In a dramatic match, Arsenal's title hopes, and their last chance of a trophy, disappeared.
Arsenal have been a fantastic team to watch all year. Credit where credit is due: But at the end of the day, their squad has been too small, too young and too inexperienced.
It's easy to lay the blame at Wenger's door, but some dodgy decisions by referees and horrific injuries have laid waste to Arsenal's season.
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A combination of factors have denied this energetic young team their first trophy.
To the match, and what can be said?
Arsenal's goal, a hand ball, was their lucky moment, and despite averaging 73 percent of the possession, did little with it, while Manchester United were relaxed, comfortable and able to take a free kick as well!
Owen Hargreaves spectacular shot could win goal of the season, in my opinion.
Then a needless handball by William Gallas sealed Arsenal's fate.
The story of their season: hugely impressive, skilful and quick-footed. But young and lacking that va-va voom.
On to Manchester United—Barcelona, methinks.
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7 months ago
Doggy decisions by referees goes both way, Arsenal had their share of bad decisions that went in their favor. The truth is, simple- the team is not good enough, particularly the defense.
We missed Viera and Thiery.
from 7 months ago
I'm not so sure Arsenal missed either of them - I'd say they need a Bergkamp-esque player to really make that squad work. They have the skills, just not the killer instinct yet.
7 months ago
One could feel United could pull it off..Simon as far as Goal of the season is concerned..I think we've seen quite a few better..
from 7 months ago
I think it's a certainty now. United really only need to win 2/3 games and let's face it - Arsenal and Chelsea must win all their remaining matches now. It seems unlikely.
Arsenal - three years, no trophies. Chelsea - two years, one trophy (carling cup). Manchester United - Dominant. Thrilling regardless.
from 7 months ago
Actually Chelsea won the FA Cup last year as well. And still have a decent chance of landing the Champions League as well.
7 months ago
Ok Arsenal Needs to learn how to control a game, how many times did we see them lose their lead... Good For Utd this was the case today too... hargreaves free kick will probably be in the top 10 goals of the season not only for the shot itself but what it represents...
7 months ago
Simon you forgot to mention in your comment that Chelsea won the FA Cup last year (against Manchester United). So I guess they've had two trophies. But it won't be anything compared to United's accomplishments if the Red Devils win the league again this year.
from 7 months ago
My apologies, I did in fact mean FA cup not carling cup.
7 months ago
The game itself summed up Arsenal season, and current failings. It was quite amazing to see the difference between the clubs shine through, on both fronts.
Arsenal deserved more than what they got in the first half, but then again, you could say that for the entire game. If you don't make the most of your chances when you play United, they will make you pay for it. Simple as that. Arsenal, much like their entire season, created much, and squandered most of it.
Then in the second half, like the second half of the Premiership season, United took over. The quality of the goal scorers, and substitutions pretty much said it all. While many will argue that Adebayor would of struck the first goal with his head, had his hand not been in the way, he was lucky; just as equally Galas was unlucky to have the ball hit his arm in the penalty area.
Hargreaves (aged 27), a £17 million summer signing for united showed he's been practicing his free kick taking. Ferguson was able to substitute on £20 million summer signing Tévez (aged 24) and £18 million summer signing Anderson (aged 20). They were able to keep Arsenal at bay and disrupt any chances of an Arsenal comeback.
Wenger brought on Walcott (19 yrs) and Bendtner (20 yrs) but neither could change the game like their opposing team match ups.
Should Walcott have started instead of Eboue? Perhaps. But the game showed exactly what many fans say the problem is; there isn't enough experience and depth to the Arsenal squad. Sure, they looked good to beat United (and many United fans should be worried at the 2 own goals that their shaky defence almost cost), but "looking like" and "doing" are completely different things.
Plain and simple, Arsenal should of bagged 1-2 before half time, and they didn't. They could of, and should of, given the chances they created, and the possession they held and the ease at which they could open up channels and control the aerial component; but they didn't.
Arsene should not kid himself that the young squad can do it on their own, and that he's got the makings of a team capable of capitalizing and winning the games they didn't this season, and beating United soundly when they should of. Maybe if he stopped being stubborn and replaced Eboue, Rosický and Toure and/or Gallas with @£20 million signings of his own, as well as capable senior strikers to augment his fledgling charges, Arsenal fans would see a return to winning ways, and trophies that reward consistent performance throughout a campaign.
If he doesn't, and more importantly, if his rivals do and he doesn't, Arsene may find the later part of this decade being not as comfortable for him as the first half was.
from 7 months ago
This is much better analysis and evaluation than the short “article” itself in my opinion and would be better suited running in it’s place.
The main article also seems to suggest that Hargreaves’ freekick happened before the penalty incident?! “Then a needless handball…”, although I am not sure if this is just down to the editing.
7 months ago
Well when the season started I was told Arsenal would struggle to finish 4th, and would not do anything. Well we have not struggled, and are now seen as a genuine threat to Man utd and Chelsea next season. Most bookmakers have us 2nd favourites for next seasons league.
We have been unlucky, but we went 49 games unbeaten and a fair few dodgy penalties were int that run. That has now been evened out. Opposing fans can no longer use the age old "u had pires" excuse.
I do not understand this small squad thing. Eduardo, Van persie, and Rosicky were out for large periods. they are 3 first team players. Even utd would struggle without 3.
Anyway good luck to all the Arsenal lads in Euro 08. Oh except Theo of course, Rio Ferdinand looked good yesterday, shame he doesn't wear his nations shirt with the same pride.
from 7 months ago
Name 3 United players that if they were injured, could not be replaced by someone equal, who actually has match winning fitness resting on the bench ready for a chance.
Try to do the same for Arsenal.
Eboue is what the Gunners get when there are "'0" choices behind Rosicky on the left flank. Take Rosicky out, and the whole side shifts over the left and Eboue, converted from a fullback, turns in to a runner with no end product on the right. If it wasn't for Clichy's overlapping runs, there would be no left flank for Arsenal. Hleb wants to play in the middle, you can see it.
Eduardo and VanPersie, both injured, leaves 2 options for striker; Adebayor, who should of never cut his hair, and Bendtner. Neither are Ian Wright; neither are Thierry Henry. Hleb is no Bergkamp, just to be thorough.
It all gets horribly miss-shaped very quickly. Look at Eboue's stats this year. 2 assists. Walcott; 5, and goals to boot. Yet Eboue gets the nod.
If Eboue comes back in an Arsenal uniform after the summer, I'll consider Arsene certifiably insane.
from 7 months ago
I'm a United fan but...
Try Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra.
Then United are stuffed.
7 months ago
This is much better analysis and evaluation than the short “article” itself in my opinion and would be better suited running in it’s place.
The main article also seems to suggest that Hargreaves’ freekick happened before the penalty incident?! “Then a needless handball…”, although I am not sure if this is just down to the editing.
7 months ago
Sorry, not sure why that has appeared twice :s
7 months ago
In my opinion, Arsene Wenger needs to spend money and sign some quality and experience players this summer.
7 months ago
In my opinion, Arsene Wenger needs to spend money and sign some quality and experience players this summer.
7 months ago
In my opinion, Arsene Wenger needs to spend money and sign some quality and experience players this summer.
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