Wigan Defeat Shatters the Illusion of Arsenal's Recovery

Arsenal's 2-1 home defeat to survival-chasing Wigan Athletic shattered the illusion that Arsene Wenger's team has made a full recovery and is ready to compete for major honours.

For the second time in four matches, the Gunners were sluggish in a game they should be winning. Last night's humbling reversal joins the 2-1 defeat away to Queens Park Rangers, as damning evidence that all is not yet well in the Arsenal camp.

Despite an exceptional run of form since February, Arsenal are still capable of these kind of slip-ups at any time. It is a clear sign of a team not capable and prepared to be winners at the highest level.

The second-half performance in particular was deeply disturbing. Arsenal limited themselves to slowly passing across the pitch, moving from one side to the other without any hint of forward progress.

The pace of the passing was lethargic and the lack of movement amongst the players, bordered on outright negligence from a Champions League-placed team.

It was not a case of Wenger being tactically out guessed, rather it was a case of the players abandoning the principles that help them succeed.

Arsenal's game is all about quick, one-touch passing and intelligent movement. Wenger's philosophy is an attacking one which calls for his players to apply pressure to the opposition in every area of the pitch.

Yet Arsenal did not press the ball when Wigan had it and exhibited no guile, industry and speed of thought in possession. Perhaps the two biggest culprits were Alex Song and Theo Walcott.

It is simply baffling that many still refer to Song as a defensive midfield anchor man. His positional sense and general tackling technique are frankly abysmal.

If Song were a true holding player, then Arsenal would not be exposed so often by the kind of counter attacking which led to Wigan's first goal. A defensive midfielder would not go forward for a corner, but instead position himself in between the two full backs and remain deep.

Song should be played in an advanced position, to take advantage of his direct power and eye for a through pass, or he should not be picked at all.

As for Walcott, this author is getting tired of calling on the England speedster to come in from the flank and make the kind of varied and well-timed runs Arsenal's system demands. Last night, Walcott once again stayed stuck to the paint and failed to involve himself.

Granted, Wigan pressed him and doubled up frequently. Yet after being robbed by Maynor Figueroa on a couple of occasions, Walcott appeared content to drift out of the game.

He should have been darting in between the central defenders to provide the likes of Song and Tomas Rosicky with a target. Walcott has had more than enough time to learn to play in the mould of Marc Overmars and Freddie Ljungberg.

At this point, Arsenal should strongly consider whether they can justify investing in a new contract. It may be better to simply part ways with Walcott.

This is no condemnation of the work Wenger is doing. If anything, this latest setback only serves to emphasise why Arsenal are linked with so many in the transfer market.

Certainly a true defensive presence in midfield is a must, along with a prolific playmaker and a more fluid and quick-thinking wide player.

Last night was no mere blip. It was a rude awakening and one which could have frightening implications for Arsenal's fate this season. 

The defeat should be treated as a harshly learned, but vital wake up call, that there is still plenty to be done before Arsenal are legitimate contenders again.