Five things we learnt from a Arsenal’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Tottenham this weekend…
Before Arsenal’s 1-1 North London derby draw with Tottenham the Gunners were heavily tipped for a win. Neither team really impressed much, but there were a number of key points that can be taken from the game despite the disappointing result for both sides.
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Here are five things we learnt from the North London derby this weekend:
5) Arsenal’s vulnerability
Arsene Wenger’s side looked extremely exposed at times yesterday, despite enjoying lengthy spells of possession. Tottenham were sat deep and set up to counter, and Arsenal allowed them to do exactly that.
Every time the Gunners committed men forward they looked vulnerable, and one misplaced pass would turn a promising attack into a hearts in mouths moment.
The main reason for this is arguably the lack of a proper defensive midfielder, with the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fernando solving this problem for Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.
Had they been facing a more ruthless and clinical team Arsenal probably would not have been so lucky, and it is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possibly if Arsene Wenger wants to mount any sort of challenge.
4) Arsenal miss Olivier Giroud
Although many fans may disagree with this, it is undeniable that the Frenchman offers a different option upfront.
Danny Welbeck may become a future great, but he doesn’t have the ability to pluck the ball out of the air or hold it up like Arsenal’s injured target man does.
With Arsenal’s lack of height throughout the team they are unable to utilise the long goal kick effectively, often just handing possession back to their opponents.
This means they more often than not have to play out from the back, and while this is fine for the most part, if their opponents press high up the pitch it can cause problems; as was evident from the goal conceded.
3) Mesut Ozil is a No. 10
The German playmaker had a superb game against Aston Villa deployed in the centre, but was pushed back out on the wing against Tottenham to accommodate both Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere.
Whether it is a mental thing or something to do with his instructions when playing out wide, Ozil just does not perform as well when he operates on the flanks.
When Arsenal’s Welshman went off injured before half time, Ozil was pushed back inside, which reinvigorated the German and we saw a much brighter player in the second half.
2) Up and coming Ryan Mason
Tottenham’s Ryan Mason was a favourite of Tim Sherwood’s, but for one reason or another he was never available during the Englishman’s short reign as manager.
It seems new manager Mauricio Pochettino has also recognised the 23-year-old’s potential however, and looked set to give him a run in the team.
He looked a little shaky at the start, but really grew into the game and did a fantastic job against Arsenal’s midfield. He could even prove to be the missing link in the England midfield for years to come.
1) Arsenal’s injury woes are set to continue
Arsenal brought in former German national fitness coach Shad Forsythe in the summer, and it was suggested that he would revolutionise the way things were done at the Emirates and put an end to the Gunners’ insane injury record.
Evidently things haven’t quite worked out that way however, and Arsenal seem to be having their same old luck with injuries this season.
With French duo Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Debuchy already out long-term, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey have now been added to that list. Nacho Monreal and Theo Walcott are still some way off a return, and there are a number of injuries to some of the youth prospects like Serge Gnabry.
Abou Diaby is the only surprise exclusion from the doctor’s office, perhaps Arsene Wenger asked Forsythe to devote all his attention to the injury prone Frenchman.