ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Arsenal - Birmingham Draw Dents Title Hopes

Posted by David Young on 03/28/2010

Having become late-goal specialists over the past couple of months, Arsenal got a very unfortunate dose of their own medicine at St Andrews. Samir Nasri looked to have sealed the match for the Gunners with a rasping drive in the 81st minute but a deflection off Kevin Phillips that Manuel Almunia could only parry into his own net denied them all three points and put a dent in their title hopes.

It was a maddening outcome to a game that could - and should - have been won. After a lacklustre first half, Arsene Wenger’s side looked the more likely outfit in the second period. Birmingham City have one of the meanest home defences in the league but, having breached it with only nine minutes remaining, the Gunners really should have held on. Several other chances to put the match beyond the home team went begging and these misses were punished in the cruellest way.

Pantomime Time at St Andrews ©Empics

The equalising goal itself was a pantomime. A Birmingham player was in an offside position when the ball was played forward but no flag came. Bacery Sagna tried to clear but the ball ricocheted goal-wards off Phillips, who knew very little about it. Almunia got a palm to it but only succeeded in knocking it up in the air and, frustratingly, the ball dropped into the net.

It was extremely weak goalkeeping from the Spaniard and will give further fuel to those who think the club need to sign a new keeper as one of the summer’s priorities. It is a harsh fact that those between the sticks at the top end of the Premier League cannot afford to make many mistakes over the course of a season. In his heyday a keeper like David Seaman - whom all modern-day Arsenal goalkeepers have to be measured against - could probably add ten or fifteen points to the tally for the campaign by making saves that earned the team results and, in doing so, he contributed as much as the strikers scoring at the other end. Can the same really be said of Almunia? Probably not.

Sadly, he does seem to lack consistency. Last weekend he saved a penalty that turned the game. This week he has made a mistake that has cost the team two points they can ill-afford - particularly with Man United and Chelsea racking up wide-margin victories elsewhere. It’s tough, but on most occasions goalkeepers will be judged more by their errors than their saves.

Arsene Wenger described the result as a big blow to the team’s title chances and it was. However, he, like every single Arsenal supporter out there, must have looked through the remaining fixtures and picked out the two or three matches where taking all three points was going to be a tough task. I don’t know about you, but I certainly had the trip to Birmingham down as one of those games. It doesn’t make yesterday’s outcome any easier to take but it shouldn’t be viewed as a death-blow to Arsenal’s title chances.

What happened yesterday is in the past and it is how the team reacts that now counts. Two years ago, when the Gunners went to St Andrews in the infamous match that saw Eduardo’s leg shattered, they conceded a late penalty and three points were turned into one. More significantly, that match precipitated the unravelling of the remainder of the season. A string of draws followed and their title dreams went up in smoke.

Arsene Wenger and the players must make sure this does not happen again. As galling as it was not to win yesterday, the team must put it behind them and focus on starting another winning streak against Wolves on Saturday. There is still much football to be played and with United and Chelsea facing each other next weekend ahead of much trickier run-ins than the Gunners have, things could still turn around. Arsenal have to make sure they uphold their end of the deal by getting back to winning ways immediately.

Before next Saturday’s match against Wolves comes the visit of Barcelona to Ashburton Grove on Wednesday night in the Champions League. It is the most hotly-anticipated match the stadium has seen in its short history and there is no doubt that the match-up of two of Europe’s most free-flowing footballing sides is a mouth-watering prospect.

Over the next few days reams of column inches will be devoted to building this match but do you know what? I couldn’t care less whether it is a dazzling spectacle for the neutral or not. All that matters is that Arsenal keep a clean sheet and take a lead into the second leg - and if that comes courtesy of the most turgid ninety minutes of football ever produced by an Arsene Wenger side, then so be it.

It is actually probably more important for the team to keep a clean sheet than it is to take a lead to the Nou Camp. Away goals in second legs can be killer knockout blows and just one moment of destiny, inspiration or luck could make the difference to Arsenal getting through the tie that everyone else wanted to avoid.

Consequently, the need for Almunia to put his Birmingham blunder behind him and the whole back four to be at the top of their game is critical. We await news as to whether Cesc Fabregas will be fit enough to play after being on the wrong end of a crunching tackle in yesterday’s game but the defence will be bolstered by the return of Thomas Vermaelen.

