Another weekend in the Premier League, another defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho for Wenger’s men. After twelve attempts, Wenger is yet to crack the puzzle that is The Special One. Some may say there is a gap in quality between the sides (which on this day, there was). I myself am a loyal Gooner, and do stand by the statement that the thirteenth time is the charm. But after twelve attempts, something else is at play. It isn’t just bad luck for Wenger. For the past eighteen years, he has imprinted his style of play upon the team. It has worked wonders. Everyone knows the story of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and the Invincibles of the 2003-04 season. Everyone also knows about the nine year trophy drought that was ended this May with the FA Cup. This season, when you watch an Arsenal match, it seems as if the players keep passing it outside the box waiting for the perfect opportunity to arise. Often times, it hasn’t. There seems to be a lack of clear cut chances in the play. One touch passing leads to players getting muscled off the ball and an attack that exposes the defense (which severely lacks depth). It’s an all too familiar sight for an Arsenal enthusiast like me. Mou, on the other hand, contrasts greatly with his counterpart. Flexible with changing tactics, Jose Mourinho often does what it takes to help the team. Whether it requires parking the bus (which I HATE, don’t get me wrong) or pushing the ball up the field, he knows how to get three points. He is criticized for his tactics or “not playing football” sometimes, but no one can question his managerial ability. He has assembled a squad of world class talent that currently sits top of the table. In a day and age of fifty million dollar deals and biting necks, he does what it takes to win games.
Elsewhere, Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United managed to sneak a 2-1 victory past Everton thanks to some magic in goal from David de Gea. With that, they sneak into the top four, where they hope to remain for the rest of the season. With a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, Manchester City are also seated comfortably in the top four. City and Chelsea, the teams most suggest will lift the title this year, are already seated first and second, respectively. What is it these two teams have in common? Among others, they rely on foreign talent for success in the Premier League. Both sides fielded just two English players each in their respective XIs. Manchester United were also able to produce a victory over a tough Everton side in a game without English captain Wayne Rooney. Instead, the quality of foreign talent up front and brilliant goalkeeping got them three points. The price of English talent is at a premium. Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, and Danny Welbeck (though compared to the other two he seems a bargain) all went for big money sums this summer. The question has to be asked: is it worth it? At the moment, it seems not, with Chelsea and City already at the top of the table and United having crept up into fourth. With Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, and Everton all struggling to find top form, there seems to be no reason they cannot secure those places up front.
Good article. Fair and honest opinion from a gooner about other teams. It was a very even game between two very good teams. Ozil should not play in the wings. There was no creativity in the final third. Chelsea did not create much either. They were just more efficient.
Akram,
I think Chelsea waited for those creative chances. Mou has played Wenger so many times he knows Arsenal’s wing backs push up ahead and leave the center backs exposed to the counter.
Very well written, Saraf. Although, I don’t get the time to follow English football on TV anymore, but I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. Keep up the good work, Gooner.