Another edition of the scrappy vs finesse teams in the Premiership. Paul Jewell’s ploy of holding a high line almost worked as Arsenal got caught offside on numerous occasions by a well disciplined Wigan team. Adebayor’s goal was ruled offside although it should have been allowed when seeing the replay.
The excruciating and yet exhilarating way Arsenal wins nowadays is becoming a trademark. Play pleasing one touch soccer, last touch deserts them, fall back early, Wenger gets this pinched look, makes a substitute late in the second half, Arsenal rallies under the substitute, keeps coming back, the equalizer and the winner come in the last 10 minutes. The Emirates sigh in relief as the unbeaten record (now 18 games) in their new home is kept intact. After an emotionally draining win, the young Gunners produce a series of comeback draws, followed by another emotionally draining win, and….. the cycle repeats itself.
It is great to have Walcott’s pace, he can chase down balls wide with gusto but the lad needs to get a clue on how to provide meaningful service into the goal area that his team mates can latch onto. To be fair, Henry spooned an easy chance. Arsenal’s attack turned into a garden variety up and down the middle type as Wigan happily cut off the supply lines. Fabregas usually deft touch deserted him.
Landzaat’s blast from 25 meters left Arsenal in a hole. We have seen this scenario before. Heskey should have made it a couple before halftime but Lehmann’s fingertip deflection saw the ball rebound off the posts before he fell on it. But Arsenal came back in the second half. Again by playing wide, two sizzling crosses into the box, first by Flamini which resulted in the equalizer through a reflexive own goal by Hall, and then Rosicky punching a header off Baptista for his first Premiership goal. Both goals came after some superb through passes by Adebayor who substituted Djorou. Adebayor is the most improved player on this Arsenal squad.
Gael Clichy is becoming my favourite left back with his pace and fine ball skills. Plus he is a pretty strong tackler. He was a thorn in Wigan’s starboard side just like in the win against Man Utd, three weeks ago. Arsenal’s left back position has been unsettled for a long time and Clichy is coming on strong.