It’s going to be a huge night on Wednesday, but players and fans alike should be approaching the match with no fear and absolute belief that the Gunners can prevail. Bring it on!

Comments

Posted by Kaje on 03/28/2010

Having watched the game twice now, Arsenal did not look the side most likely to win. Up until the 70th minute, the posession was 52-48 in favour of Birmingham which would cast doubt on your assumption that Arsenal were in control.

A draw was the fairest possible result on Saturday.

Posted by cesc4 on 03/28/2010

great article,mate.i think its more important to keep a clean slate as we can nick a goal at nou camp.just hope cesc gets to play.how about hugo lloris as gk next season?

Posted by Bored with Eduardo’s leg on 03/28/2010

When are you arse fans gonna get off the "infamous match that saw Eduardo’s leg shattered," theme? it was 2 years ago and the only infamous part of that game was the part Gallas played. As for Cesc Fabregas being on the wrong end of a crunching tackle; Craig Gardner took the ball cleanly, so much so that the ref didn't even blow for an infringement. In the 2 years since the Arsenal match Birmingham have had a player shatter his knee cap, break a leg & break their foot. It is a contact game and bad injuries do happen (to all teams) learn to live with it.

Posted by Ali. T on 03/28/2010

I've been reading your posts for a long time now David and again you've done a great job. Absolutely spot on. I would just like to know what you think about Wilshere. Having watched him over the weekend for Bolton I have no doubt he deserves to be in our first team squad, at the very least. I mean I look at him and compare him to Theo, and I feel he has more to offer as a player at present than Theo does. Yeah, they cant be compared directly, but Wilshere has certainly grown more. Should Theo not be the one out on loan?

David Young replies:

I said on here during the January transfer window that I was disappointed that Jack Wilshere was being sent off on loan and wasn't being assimilated into the first team scene in the same way that Aaron Ramsay had been by being given twenty minutes here and there and making the odd starting appearance. On reflection though, I don't think him going to Bolton will do him any harm at all. He has been given a reasonable amount of game time and, having been at the Arsenal Academy since he was ten years old, maybe the experience of seeing what life is like at another club will help his development too.

I really hope he comes back better for the experience and Arsene Wenger gives him a proper chance next season because there is no doubt he is a very talented youngster who could turn out to be something really special.

As for Theo, it's hard to know what to say. He has spent so much time on the sidelines injured this season and when he has played his contribution has been minimal. Currently, he looks to be better deployed as an impact subsitute rather than a starter. His pace can cause damage against tired legs. However, he has been at the club for four years now and has made nearly 100 appearances and yet he doesn't look that much closer to being the finished article than when he first joined.

Time will tell as to whether things will finally fall into place for Theo. In the short term, he needs to re-discover his confidence and find some form. But, yes, next season I would like to see Jack Wilshere fully involved in the first team squad and given the same sort of opportunities that Walcott has enjoyed over the past few years.

Posted by Segzygun on 03/28/2010

Intrestin, wenger and his boy should keep faith,it should not apone again bcos is not over now,let hope we win d remainin matchs while chealsea&man u we surely drop points...4 barca i hope Cambel & Fabrigas are fit!! We need to go on wit ful surport bcos i know it wil be a great day 4 Arsenal...2 - 0... In God wel trust AW his the ancor

Posted by Jonny Houlton on 03/28/2010

Look, although I'm a 'Bluenose' through and through I'm a big fan of Arsenal, becaus ethey play such great footie. And I also think Wenger is a real gent. He has graced our league with great style and intelligence. Many of my mates think he's a real winger and I generally do my very best to defend him. But what is he on about this weekend. I watched the game on Saturday. Blues were on balance the better side in the first half. They had the lions share of posession and most of the few opportunities. Ok, by the 70th minute Blues did tire, Arsenal brought on a couple of quality replacements and got the goal. For Arsenal supporters to say they should have had 3 or 4 is a bit disrespectful. Blues at that stage has=d 5 or 6 attacking players on the pitch and obviously felt they would rather go down fighting. Ok, they got lucky with the goal, but their courage and obstinacy deserved that and I thought on balance they were good value for a draw. Good luck Arsenal vs. Barca!

