especially against smaller teams who sat deep to defend, I think it's better to play Giroud on the solo striker as we won't be able to see much spaces behind the defender, something that Sanogo is better than Giroud. As the opposition sat deep, Arsenal would need someone who can flick the ball and attack the cross, and in the squad, there's no one better doing that than Giroud now.

5. In the past few years, we've been seeing Arsenal conceded in the final minutes, but from the last year it's more often that we found equalizer or winner on the final minutes, showing that we have that right mentality to challenge for the title. Late at the game is one of the most crucial moment that would differentiate between title challenge and title winner. Credit to Crystal Palace who was very well organized and strong in defence, only to beat by a decisive tap-in by Aaron Ramsey on the second half injury time.

In short, it was not the best performance by Arsenal, but what matters most is the three points. With the trio Germans is yet to come, expect an improvement in coming weeks, especially when Mesut Ozil comes to the team. However, I'd still hope that Wenger brings a world-class, tenacious defensive midfielder, a different type of midfielder from Mikel Arteta, to add steel to the midfield, especially against big team.

West Ham - Arsenal Post Match Thought

Arsenal grabbed a nervy win at Upton Park as they came from behind 3-1 against West Ham squad who last week knocked out Sp*rs from League Cup. Arsenal dominated first half but failed to score any, but West Ham opened the score just after the break after Charlton Cole capitalized Wojciech Szczesny's mistake. The polish keeper spilled Kevin Nolan's shot and gave West Ham lead. Arsenal struggled to find equalizer as West Ham as the home team defended well, and even they nearly scored twice which went wide from the target. However, Podolski introduction changed the game, as Theo Walcott equalized few minutes after that, as West Ham keeper Adrian failed to make a routine save on Walcott's tame shot. Podolski made a wonderful cross headed by Theo Walcott to make it 2-1 for Arsenal. Podolski impact was not only there, he sealed three points from a stunning finish on the 79th minutes, a lay off from Olivier Giroud.

West Ham - Arsenal stats
photos from Worldwide Arsenal Fans

It was a really nervy game for Arsenal. We might have dominated the game, but West Ham got some great chances as our defending was not as tight as usual. Arsenal really suffered defensively especially after West Ham opened the scoreline. Lucky they were not clinical in front of goal and we were able to find the equalizer before they scored another one.That equalizer was the turning point of the game. Arsenal dominated the possession and chances more and West Ham looked losing confidence. Only three minutes between Walcott first and second goal showed the impact of that equalizer, and after that West Ham lost the plot. It was a nice mentality test to see whether Arsenal can challenge for title or not. Coming from behind is a definite trait a champion must have and it's good to see Arsenal showed it today.

There are few players I would like to talk about on this game.

1. Santi Cazorla

Santi Cazorla enjoyed a fairly good game, and he looked much more sharper in the middle. He started on the left side but shifted after Podolski replaced injured Ramsey. Cazorla was playing in the Ramsey role for few minutes before Flamini's entrance, but he looked much more comfortable there instead of playing wide. He was not bad in the wing but in his natural position in the center he can stamp his authority on the game, getting space between midfield and defend and spraying the passes. If he continues playing like this, Wenger might be forced to play Ozil on the wing and Cazorla played centrally. 

2. Lukas Podolski

What an impact for a player who has been away from the team for few months, one goal and one assist. He offered more direct play and width compared to Cazorla and Wilshere, who are naturally a central attacking midfielder. He can play centrally as a striker, if Wenger decided to bench Giroud. In addition, Podolski is a more clinical finisher compared to Giroud, although he can't offer aerial strength like the Frenchman. His return can give more depth for Arsenal to challenge for the title, and give Wenger some option to rotate the starting line-up.

3. Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud badly need rest. He had failed to score in recent weeks, and what worse is how clinical he is in front of goal. I don't mind if you don't score because the keeper is somehow playing very well and denying all your chances, but Giroud missed the chances because he miskicked or were unable to react quickly for the ball. Yes he deserved some credit for working hard but he looked short of sharpness in front of goal and, Bendtner or Podolski deserved to start upfront. Who knows with benching him, he can get back his sharpness? Remember Szczesny last season benched against Bayern and got a good form after that.

