IS ARSENAL STILL IN THE TITLE RACE?
Chelsea’s victory over Arsenal this past weekend left a nine point gap between first place and the Gunners. Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes that Arsenal are out of the title race. Ballack also went to say that Arsenal don’t play effective soccer. You can read the full story here: Arsenal out of the title race
Is Arsenal out of the title race? With 13 games and 3 1/2 months of soccer left on the calendar I’m not ready to throw in the towel. Although nine points is a large gap it isn’t insurmountable. Chelsea still needs to face Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Each of those teams could easily chip away at Chelsea’s lead. I think it is unwise for Chelsea to count out more workman like teams such as Everton and Stoke as well. We can’t forget how Chelsea struggled to find a goal in their 1-1 tie against Hull City only a few weeks ago.
The fact of the matter is that Chelsea hasn’t won anything yet and still faces plenty of competition that, at second glance, makes their 9 point lead look more fragile. Michael Ballack is speaking too soon. He should focus his attention on Chelsea’s match against Everton this weekend and leave title predictions for April. I think the bigger problem is an in form Manchester United.
This doesn’t mean Arsenal doesn’t have work to do. Their ineffective soccer was exploited two weeks in a row and some question their resolve to bounce back and make a title run. Arsenal’s schedule still consists of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham. All winnable games but the Gunners will need to show more than they did against Chelsea and Manchester United.
How do we right this ship? Arsenal needs to find more conviction and creativity. For all their quick passing and clever dribbling, they are incredibly predictable and easily contained. While that style can dazzle lesser teams, more worthy competition won’t be bothered. Arshavin, Fabergas, and Nasri all bring flash but they need to find the back of the net. They aren’t strikers but they get the looks and can’t put the ball away.
If I was the coach I’d start Bendtnar at center forward, partnered by Rosicky and Arshavin. I don’t think Arshavin is used appropriately at center forward. Fabergas is phenomenal but I think the coach has too much confidence in his play. Fabergas isn’t an every game player or at least not at attacking mid. Push him higher up the line as a second forward and give the attacking mid reigns to Rosicky or Arshavin. I’d play Diaby higher up the field as well and possibly slide in Aaron Ramsey as a center mid. Eboue needs to be back in the starting lineup, and Nasri and Walcott need to be used sparingly.
Hopefully this summer will see some big changes. News that Fabergas hasn’t signed a new contract with Arsenal and is looking towards Barcelona doesn’t bother me. He is a phenomenal player but maybe not the right player for Arsenal. Fabergas is a player that can only excel if the team is built around him and that ties Arsenal down. Additionally, I think our captain needs to be a grittier player, a Patrick Vieira type.
The good news is that Van Persie’s ankle rehab is right on schedule and he is predicted to be back in action some time in April to help Arsenal close out the season.
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh is still interested in joining Arsenal even though Wenger denies any deal has been made. I think he would be a good summer pick up.
Share your thoughts on Arsenal seasons.