Posted by Sever on 03/29/2010

"All that matters is that Arsenal keep a clean sheet and take a lead into the second leg"

Good luck with that! Wenger said after the game that he felt we were naive. Well, how long have we been saying that? How often have we given away goals at crucial times after being ahead? What was it the team said about learning to be ruthless after the draws with AZ and West Ham? Remember Tottenham and Villa last season? Remember Liverpool, United and Chelsea the season before that? For the love of God WHY didn't Nasri shoot when he had that late chance? Another case of Arsenal wanting to pass it into the net? And Arshavin's shooting has been woeful of late.

The fact that Arsenal can score late goals when on the attack but concede them when holding onto leads indicates a deeper malaise. The goal was freakish yes, but we've conceded quite a few of those haven't we. The team still needs to mature. Maybe this will spur us to raise our game sufficiently against Barca.

Posted by Maran on 03/29/2010

Yet again the holes appeared, more conspicuously than ever. Amongst other things,the lackadaisical attitude in tackling the goalkeeper and striker departments in the team couldn't have surfaced at a more approppriate time. If the team was able to convert the many chances created, it need not be in that familiar precarious position it often finds itself in the dying minutes of every game. Need not mention Almunia. Good that David raised the benchmarking with Seaman. It is so bloody apparent to us and I do not understand why we have to live with it. And the lazy Bendtner a world class striker? He could be better of playig for Birmingham. Arshavin has been dissapointing; Denilson a passenger. This team has to raise its levels a few notches if it wants to match Barcelona. If not we are likely to get a thrashing. The boys need to pass better, shoot better and perform better and not be awed by Barcelona. Desire and determination are the key. Arsene should stop lamenting and motivate the boys

Posted by laoanywhere on 03/29/2010

Nasri throw away 3 points when he missed the goal obviously can be at 87'. Passing ball is nice look, but straight to the goal is a kind of must for any player in Arsenal. Very sad for the game, I do agree that Birmingham played a slight fighting game. But we known them well, so should be good plan to avoid injury.
Forget it, ManU still have to play UCL, and spur, Mancity which is not easy to get point. Chelsea seem to be luckier.

Go on Arsenal

Posted by moses setim on 03/29/2010

i completely agree with you, that the boys need to pick themselves up as fast as possible, though deep down with all the love i have for arsenal am sorry to say that i think after the Barcelona game our season will be over. i don't want to think of it that way but that unlucky goal we conceded very late i believe has signaled the end of our campaign and am worried that we might chase man u just like Liverpool did last yr. anyway lets still hope and if we don't make it i wont be mad at our kids rather ill appreciate for what they have achieved this season and what they've given us

Posted by Akinola ajibola on 03/29/2010

I hope on wednesday , the players will correct their mistakes by putting the ball at the back of the net, when need arise ,
Both asharvin and nicklas bendtner are the most guilty of the players. Ashavin complain of not having quality in the squad ,which i agree with him.But, the least he could do his put the ball at the back when he has the chance.He was wasteful during chelsea , man utd, hull city and last match. He should keep quiet and let his football do the talking.

Posted by nizzy on 03/29/2010

it must be really frustrating for the likes of fabregas and nasri that arsenal keep losing points due to slack goalkeeping. my heart is always in my mouth whenever arsenal is defending a 1-goal lead. i'm a little concerned with arshavin's form too. he's one of my favorite in the side but lately he has been too casual in possession and wasteful in shooting and seems a little distracted sometimes. i hope he can be the same arshavin once again who destroyed the dutch during Euro 2008.

Posted by Shad on 03/29/2010

I hope after the Birmingham performance, Wenger is seriously shortlisting a candidate to replace Almunia..as he grooms Mannone to be the deputy keeper. Flappy-handski can't inspire nought and Almunia is an absolute joke.
Arsh has so far had an indifferent season and would be best coming off the bench given how lethargic and dis-interested he looks. Walcott should be loaned out pronto. Wilshere in next season along with Chamakh.
As for Wednesday we need the lads fired up proper for it. The crux will be IF we can keep a clean sheet because I think we can score away. Bendtner et al need to find their shooting boots asap and I'm banking on Nasri to conjure up his magic.

Posted by Nsubuga Samuel on 03/29/2010

It's really very bad for Arsenal because our hopes for the title are slowly dieing out. I think Wenger has an assignment that has not been accomplished and so he has to do something about goal keeping because its killing all the good work being done by other players.

