Arsenal vs. Partizan: What the Gunners Learned from the 3-1 Victory

After the Gunners’ disastrous 3-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday at the Emirates, the outcome of Tuesday’s Partizan Belgrade match (and the 2010 season in general) no longer seemed certain.

Fault for the West Brom debacle was placed heavily on the shoulders of Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Alumnia, who allowed two very stoppable attempts into the net.  But although Alumnia’s blunders were the most glaring, it was the untimely defensive oversights and lack of focus exhibited by Wenger’s men that proved more alarming. 

When asked after the match Arsene Wenger admitted that, “It is unexplainable how flat the whole thing looked for the whole game.  I did not recognize my team today.”

At the start of the Partizan game it seemed like the Gunners may be in store for another incalculable defeat, as the Arsenal defense struggled to deal with Cleo, the Partizan attacker. 

But any doubts were put to rest as Andrey Arshavin put a sure strike into the back of the net off of a brilliant assist from Jack Wilshere, an exciting 18-year-old prospect.  Arshavin’s opening goal ignited the fluid and creative attacking so characteristic of Wenger’s Arsenal. 

At the 32-minute mark, Partizan capitalized on a penalty, awarded after Denilson’s handball in the goal box.  But in the second half, two goals by Arsenal secured the Gunners’ victory. 

So what can the Gunners take back to the Emirates from their campaign at Partizan?

Firstly, that Andrey Arshavin is no one trick pony. 

The fear that the 29-year-old would not be able to live up to his remarkable 2009 season has been largely quelled with his consistent performance thus far, scoring five goals in nine games.  The diminutive striker proved his worth once more in the Partizan game, dancing around defenses and scoring when it was required of him.  

Secondly, that 18-year-old Jack Wilshere is nothing to be laughed at.

Wilshere is an excellent prospect for Arsenal, and is certainly someone to keep your eyes on throughout the 2010 season as he tries to force himself onto the starting 11.  His teammates, coaches, and the media have all begun to sing the teenager praise, and Wilshere’s performance against Partizan certainly verified it. 

Wilshere’s sensational backheel assist to Arshavin demonstrates the composure and maturity inherent in Wilshere’s play.

Finally, that Arsenal can keep it’s head above water without Fabregas and Van Persie.

Many wrote the Gunners’ loss to West Brom off to the absences of attacker Robin van Persie and midfielder/captain Cesc Fabregas.  Certainly, van Persie’s prowess in front of the goal was missed, as was the stability and creativity of Fabregas in the middle of the pitch.  However, the match against Partizan proved that the Gunners could manage without these two mainstays.