Arsenal drop points at the Emirates

Arsenal1-1 Fulham

Following the mid-week win over Borussia Dortmund and the great feeling of satisfaction, at qualifying for the knock out phase of the Champions League, Saturday’s match against Fulham was one of immense frustration.

Arsenal started the game brightly with Arshavin having a goal correctly ruled out for off-side and Aaron Ramsey forcing Mark Schwarzer into a fine save. Theo Walcott was also threatening on the right flank, with one fine run setting up Ramsey who could only shoot over the bar. There was a feeling that it would only be a matter of time before the Gunners broke the deadlock, but as so often happens, Arsenal’s fluidity in attack began to wane as Fulham tightened up at the back and congested the midfield. In fact as the first half wore on, Fulham became more of a threat. Bobby Zamora skilfully turned Vermaelen on the edge of the box and his shot sailed just over the bar, while Moussa Dembele forced Szczesny into a fine save at his near post, following slack marking by Djourou.

Arsenal needed to assert their authority in the second half, but were noticeably lethargic, especially in midfield, as they repeatedly lost possession cheaply. Ramsey and Arshavin were the main culprits, with Ramsey attempting silly flicks and tricks when a simple pass would suffice, while Arshavin seemed to continually either pass the ball backwards or straight to a Fulham player. With both playing poorly Arsenal could not really mount any significant attacks, although Van Persie did have a shot cleared off the line by Chris Baird. The game was becoming bogged down in midfield, but Wenger inexplicably seemed reluctant to make any substitutions. His reluctance would prove ill-advised as in the 65th minute Fulham took the lead. A cross into the Arsenal box, coupled with a forward run by John Arne-Riise, caused confusion amongst the Gunners defence and resulted in Vermaelen inadvertently sliding the ball beyond Szczesny and into the net.

This finally roused Wenger into action and he duly replaced Ramsey with Diaby, but inexplicably left the utterly useless Arshavin on the pitch. Diaby looked strong and incisive, while Gervinho, who replaced Mertesacker, added pace on the left flank. Arsenal could have equalised through Djourou’s point blank header, but were denied by Schwharzer and then in the 82nd minute Vermaelen atoned for his own goal, as he met Walcott’s cross with a powerful header to level the match. The Emirates faithful raised the decibel levels as they urged their team forward in search of the winner; but unfortunately it was not to be. Arsenal just could not create another opening to seal all three points and would have to settle instead for one.

In the post match interviews, Wenger claimed tiredness from the mid-week game had cost Arsenal. While this may be the case, it does not excuse the manager’s prolonged delay in making substitutions to change the game and nor does it excuse yet another listless performance from Arshavin. The Russian has complained at his lack of first team appearances this season, but when he is given the opportunity he does absolutely nothing to justify his inclusion. Arshavin simply appears disinterested and I would rather Wenger started with Benayoun instead. Arshavin was replaced by Chamakh on Saturday but the Moroccan’s performance further highlighted his decline in an Arsenal shirt. He was weak in the challenge and excruciatingly slow. With the January transfer window fast approaching I would love to see Arsenal sign Lukas Podolski. He has pace, strength, a powerful shot and could play on the wing too. Unfortunately it would appear Arsenal will not sign anyone in January as Wenger has already stated we have adequate cover upfront, effectively leaving Arsenal’s future success dependent on the fitness and form of Van Persie.

Saturday’s frustration was replaced with shock on Sunday at the tragic news of the death of Wales manager Gary Speed. I had seen him laughing and joking as a guest on the BBC’s Football Focus only on Saturday morning. He was a great player and had such a fantastic future ahead of him as a manager. His is a huge loss to the world of football.