Posted by Mudi on 03/29/2010

i dont know what is the problem with wenger.unless he spends some money,trophies are hard to come.there is clearly a need for 4 world class players in the team.one world class striker like David villa or fredric kanoute(who r there for the taking) to assist RVP and two genius in midfeild.and goal keeper has to change.well c'mon the bendtner's and almunia's are not going to win titles for us.the amount of chances that bendtner gets even a second division player score more than him.it has been very frustrating all these years starting the season with the fact that titles are very hard to come.

Posted by ruffnekk on 03/29/2010

Ok,even though we didn't play well i still think we should have won on saturday but to many of the players had an off day,even Fabregas.Sagna hasn't been that great this season and both he & Clichy need to work on there crossing,i hope Eboue plays on Wed.As for Almunia what can you say...maybe someone will buy him a bigger pair of gloves or at least a pair that the ball will stick to.Wallcott also needs to up the ante he seems to make the same runs everytime,unlike Nasri he's waitng for things to happen it was clear on Sat, the difference between the two.Arshavin does look like he's playing with his slippers on these last few games and sadly it seems Diaby is injured(again)and could be out,but lets hope he and Fab recover in time and the team pull it together.I'll never give up on the Gunners and have a feeling a 2-1 victory is coming up on Weds i just can't see us keeping a clean sheet,we only do things the hard way.
Go gunners.

Posted by Anonymous on 03/29/2010

Arshavin is gettin on ma nerves big time. Yes he is a very good player but his shoottings lately are nothin to write home abt. He has wasted enof chances for us. well i dnt blame him, he will still be paid even if he doesnt shoot at all. Such is life, such is d game of football

Posted by Adam Trotter on 03/29/2010

Well, one thing that hurt us was that neither starting center back was on the pitch. Almunia defiently needs to go. He would be an excellent second string keeper but we need a keeper that can save a game. Almunia isn't terrible, he isn't even bad, he just doesn't have the quality to make a difference. Man U have Van da Sar, and chelsea have Peter who is still elite. Even Liverpool's keeper outclasses Almunia. Another thing that hurts us is that our wing backs don't like to defend to much. Sagna is weak and, like Eboue, is a defensive minded winger rather than defender. Clichy is still unfit. I also wish we would get some height in the back but Sol Campbell fixed that Sat. Anyway, I don't know who we should buy if anyone but we do need to address those problems.

Posted by kayode on 03/29/2010

The match on Saturday is a proof that arsenal needs a keeper as much as it needs a point striker in the mold of eto'o. This Alumi is a disaster or more appropriately a calamity and not dependable at all. He has no positioning, cannot initiate a counter attack or motivate his players. What is actually wrong with manone? I consider him a better keeper to alumi. This boy made the premiership team of the week twice when he manned the post for arsenal last year. Of all the years alumi has been manning the post, I am not aware if he ever made the team of the week for once?

Posted by john 4go on 03/29/2010

i absolutely agre with u nizzy, arshavin looks stressed up as though the wife has left the house and too negligent. he does not show real fight when necessary. he misses huge goalscoring opportunities and doesnt show it bothers or matters when he misses. diaby should improve his shooting wen he gets in close range. thumbs up Song, Nasri & injured Fab! Theo, i do not want to comment but he is as useless as Nicolas B. what sort of a stiker who ends a game without a single shot on goal? i believe all defenders in the world would love to always be dealing & treatened by such strikers! lastly, wenger must provide convincing excuses for not playing Nasri and eboue. he might think he reserving them for Barca and lose both games in our faces. We miss Varmaleen, we miss u alot! I wish Song could partner with V thomas, Sol needs a break. all the best fellow gunners, lets kip up the spirit, u never know, Barca and the entire world might be shocked..........

Posted by aidid on 03/29/2010

it's not a bad result at all for arsenal i guess. it's just unfortunate that manuel almunia 'reward' the goal to kevin philips. i honestly believe this set of player is capable of winning the championship this season. let the by gone be by gone. mr.wenger know very well what he's doing at the moment.i have a lot of belief in him and the team he pick. lets just focus on the team at the moment. from the formation on the pitch until the support that we give. do not just talk about the team mistake, cheer for them as well. so for everyone, lets get behind the team and support them as much as we could

Posted by colo on 03/29/2010

the manager is to blame for the predicament. our reserve defenders sol and silvestre aint good enough. the goalkeeping situation is terrible. other than RVP our other strikers are comical at best. harsh on Eduardo but he will never be the player he once was

