English Premier League: 8 Things Learned from Arsenal's 3-1 Loss to Stoke City
- Jones 28,
- Pennant 40,
- Walters 82
- van Persie 81
Arsenal officially had their English Premier League title aspirations eradicated thanks to a feeble performance against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. The Gunners title bid was already largely considered futile despite their recent 1-0 victory over leaders Manchester United last week however any lingering hope was crushed as an impressive Potters outfit stormed to a 3-1 victory.
Arsene Wenger's men were without captain and key play makers Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri but regardless, the integrity and effort exhibited by the young, psychologically drained Gunners was horrendous. Notorious for struggling against the tougher, physical sides like Stoke, the North London giants merely never looked mentally ready for the challenge.
Manchester United's defeat of second place Chelsea all but secures Sir Alex Ferguson's men a 19th Premier League title whilst Arsenal still run the risk of demotion to fourth place, after trailing United for the predominant part of the campaign in second place, should Manchester City return to winning ways and Wenger's men continue their meagre winning ways.
The defeat signified the Gunners had only secured victory twice in their last nine Premier League encounters. The North London giants are still suffering from their Carling Cup Final hangover and the conclusion of 2010/2011 cannot come quick enough as this season has truly been extinguished.
Stoke were able to expose many weakness currently haunting the Gunners that not only the summer Transfer Window will be able fix. Here is what World Football learned.
8. The Britannia Stadium Pitch Was Terrible
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Arsenal's lacklustre passing and almost nonexistent defending wasn't the only thing that shocked viewers world wide. No, the increasing amount of the players falling over seemingly nothing was prominent throughout the game which posed as a worry considering how easily injuries could be sustained.
It appeared the Britannia Stadium pitch was not quite up to scratch with players struggling to keep their feet due to what could only be assumed as uneven patches.
One luxury that Arsenal boast is their superb stadium, the Emirates, which possess one of the finest pitches in world football. Stoke City on the other hand don't quite enjoy the funds which the Gunners have and which ensures their pitch does not have the calibre of Arsenal's.
However, it is a distinct worry if players stumble on poor fields as the risk of injury increases greatly.
7. Jack Wilshere's Aggression Should Be Embraced by the Squad, to an Extent
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Stoke City are notorious for getting under Arsenal's skin. Since returning to the Premier League in 2008 after a 25-year hiatus, Tony Pulis's men have played an aggressive, physical style which infuriates Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey suffered a horrific leg break by Ryan Shawcross last season which was the catalyst in a decaying relationship between the two sides who boast completely different theories of football.
As expected there were a number of arguments between players with Arsenal's teenage sensation Jack Wilshere leading the charge. It has been quite a season for the 19-year-old star who has easily been Arsenal's Player of the Season with 45 appearances, two goals and nine assists at the heart of Wenger's midfield.
Wilshere brings a tough, no nonsense yet creative and intelligent presence to the Gunner's middle and it was admirable to watch the teenager attempt to give the Potters a small taste of their own cooking. The English international was involved in a minor confrontation with Stoke midfielder Dean Whitehead after a late challenge before sparking a melee after a precarious challenge on former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant.
It's no secret of Wilshere's temperament and aggression. The young gun is a fierce competitor and although he has a tendency to lose his head on occasions, the rest of the Arsenal squad needed to embrace the attitude that Wilshere utilized.
Obviously, two-footed challenges and late stamps are not the exact way to play, but particularly, the Arsenal defensive line needed to enforce their presence onto the Stoke lineup in order to regain some momentum.
Too often other players showed a distinct lack of fight and determination, and if Arsenal are to properly succeed against the tough teams like Birmingham City, Sunderland and of course Stoke, some of Jack Wilshere's aggression needs to be embraced.
6. Kieran Gibbs Has Suffered from Lack of Playing Time and Requires a Loan Spell
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Arsenal were burdened by the injuries of captain Cesc Fabregas and PFA Midfielder of the Year Samir Nasri, however the late omission of veteran left back Gael Clichy, who suffered a hamstring complaint, was also a factor in the Gunner's humiliation.
The Frenchman's absence ensured deputy left back Kieran Gibbs received a rare start. The Englishman, who evokes tremendous promise, has endured a slow season with Wenger failing to grant Gibbs prominent opportunities.
Since bursting onto the Arsenal scene two seasons ago when Clichy suffered a serious hamstring injury, injuries and lack of opportunities have curtailed the 21-year-old's development at the Emirates despite being rewarded with a England National call-up in August last year.
Gibbs has been restricted to a meagre 18 appearances this season, predominantly in domestic cup competitions, and it showed as the former Wimbledon youth failed to impress at the Britannia. The young left back was out-muscled, caught out of position and a rather frail contribution in attack. However, one cannot imagine the Englishman's confidence is high.
Gael Clichy's future is under concern at the Emirates with rumours the French international is being targeted by Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus. However Wenger is confident of keeping the 25-year-old which is quite frankly the best case. Although error prone, Clichy's leadership and experience is invaluable.
It is clear that next season Gibbs needs to experience a full season loan spell in the English Premier League whilst current loaners Armand Traore and Pedro Botelho return to deputize Clichy.
5. You Forgot Theo Walcott Was Playing
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There is no denying it's been a strong season for Theo Walcott. The Englishman has had previous seasons tainted by injuries despite still evoking much promise. 2010/2011 has still consisted of injuries for the 22-year-old, but world football has witnessed a more mature, intelligent and clinical "Theo."
