Hello to you, it’s been a rather slow Tuesday even if Arsenal were only slated to play the next game on Thursday. So what to do or say on days like this. I figure a little bit of numbers and statistics would not hurt. Found this on Football365.
- So far this season in the league, Arsenal have won 14 out of the 17 times that they have taken the lead in a match. United at Old Trafford being the only loss despite leading the game. While West Ham (A) and Burnley (A) have been the only 2 times we have drawn when in front.
- On the other side of the coin, whenever we fall behind in a league game we have lost 5 of such games and only manage to come from behind to win 3 of those. The trio of victories were against Blackburn (H), Liverpool (A) and Bolton (H).
Wenger has constantly championed the fighting spirit of Arsenal and that these group of youngsters have it in them to fight for each other and never learn to give up. Well, from the statistics above, that hardly seem the case. Therefore, it is imperative that our defence remain stout and do not let in the silly goals. Provided that our fort is not breached, then we can be comforted with the fact we always find goals at the right end.
Which is also something that is not amiss with Wenger. From starting out with 1 defensive midfielder and 2 roaming midfielders, the formation has evolve to 2 defensive midfielders and a solitary roaming one in Fabregas. The return of Diaby, not the least, is one of the improvement in that respect.
- Only 22 goals out of the 63 scored by Arsenal have been in the below 40th minute mark.
That clearly shows that Arsenal does not come racing out of the blocks from the get go. This is by far the most obvious difference between Wenger’s latest team and the one that steamrolled to the league title in 2004. That team usually comes out firing on all cylinders and by half time, the destination of the 3 points is already heading Highbury’s way. The current crop of players seemed to take their time in adjusting to the game. Whether it is the playing surface, weather or opponent tactic; they simply find it hard to take a foothold on the game right from the beginning.
The longer it takes for them to open the scoring, the harder it becomes. Fans start to get restless and the audible gets louder with every stray pass or failed dribble. Not only does that affect our own players, it gives greater confidence to the opposition. Wenger is not be renown as the best of manager when it comes to giving rousing speech or stirring words, be it before the start or at half time. Perhaps this is an area that the boss needs to improve himself. But the players themselves should also rise to the occasion and treat every match with equal importance and cannot that the end result is justified by just walking onto the pitch.
They say self motivation is a very important attribute to have. As player of Arsenal Football Club, that should be the number 1 thing on their mind just as they take their step onto the field. Something to ponder upon.
Till tomorrow.