Posted by Che on 03/29/2010

All of u who say we are proud of what arsenal kids did this year have got to be mad this is Mu fourth straight title their chasing and would make it 6 years that Arsenal have not won the title. I say again which big club in Europe can keep a manager that has not won a single trophy in seven years Answer none. If MU go two season without i can assure you Alex is gone. The fact remain i love arsenal but this present crop of players are just not good enough both technically and most of all physically. In England you need some big strong players to complement the small ones i.g A center back over 6 feet with pace, A goal keeper that is not a calamity, a winger with speed and skill and an eye for goal not one you convert and most of all a striker with pace and a physical presents Also a lot of people have been saying if only RVP had been fit have u guys checked his record since in England he is like windows media player injured by the default has not scored a freekick in 2 years world class

Posted by Jermaine on 03/29/2010

Arsenal was just unlucky to draw with Birmingham. They just need to refocus and get the job done against barca. We r still going to win the EPL.

Posted by Che on 03/29/2010

Listen don't get me wrong Arsenal have some good players but how much can Wenger keep saying boys are young not in terms of experience These players are just not learning fast enough football is a short profession if ur at a club by 20yrs in three years max you should be at a title winning level not making excuses every year i.g walcott has he shown vast improvement certainly, not over rated Almunia calamity, diaby inconsistent, bendtner lazy, nasri inconsistent and light weight, MU have built two teams in seven years and arsenal have not built one what does that say. Something is wrong with the philosophy at arsenal. Wenger has been saying the defense has done well this season is that true look at the stats of the top three arsenal have conceded the most goals is the defense good if it allows so much goals. It hurts me to say this if Arsenal win the title it would be by guess all the domination Wenger has spoken about is in his mind this wont work Wenger mark my words ur time is up.

Posted by obikudu Desmond on 03/29/2010

Sometimes soccer can br cruel, we deserve the three points but such things happens.
We need to pick ourselves and play exceptionally well against a good Barcelona team, but they are beatable.

We need the mental strenght that we produced at stock city.

We need to win for ourselves

Posted by arsin-fans on 03/29/2010

Arshavin - I'm wondering if he will be Adebayor II, hope I've worry too much

Posted by KaE on 03/29/2010

just get the spirit back gunners...and bring on barca.....no matter how...gooners for life...and i still think wenger is the best manager and support his philosophies coz i believe in future arsenal is the only remaining big 4 in bpl.....

Posted by Prince Ekwenjor on 03/29/2010

Dave. Bendtner, Walcott and Ashavin must really up their game if we are to win this trophy. Well said, we can't afford to lose any more games. As for Almunia, oww! Concentration and more concentration is all he needs. We can do it.

Posted by Maxwell Okello, Nairobi, Kenya on 03/30/2010

All the top three lost points against Birmingham... most of the time I find that Arsenal Fans press the panic button too soon... the pitch was bad and our passing game was missing... We can still win the league its 4 points only that separates us from Man U... the top two teams will still drop points and the first points will be dropped on Saturday... so relax. Almunia's form is worrying, Sharva needs competition and he will wake up... B52 needs more time but he is not ready to lead our attack.. Walcott will be a fine player just needs to get his confidence back... Eduardo will be back next season...Denilson will be a very fine player... Diaby, Song, Cesc,Nasri,Eboue,TV5, L Mozzart,Clichy, Sagna... are all on their way up ... technically no team apart from Barca can beat this crop of players. We will soon win something !

Posted by Ahad Shaukat on 03/30/2010

title race is over for us in my opinion .. dont think we can mentally recover from the brum loss ..

Posted by Joseph Omongin on 03/30/2010

Its really very unfortunate for the gunners to have conceded a late equalizer goal; which they are specialists!! Much as we may assume that there was an offside which the assistant ref could have missed, to me i probably think that there are a lot of lessons Wenger and his players have to learn from their type of game, free-footballing team!! that is great, but where you witness a defender also pushing forward in an attempt to create scoring opportunities!! instead of embarking on the defensive force to protect the goal lead advantage. I really put little blame to Almunia, he is still a great keeper, however, its also a regret to the striking side of gunners for failing to convert great chances!!! probably they need to learn that what matters in most cases is the number of goals they have scored at the end of the match but not how interesting your dribbling was!!! Title race is still open and very tight this season, its probably one of the most uncertain race hard to predict.