Twelve goals in 36 appearances for Arsene Wenger this term, the most goals ever scored for Arsenal in a season since arriving in North London as a 16-year-old in 2006. Walcott's speed is a tremendous asset and can change a match in a matter of seconds but like a number of Arsenal attackers, Walcott has a tendency to struggle to make a distinct impact.
Such was the case against Stoke. The former Southampton winger enjoyed a solid opening half but then virtually disappearing. Fans were reminded that the English international was still on the field when a fouled was committed against him, but it no doubt was a day were young Walcott barely seemed to play.
4. Aaron Ramsey Is on Track to Return to the Calibre He Had Last Season
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It was always going to be difficult for Aaron Ramsey. Returning to the stadium where his rapid development and footballing prowess was immediately put on hold after a horror challenge from Ryan Shawcross, the current Stoke City captain.
The Welshman had been on track to complete a superb season for the Gunners and becoming one of the best young midfielders in world football. After arriving in 2008 from Cardiff City for £4.8 million, the 20-year-old has long been touted as a glistening talent, however, many were sceptical of whether or not the injury would hampered Ramsey.
After all, former Arsenal striker Eduardo, who suffered a similar leg break in February 2008, was never fully able to return to his best after returning to full fitness and was eventually sold in the recent summer to Ukranian kings Shakhtar Donetsk.
However after nine months on the treatment table, two loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City in order to regain touch and skill and weeks of warming the Arsenal bench, Aaron Ramsey is finally showing genuine signs of returning to the calibre he once possessed.
The Welsh captain epitomized his progress last week when he secured the vital winner against Manchester United, and although Ramsey was only able to play a half against Stoke, which wasn't particularly impressive, the youngster showed great mental and psychological strength which will only aid this superb talent.
3. Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna Are the Unsung Heroes of Arsenal
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It was not a day where ultimately any Arsenal player could reminisce on a strong performance. Robin van Persie was arguably the stand out player for Wenger, but even the Dutchman wasn't consistently strong.
Defensive duo Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna may have not had the most eye-catching effort, with Sagna integral in Stoke's second strike, but the pair provided a solid enough performance that highlighted their consistent presence and effort throughout the season.
The French duo boast 81 appearances between them for this season, with Sagna 39 and Koscielny 42. Both week in week out put their heads down and get on with their job only worrying about providing the best for the Gunners.
Sagna is already a renowned right back who is vastly considered as one of the best full backs in World Football. The 28-year-old, who boasts over 170 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Auxerre in 2007, was named in the PFA Team of the Year at right back for the second time in his sublime career and if anyone deserves a trophy at Arsenal, Sagna is the most obvious choice.
Koscielny on the other hand has shown tremendous spirit and determination, and it's only the 25-year-old's debut season for Arsenal. In world football's toughest league, the former Lorient FC centre half has overcome criticism and disbelief from Arsenal fans and critics to become one of the EPL's doughtiest defenders.
It may be a disappointing season for Arsenal, but Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny can certainly reflect strongly on their efforts.
2. The Van Persie, Bendtner, Chamakh Forward Line Needs to Be Tried More Often
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With Arsenal conceding two goals in the opening forty minutes, Wenger's men entered the main interval severely lacking confidence and attacking prowess. This resulted in Wenger opting to enforce attacking changes to hopefully impact the game.
Imposing strikers Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner were brought on for Andrei Arshavin and Aaron Ramsey respectively.
The result?
Robin van Persie managed to find a consolation goal. It was the Dutchman's 20th goal of the season, his 18th since the new year. Unfortunately both Bendtner and Chamakh have been victims of van Persie's form success, restricting the attacking duo to limited opportunities.
With Wenger favouring a formation that compliments a lone striker, both Chamakh and Bendtner are forced to take on impact substitution roles. Wenger prefers speed on his wings rather than the imposing figures of the aforementioned duo.
However, although neither were able to sufficiently save Arsenal, the Gunners appeared slightly stronger with a three-man imposing strike force. With Bendtner and Chamakh forming a two-man striker position, it enables van Persie to play in his prefered position of a second striker where the Dutchman is able to create and orchestrate play rather than work and provide a physical presence.
Furthermore Arsenal immediately become a more commanding presence from crosses. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy often pepper the Arsenal attack with crosses however the Gunners are one of the worst sides at succeeding from set pieces and crosses predominantly because van Persie offers little in the air.
If Wenger begins to use the van Persie, Chamakh, Bendtner forward line more often, it allows more midfield defensive depth as Jack Wilshere and Alexandre Song are not force to become as creative whilst the full backs can take on even wider roles.
Wenger needs to change something, it would not hurt to try.
1. Same Old Defensive Arsenal
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The one thing that really restricts Arsenal in their title aspirations and trophy attempt. Too often are Arsenal over powered or out muscled defensively from set pieces and corners. Too often does their defensive integrity let them down and to often fans and critics are left scratching their heads, after years of failures.
Why has this problem been eroded?
Unless Wenger is prepared to enforce defensive changes or simply make Arsenal a more defensive side then they currently are, it appears unlikely the North London giants will break their notorious trophy drought whilst other sides, who boast mass funds will continue to bolster.
If this season has taught the French tactician anything, it is that a change is needed.