4. Aaron Ramsey

The only bad thing after the match is that Ramsey was brought off because of injury. Yes he hadn't been playing that well in recent games, but he is our best player in 2013 and we still need it for the next few games. 

This result brought Arsenal to the top, at least for few hours, but they might stay longer should Liverpool failed to beat Manchester City away (I hope so). That would be a perfect Christmas present for all the Gooners: Top of the Table one more time! 

Arsenal's Transfer Rated

It was half season already, and Arsenal - once again - underwent drastic changes. Robin van Persie, whom Wenger build the team around, went to rival, Manchester United, and Wenger was forced to rebuild his team. Alex Song, another importang player in last season, was sold to Barcelona in a cheap transfer fee, only around 15 million pounds.

Wenger had anticipated the departure of van Persie, by signing Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, even before Robin van Persie declared himself that he would leave. However, for Alex Song case, Wenger didn't buy direct replacement, instead he bought Santi Cazorla, and with the return of Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta was pushed into a deeper role, as a deep lying playmaker, a position which Song played last season.

Permanent Transfer

IN :
Olivier Giroud (Montpellier)
Lukas Podolski (FC Koln)
Santi Cazorla (Malaga)

OUT :
Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
Alex Song Billong (Barcelona)
Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad)
Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest)
Manuel Almunia (Watford)
Kyle Bartley (Swansea)

 1. Olivier Giroud

He came from Montpellier with a big burden to replace the talisman Robin van Persie, and he even admitted came to Arsenal at the wrong time. He could be said disappointing, only because he was compared to brilliant van Persie. People had forgotten that he was not the same player like van Persie. He is even a different type of player from RvP. Giroud is an old-fashioned, but hardworking targetman. He might not possess the flair, but he is aerially strong and could hold the ball well, and if he is provided good support, he could be deadly, like he did in Ligue 1 last season, becoming the top scorer.

He endured torrid spells in few first games, made some awful miss against Sunderland, Chelsea, and also Manchester United. However, he did improve few games after that, and after opening his goal account against Conventry, he scored two goals against Fulham and one against Tottenham, plus setting up two goals against Montpellier, which ensures Arsenal qualify to next round.

 Olivier Giroud after his first Arsenal goal

(photos from telegraph.co.uk)

The problem now is the team selection. He is not guaranted starter, as Wenger sometimes even prefer lacksture Gervinho starts upfront instead of him. Theo Walcott, who stated that he wants to play centrally, finally started the game in central against Reading, and he did well in that game, a possibility which would restrict his first team appearance. 

Seven goals from 24 appearances in total, 4 goals in the league from 16 games, is not the best thing you can get from the striker. However, given that this is his first season, and often he held the ball well during the game to open the space for the team mates, Olivier Giroud has arguably done a decent job.

TRANSFER RATING : 7 / 10

2. Lukas Podolski

Signed from relegated FC Koln, Podolski is another player expected to replace van Persie, beside Olivier Giroud. The Gooners saw it, both of them had a wonderful left foot and capable of scoring beautiful goals, both of them is the talisman and captain of the club last season, and Podolski had more than 100 caps in his bag. He easily become one of fans favourite after a good starts, as he scored one against Liverpool and a screamer against Southampton. However, he had been inconsistent, and failed to keep his good form throughout October and November - despite scoring a wonder goal against Montpellier. 

He is no natural left winger - he declared himself would prefer play in the central position , but Wenger had been using him in the left flank, and only started in the central in the first game against Sunderland. He often plays cutting inside, and is very composed in one on one with keeper, complemented with good first touch, but sometimes his shooting from left hand side is too often wide from the target. However, his crossing was quite good, especially in the last game against Reading, he did make two assist to Cazorla, after a largely average month for the German. His workrate has been a positive notes also, he wasn't afraid to challenge players in their own area.

Lukas Podolski celebrated his goal against Reading

(source : arsenal.com)

He is the second top scorer below Theo Walcott, with eight goals, three goals less than Walcott, but he is Arsenal's top scorer in Champions League - looks like he enjoys playing in the Champions League. He could be utilized more in the central striker, but as Arsene deploys 4-2-3-1, it is very hard for him to play in the central, but probably if Wenger switched to 4-4-2 Podolski could do better upfront.