Posted by East Stand Vet on 03/30/2010

Mathematically we might still have been in the race but emotionally we never were. I don't care that our run-in is supposed to be easier than Chelsea or MU. Their teams have the experience of winning mentality and this young side does not. But at least it gives this blogger something to think about. You have an annoying way of repeating yourself........tell us again just in case we haven't got the point: can second leg away goals be crucial?

Posted by goddie on 03/30/2010

I dont understand why AW left Nasri and Arshavin on the bench, or why he made the substitutions late.I am disappointed with crosses from Clichy and Sagna. They should improve and take advantage of Bendtners presence in the box. The placing of Song in central defence negates physical presence in the midfield and attacking. Good work from Song, Campbell, and Diaby.

Posted by Ernest on 03/30/2010

Walcott must be getting frustrated,he played so well against Burnely only to be benched against Hull, after not playing for two consecutive games, it is normally that Walcott would loose the confidence against the team which was interested in not conceding a goal, I wonder what Arshavin has done to be guaranteed a starting birth apart from missing open scoring changes and standing as a specutator every time he looses the ball,he needs to be benched to learn how to fight for the team.

Posted by Anonymous on 03/30/2010

Maxwell Okello -- You are a true Arsenal fan. I like your spirit. I fully agree with you. We DO have a crop that will only get better over time. But that doesn't include our GK division. We truely need to go for a better keeper. You cannot win trophies with a makeshift keeper like Almunia. And very deservedly we haven't won anything with him guarding our goals. And I am afraid that is not going to change this year either.

@Che -- you are fully missing the whole philosophy that is ARSENAL. You need to go cheer for some other teams like the Spuds or such. Why don't you be a Chelsea fan? I am sure their philosophy matches yours. Just quit pretending that you are an Arsenal fan and leave us alone. If you can't buy into a team's philosophy, then that team is not you. There are 18 other teams in EPL so pick one to your liking. Its free.

Go Gunners.

In Arsene We Trust...

Posted by Sammy on 03/30/2010

I don't trust Arshavin,OK Wenger is closer to him than me, as i only see him ON T.V, but it looks like he does not care,he does not put an effort.He can be a very bad influence to the squad.I suggest Wenger should leave him on the bench against Barcelona, if he does not change, then he should go by summer.His attitude is not right.

Posted by Patrick Mwesigye on 03/30/2010

Idont put entire blame on the defenders during sats game against the blues,but i feel the squad which played westham could have been the one assigned for Barmingham,part of the blame is being contrubuted by Mr.Wenger, for removing Fabrigas while injured,Walcote was an odd man out due to lack of pysic- match with barmingham giants and also Lack of ball supply, the poor star couldnt do what the fans expected of him,Ebue would have done alot if he played in favoure of Walcote for that position.all togather i think Wenger should think twice about Arshavins previouse remarks of adding more manpower to the current squard if Arsenal is to lift the trophies.Definately Alumunia is just what he is, today is great, tomro you dont want hear his name either, its high time Manone comes up as a threat and competator to task almunia over his inconsistance.Now can we forget what happened at emirates and look forwad to challenge Barc. wininig cups is my PRIORITY as Arsnal die hard.Patrck MWESIGYE,KLA

Posted by Bruce Anunda on 03/30/2010

Let me just say,there is a psychological deep in our player.
Arsharvin talks his mind out,greed but he should qualify the same with his action on the pitch.how do you get a101 chance with GK and run scared.
B52 ,for sure this is a guy with no football mentality,progress of a player is measured by consistency,B52 is just not the type of player we need at this level no matter the faith A.wenger has in him.Sagna get serious with your clearance and crosses,at time play crosses intelligently
GK Aluminia,must you concede a goal in every game,you timings,reaction and keeping the goal area are poor.Vito proved better he needs more matches and believe he is the best of the lot
Finally this team must learn to use the advantage of exerting pressure on opponents we on counter attack,why hold the ball to let opponents to cover back.
A wenger, take a look at the Arsenal of T.henry,Bergkemp,Pires,Very fast on the ball,accurate shooting.Enough with over passing.Kill the games as early as possible

Posted by PHILIP OBI on 03/30/2010

I sincerely don't believe that the title race is over just because we lost 2 points against Birmingham. While we stil have 6 games to redeem our image, it is important for the players to up their games in subsequent matches. To be specific, I think Arshvin is watching too much Rugby of late; that is why he keep on shooting high over the bar, looks disinterested, and play with less commitment than even Bendtner. As for Almunia, he has nothing to do in Arsenal. Mannone can confidently give him a run for his money. I just hope AW look into the goalkeeping department during the coming transfer window.

