English Premier League: 5 Things Fans Learnt from Arsenal's 2-1 Loss to Bolton
Arsenal's English Premier League titles are officially over after the Gunners were stunned 2-1 by a doughty Bolton outfit who secured victory in the final minutes of the match thanks to a glancing header from Tamir Cohen. Arsene Wenger had stated that he believed his side still had the calibre and ability to achieve their first EPL triumph in seven years despite Manchester United's nine-point lead at the top of the table.
However, it is now certain that Wenger's young and promising squad will once again end the season without the reward of silverware after their sixth draw in seven Premier League encounters. Once again, the North London giants created chances, boasted the weight of possession and ultimately had their chance to secure victory, much like the story all season, Arsenal simply didn't have the hunger and mentality to really kill the game.
After breathing down United's back for most of the season in second place, the Gunners now find themselves competing for third place as Chelsea overtake and Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester look destined for glory. Injuries have often been the excuse for Arsenal's struggles, but no longer can that be said as the case as once again Wenger deployed an almost full strength XI that should have the quality to easily defeat the likes of Bolton, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Granted there is a distinct lack of confidence that has emerged in the last month-and-a-half which was born after Arsenal's shock 2-1 Carling Cup Final loss to Birmingham City. However, the loss to Bolton will open the flood gates for a wave of criticism to Wenger as many believe this defeat signifies the time for the Frenchman to finally leave Arsenal.
None the less, here are eight things the fans learned.
8. Owen Coyle Is a Genius with Youngsters
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Arsene Wenger has long been renowned for his ability to develop youngsters into world class players, and the evidence is telling, however Owen Coyle could be just as good. The encounter ensured Arsenal young gun Jack Wilshere returned to the Reebok, the ground the teenager had called home for four months last season.
It has been a rapid rise for Wilshere, who has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in his first full season at Arsenal. The 19-year-old has made an incredible 44 appearances for Wenger this season and has easily been the Gunner's best performer.
However it's hard to imagine had Wilshere not enjoyed a short stint on loan under Coyle at Bolton whether the teenage sensation would be at the level he has developed into. Coyle exposed Wilshere to consistent first team action and instilled a more physical side into the teenager which has become hugely evident this season.
The 14 appearances Wilshere made have certainly played a significant role in his rapid rise but the Bolton manager has continued his impressive talent to help youngsters grow with Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge this season. Sturridge was long touted as the next big striker in World Football, particularly England. However, opportunities firstly at Manchester City and now at Chelsea have failed to materialize consistently.
After only 41 appearances for the Blues in two seasons, Carlo Ancelotti sent the 21-year-old to Coyle at the of January, and it has since seen the young striker grow immensely and remind England just how prolific and talented he really is.
Whilst Chelsea spent £50 million for Fernardo Torres, who took 14 games to score his first Chelsea goal, after Sturridge was loaned, Bolton have received the Englishman for free, and Sturrige has responded with seven goals in nine games, one of which was scored against the Gunners.
What's worse was Coyle had been eager to take on Arsenal's Carlos Vela, but the Mexican's agent opted for West Bromwich Albion, Vela has barely featured.
7. Wenger Pays the Price for Not Buying a Quality Centre Half
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As Arsenal's centre half pairing of Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny were thoroughly unconvincing, Bolton's Gary Cahill was defiant in his performance which epitomized just how poorly Wenger has been in the transfer market.
Djourou and Koscielny have no doubt performed strongly throughout the season, but as strong as they may be, neither really boast the title mentality or calibre a side like Arsenal requires. Wenger was unfortunate to lose defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen in August to a season-ending Achilles injury, but the Gunners have never really boasted a title-winning defensive line, in a long time.
Wenger was gifted the perfect opportunity in both January and the summer to secure the services of quality centre halves but ultimately went for the cheap options of Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci. The French tactician hasn't won silverware in five seasons which should of been cause enough for Wenger to spend big and attract what really should have been a renowned Premier League defender or the likes of Per Mertesacker, Neven Subotic or Mamadou Sakho.
There is no doubt this summer a different transfer approach will be taken by Arsenal, but is it too late?
6. Gael Clichy Is a Figure of His Former Self and Should Be Allowed to Leave
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Arsenal's central defensive woes may have always been a sceptical prospect for a number of years now, but Gael Clichy isn't exactly doing much better as Arsenal's veteran left back. The Frenchman, who is renowned as one of the best left backs in the Premier League, has failed to perform consistently and convincingly for some time now despite being a veteran and leader in the young Gunner's squad.
Since a stellar 2007/2008 in which the 25-year-old was named PFA left back of the year, the French international has endured yo-yo-like performances. There is no denying Clichy is a quality full back who possess great speed and stamina alongside being a more than handy attacker, however, at times, the former Cannes defender is a liability in defence with attackers often exposing the frailty of Arsenal's left side.
Clichy's future has come under concern in recent months with talk the Frenchman is being targeted by the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid. With English international Kieran Gibbs a delightful prospect who due to Clichy is unable to receive adequate opportunities and the speculation Everton's Leighton Baines could be coming to the Emirates, it may be time for Wenger to sell Gael Clichy.
4. Theo Walcott Needs Much More Involvement
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2010/2011 has been a huge stepping stone for dynamo Theo Walcott. The 22-year-old has become an immense goal threat, and although the constant injuries woes are still evident, the form that the Englishman showed in December, January and February was superb and will aid the speed machine greatly.
However, despite his goal threat, 12 goals this season, Walcott still fails to be as potent as he possibly could. Too often does the English international drift in an out of games despite offering such a threatening attack with his speed. It was much the case against Bolton, Walcott on the right wing as being defended by Paul Robinson, a considerably slower and older opponent.
However, Walcott failed to properly penetrate the Bolton defensive line despite occasionally looking sharp. Similar to what was raised about playmaker Samir Nasri, Walcott needs to see a much larger amount of ball if he is to become the defiant superstar that is clear he can become.
1. Time May Be Up for Arsene Wenger
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Sixth seasons now and still no silverware for such a promising young squad that appears to have come to fruition. What's worse that it is the same old story. The Gunners fail to perform when necessary in the closing stages of the competitions as their lack of mentality and desire becomes all the more evident.
Wenger has stated he is to blame, and it appears as if it affects the players too. Is it time for Arsene Wenger to finally move on from the club that the Frenchman achieved such glory with since 1996?