TRANSFER RATING : 7 / 10  

3. Santi Cazorla

It was a coup, considering Wenger bought him only around 16 million from Malaga, for the World Cup and Euro winner in age of 28. He plays in Rosicky's position last season - forcing Rosicky out of first team -  and has largely enjoyed his role in that position. Integrated easily with Arsenal's game, he is now top scorer of Arsenal in the Premier League with seven goals after his hattrick against Reading. Capable of scoring magic goals - against West Ham and Manchester United, with great vision, plus great passing ability, that's what we can expect from Cazorla, and so far, he has been very impressive, pleasing the Gooners and not disappointing any of the expectations.

 Santi Cazorla enjoyed a good spell with Arsenal 

(photos from arsenal.com)

He had been pulling the strings in the midfield with Arteta, Ramsey and Wilshere, with his long ball. He reminds me of Cesc Fabregas, with a better shooting ability. His midfield trio with Arteta and Wilshere in the recent games has been quite well, except in the game against Aston Villa and Swansea.Wenger should be more careful of playing Cazorla continuously if he wants Cazorla to stays in his best, as he might become jaded. It is actually quite interesting to see both Rosicky and Cazorla plays together in pitch, another alternative for Wenger, should he rest Jack Wilshere in the central of the park. His corner actually has been quite disappointing for his standard. Arsenal only scored one corner goal from Cazorla's pass. However, beside that corner setup, Cazorla has arguably a perfect transfer for the Gunners.

If Arsenal flies high this season, Cazorla surely would become one of the main protagonists. Easily the best transfer for Arsenal, and one of the best transfers this season in Premier League.

TRANSFER RATING : 10 / 10

OVERALL COMING TRANSFER : 8 / 10

They bought who they need, and not buying any unusable first team player, like last year they did to Park Ju-Yong, buying him only to see he played in the League Cup few times. This time Wenger also buy someone who is already at their peak. Giroud is 26, Podolski is 27, and Cazorla is 28. Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski was a sensible replacement for van Persie, and despite yet to reach the same level as van Persie, Giroud and Podolski have done decent jobs so far. Santi Cazorla is a brilliant addition to the squad, adding some flair - and set piece experts - Arsenal needs. This is proabably one of the best buying policy Arsenal had in the recent years.

OVERALL TRANSFER : 6 / 10

It was a good buying policy, but it was not a good selling policy. It is never a good idea to sell your best players, especially to your rival, and now Manchester United is enjoying the coup of Robin van Persie, as Arsenal struggled from times to times when they need someone like him, who could create something out of nothing. The selling of Alex Song had little impact as Arteta fits the position very well, despite playing as a attacking midfielder in most of his career. Carlos Vela, Henri Lansbury, and Kyle Bartley were once a promising youngster but they were deemed a surplus by Wenger, and they were sold. Personally I would love to see Vela playing in Arsenal instead of being sold, but probably Wenger sees that Vela doesn't suit EPL's physical approach. Manuel Almunia was wisely released as Szczesny firmly hold the first place and he is no longer young - Almunia is 35 already.

Reading 2 Arsenal 5, and that how Arsenal should play

Arsenal bounced back from the midweek penalty defeat in League Cup against Bradford by beating Reading away from home, 5-2, as Santi Cazorla being the main protagonist last night with his hattrick, plus one assist. Lukas Podolski finally scored a goal once again in Premier League after last scoring against Tottenham Hotspurs, while Theo Walcott, who finally played centrally as he desires, also registered his name on the scoresheet.

Santi Cazorla dribbled past a Reading player

(photos from arsenal.com, 7th picture)

Arsenal dominated the game from the start, and creating couples of chances, with Chamberlain's long shot was denied by Adam Federici. However, it was Reading who got first clear cut chances as Pavel Pogrebnyak cut inside from the right wing, and centered the ball which was awfully missed by Jobi McAnuff

Arsenal finally broke the deadlock after Kieran Gibbs penetrated from the left side and sent a beautfiul cross to Podolski, who made brilliant first touch and made no mistake to bury it to goal. Theo Walcott could've added the second few minutes after the first goal, as he beaten offside trap, but Adam Federici made an important saves to keep the scoreline. Santi Cazorla doubled the lead after receiving a delightful cross from Lukas Podolski from the left wing, and Santi did a diving header to put the ball into the bottom corner. Santi Cazorla quickly doubled his tally by scoring the third goal of the game, Theo Walcott lobbed the ball to far post, as Gibbs headed back to Cazorla, and the Spaniard controlled the ball beautifully before slammed the ball to the goal, leaving Federici no chance to deny it. First half ended, 3-0 for Arsenal.