Wednesday is our day with destiny, Barca will feel the wrath of Arsenal.
GUNNERS FOR LIVE!

Posted by Bruce Anunda - Naironbi Kenya on 03/30/2010

The Barcelona match
It reminds me of last years tie between us(Arsenal and Man utd.
The expectations were high the fan were behind the team but come that blinder from Kiran Gibbs and all changed
What I saying here is that we approach such high magnitude games from a disadvantaged mindset,we act as under a lot of pressure resulting into a lot of errors.The key for this game is to take it as normal,get our passes right and as i always say shoot from out of 18 yrd.Many of the good goals we have gotten this season are from shots out of 18 yrd.proven
We can beat them only if we work as ateam

Posted by Fanatic supporters won't cease to amase me but the truth of the matter is that Arsenal really need a on 03/30/2010

Mr. Wenger when will the arsenal boys mature? Remember that modern day soccer is not about boys but men who have the grit n determination to fight unto the end.Many a time such as the BC game, simply put the boys were not responsible enough. They should have buried the game long since but they let the blues back on track and hence the quest for the title is now elluding us.To be honest we need fighters in this arsenal set-up in the areas of goal keeping, defending, mid-filed and striking roles respectively.Some of the players donot need to stay any longer e.g.MS,AD,MA,NB,TW,SC. Better still loan out TW,NB n AD n bring back JW.We need a strong centre back to partner with TV with WG alongside in a sub role, a strong defensive mid-fielder and a strong attack-minded striker with a world class goal keeper to match arsenal's status of a top europen team. Failure to make changes will make the trophy dream a far fetched idea.Lonta!

Posted by Bashir Isah on 03/30/2010

its so painfull when such loses occurs, months back it was the spaniard Keeper that is complaining about the kids in Arsenal and thier test in Character when it matters and called for reinforcement. now when it matters the most its the self acclaimed big one that is failling the spirited kids. Arenal needs a Goalkeeper that will stand the real test of time

Posted by Shad on 03/30/2010

I second Ahad, the title could be beyond us at this point. We are now relying on the probability of the top 2 dropping points coupled with the assumption that we will win our remaining six games. Looking at the fixtures, our tricky ones remaining are Spurs (away) and ManCity (home). Draws on both will surely be the final nail in the coffin of our campaign.

All in all winning the EPL is not impossible. Just highly improbable.

Posted by Rooben on 03/30/2010

It seems that Bretner has not slightest will to play. Heis so lazy.In last mast match I could count the number of times Bretner has been outstanding. Denilson is also short. Eboue would have done better. Almunia? why not Manone. Let s hope they get the boost up.

Posted by Tony on 03/30/2010

There are good goalkeepers right now in Russia and they will be available in the summer.
Akinfeev, Ryzhikov, Gabulov - all very good. Just show the money.
Who said Arshavin is getting on his nerves? that person is right. Arshavin is not concentrating enough. I think, there is a problem there. Arshavin needs to have a bigger role. He is bored. He needs to be under forward and he needs to strike some of the free kicks from the left side.
But the fact that he is not himself sometimes is the sign we all know - it is him. He can be brilliant or boring.

Posted by Gunnersagainsttheworld on 03/30/2010

Do not mistaken that Arsenal are quality late-goal specialists, not fluke late-goals and own goals sides like Man United. Still disgusted by the free game gifted to Man United by Wolverhampton. Arsenal are unlucky, but whatever happens at the end of the season, Arsenal will be admired.

Posted by George on 03/30/2010

David Seaman as a benchmark for goalkeepers barely makes Almunia look that bad. Seaman, for all his legendary status, must have been given nightmares by high balls towards goal. There are many examples of his frailties but remember the Cup winners cup final goal in '95 from the half way line and the Ronaldinho goal at the world cup. He was an excellent shot stopper though and at times Almunia looks world class in that department. I wouldn't say he is the weakest link in the team. Arsenal's problems lie further afield in central defence (where there is very poor cover for the first choices) and in striking positions where Bendtner and Eduardo belong nowhere near a top 4 side. Why did Wenger offload Senderos and keep Silvestre? Having said this, I am still optimistic for the season though. Come on you gunners!!!!

