After
losing a game they were up in during the midweek and a slow, unproductive start
to the season so far, Arsenal’s hopes to compete in the title race this year
are looking more and more far-fetched as the season goes by. Today, playing
Swansea in the pouring rain, Arsenal looked to get back on their feet and show
the league their chances at having a successful season. After one goal in the
first half by Sanchez to put Arsenal up, it looked that that may be a
possibility. However, the hope didn’t last long, and in the end, Swansea took
all three points and again knocked Arsenal over with a 2-1 victory.
Again,
Sanchez and Danny Welbeck proved to be Arsenal’s most valuable combination,
connecting to lead up to the goal. If there is anything that is still able to
give hope to Arsenal and its fans, it’s the pairing between these two players.
Like all other things Arsenal, however, these players aren’t enough to make up
for what Arsenal does lack in defense and pretty much all other areas. With the
attacking speed that comes with Sanchez, most defensive sides against Arsenal
will be troubled, but the same could be said about Arsenal’s own defense. Also,
today they were facing a Swansea side that kept and moved the ball well,
holding Arsenal to few attacking opportunities and only allowing for Arsenal to
have limited fast breaks. This kept Arsenal from creating trouble for Swansea
defensively, and kept the game in Swansea’s hands and away from Sanchez and
Welbeck.
Another
problem that persists with Arsenal is its manager’s, Arsene Wenger, stubbornness
and unwillingness to change the lineup based on previous games and what is
proven to work for the team. Again, the decision was made to play Nacho Monreal
at center back despite the three goal comeback in the Champions League and
repeated defensive breakdowns. This placement is partly due to the fact that
Arsenal’s bench is limited because of extended and widespread injuries, leaving
only one defender on the bench and ready for play. This also comes back to
Wenger, as it was his decision as to who was picked up during the transfer
season and anyone can see that it would have been a wise one to sign a few more
defenders and give Arsenal an option as to who they play. As to the defenders
who did play, they were beaten time after time down the sides and left areas
open in the middle. Overall, Arsenal is going to have a very tough time as
injuries persist and the defensive side is left unorganized.