Second half, Reading tried to pull one back, but Theo Walcott nearly added the fifth, but Mariappa made off-the-line block to deny him. Santi Cazorla made it 0-4 with a simple finish after a beautiful team goal. Chamberlain ran to the middle and passed to Wilshere outside the box, as he sent a through ball to the box to Lukas Podolski, whose low cross easily converted to goal by Santi Cazorla. Reading grab one back, after Kieran Gibbs awful pass picked by Reading player, and Wilshere slipped when he tried to chase the ball, and Adam Le Fondre rounded Szczesny to make it 1-4. Few moments later, Jimmy Kebe escaped from offside trap before beating Szczesny, 2-4. It was kind of deja vu, as Reading tried to replicate what Arsenal did to them, coming from 0-4 down to win the game, and Arsenal's defence was in the nerve for few moments, before Theo Walcott clinched it for the Gunners with the seventh goal of the game, after Santi Cazorla dribbled passed few player and sent a beautiful pass to Walcott, and he placed the ball to the left corner with his left foot, 2-5.

Theo Walcott celebrated his comeback by scoring a goal

(photos from arsenal.com, 19th picture)

This was the game Arsenal should've played in the recent weeks, a very fluid attacking display, the ball was flowing easily from the back to the front, with Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere bossed the midfield, while Mikel Arteta keeps the beat from the back. All of five goals from Arsenal are scored from open play, and also a good team play. Player exchanged position few times, Walcott moved to flanks few times with Podolski sneaked to the central position, or Cazorla and Wilshere moved to channels to support the flanks Chamberlain few times cut inside to create more spaces.

The players made some incisive run into the box, and look for a good spot for receiving the pass, and that's what missing from Arsenal in recent weeks. They created chances, but few willing to run into the box. In the game against Bradford, Arsenal wasn't that bad in midfield, but in the final third, they were quite toothless upfront. There wasn't any time when one player tried to beat one man - I hate to blame one player, but yes, it was Gervinho who was wasteful that time -, the ball was instead passed to team mates to open more spaces. It was the Arsenal game we used to see few years back, a beautiful passing game!

Both wings were very lively throughout 90 minutes, especially the left flank where two goals started there. Kieran Gibbs enjoyed attacking licence he got in this match, and few times he penetrated to the box, as he did to set up Cazorla's second goal. Gibbs started to enjoy the teamwork with Lukas Podolski on the flank, and linked up well with the German few times. Bacary Sagna was not as adventurous as Gibbs in attacking but his crosses were always accurate. Chamberlain could've done better with his crossing, but he is always getting into dangerous position, and wasn't scared to beat some man, without excessive effort of doing a one-man show.

The only bad thing from this match is the poor defending after the fourth goal. Under no pressure, Gibbs gave the ball cheaply and cost a goal, before another lapse in defending gave Reading the second goal, and giving another pressure to the defence, before Walcott scored the fifth. However, Arsenal had not known for the strong defence, except for the 2005-2006 season in Champions League when they won with clean sheets. In 2000s, they always scored a lot of goals, despite allowing some goals conceded. I would say this season Arsenal's defence wasn't that bad, but most of Arsenal's defeat was caused by not-so-clinical finishing, and inability to create chances. I don't think it is a problem, if you conceded three but you can score five.

The question for Wenger is whether he will trust Walcott in the central position, leaving Giroud on the bench. Walcott was more mobile and pacy than Giroud, and probably that style of play suits Arsenal more. Giroud could be an alternative for Arsenal, should the opposition able to stop Arsenal pass-and-move game. Wenger should try Walcott in central position again in next match against Wigan, and see whether this plan is working. Gervinho has been put in the central but so far he has failed to impress.

The last question for Wenger is the consistency. Arsenal need to find the consistency, if they want to challenge for the throphy, or at least the fourth place. If Arsenal continued play like this, I do believe third, or even second place is a realistic target for this season.