Posted by German on 03/30/2010

All that matters is that Arsenal keep a clean sheet and take a lead into the second leg - and if that comes courtesy of the most turgid ninety minutes of football ever produced by an Arsene Wenger side, then so be it.

Amen !!!

Posted by paulo on 03/30/2010

great work dave. But how about Arsen wenger? technically i think he should share part ofthe blame,why puting three crucial players on the bench. Accepted that it was 'cos of the ucl on wensday, taking each match as they come is better than gambling between matches. He is known for crumbling in the face of busy schedules while loosing crucial points. I had earlier wish we avoided playing barca'cos it will derailed our premShp chances, and this is the price we have to pay. if we had been selected to play CSK, he wouldn't have rested those players,ande yet why not buy more players?The two point loss to bir will in no doubt proof important in the race to the prem title. I also hope it won't affect the team phsycologically against barca. There is still hope, Wenger must learn to cross the bridge when he get's to the bridge. Arsen,Stop Gambling. Barca will fall in jesus name (amen).
SAnya(Gunners for Life)

Posted by boardmarc on 03/31/2010

Alas, "Aluminium" is as lightweight as his nick suggests. One week he saves a penalty against the Hammers, the next he fluffs it. I dont wish to pillory him based on one game, nonetheless, it's not only in this game that his mistakes have cost us. Unfortunately, and I hate to admit it, but the 2 reserve 'keepers hardly induce more confidence. Recalling an article sometime back, Arsene had said that Szczesny can be a big-game winner (or something to that extent). The more important question is when.

As much as it's important to boost our attacking line, my take is that it's more pressing to start from the back. And this wont be the first time I'm feeling so.

Posted by Chong Yaw Siong on 03/31/2010

If Wenger is to look at this season, there are 3 games in particular that he should regret. The 2-2 draw against West Ham, the 0-0 draw against Villa and finally this 1-1 draw at Birmingham. But the worst of them all, is this Birmingham game.

This equalizer was conceded during injury time (91st minute) with only 2 minute to go before the final whistle. The manner in which Alumunia punched a straight forward ball in the air and backwards instead of the away from penalty box box is further depressing.

Manuel Alumunia should not be forgiven, be it on purpose or is a genuine goalkeeping error, its time Wenger should get rid of him or at the very least push him down the list and make him a reserve. Alumunia has been making school boy errors on a consistent basis, the last before this was Nani's shot that he punched into his own goal.

Posted by CK on 03/31/2010

Arsenal has to shoot in the penalty area once chance arised, instead passing around there. It demonstrated from Samir shoot for first goal, if he still passed around and wasted the scoring chance and unable to make 1:0. Few min later, another good chance for Samir to score at the penalty box, who failed to do so ( a habit of most Arsenal strikers/midfielders do), instead Samir crossed and wasted the chance to increase the lead to 2:0.

They cannot grasp the scoring opportunity, how can Arsenal improve the goal difference (even they win all the remaining matches)?

Posted by Emeka, from nigeria on 03/31/2010

Arsenal, have had horrific injuries this season. the loss of VP was colossal not just for his goal scoring but also hi general all round play. when he was in the side he made lots of assists and we obviously miss that.
Almunia is a great keeper, sure many may not think so but many goals he has conceded have been primarily due to defensive frailties which seem to be rectified since the advent of Veramaaelen. Arshavin needs to buckle up. He does seem distracted for some reason and a player of his status ought to act as a leader on the pitch considering his age and experience.Song has been absolutely magnificent, he and Vermaaelen are the major defensive heroes.AW should strengthen the squad..... and fast.... Whatever it takes. Barca are good but so are we. if we have the belief we can win but i dont think we can keep a clean sheet. its going to be a great game....... although i would take a boring match with a 1-0 scoreline any day.... UP GUNNERS>

Posted by tuan moore on 03/31/2010

AW will find the right combination to win wednesday , arsenal fans must keep the faith because our time is coming. it is amazing the wishy washy nature of some fans, birmingham is a tough place to play a draw even though hard to swallow. i finally believe we need a top class keeper, alumunia is way to inconsistent.

Posted by sw on 03/31/2010

Why not try to pickup Brad Guzan to replace Alumnia?? He rocks it for the US national team when he gets the chance. He's #2 to Tim Howard for Villa, a possibility?

Posted by Anonymous on 03/31/2010

i have watched this match.gunners tried to do their best but.....

Post your comment

Name:

Email Address:

Comments:

characters left