Arsenal FC: Positive and Negative Things We Know After 2010-'11
With another season gone by, Arsenal's trophy drought is still going strong.
In December, the Gunners were on the verge of first place; so close to Manchester United. Then, they Arsenal-ed (or self-destructed).
Draws left, right, and center: Wigan, Manchester City, Newcastle, Sunderland, Blackburn, Liverpool, Tottenham, Fulham. So many winnable matches slipped out of Arsenal's grasp. Consequentially, they could do no better than fourth place, after being serious title contenders a few months earlier.
However, the beginning of the year featured Arsenal playing some great soccer. The season was not 100 percent negative, because, if they can play consistently like they did at the beginning, some success can be expected.
Positive: Robin Van Persie's Goal-Scoring Form
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Before the 2010-'11 season, many shrugged at Robin van Persie, saying he was past his prime. Maybe, but that doesn't mean he's not still one of the top strikers in the Premier League.
The Dutchman had a good year, scoring 18 goals in 19 starts, while also recording seven assists. He scored some very nice goals, notably against Barcelona and Wigan.
Hopefully he can keep it up next year.
Negative: Mental Weakness
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Arsenal have collapsed several times after leading, and here are a few examples:
- Liverpool (Emirates Stadium)—It looked like it was over after Robin van Persie scored in the 95th minute to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead. Surely it was over. Oh wait, good old Arsenal then conceded a 97th minute equalizer to Dirk Kuyt as the game ended as a draw.
- Tottenham (White Hart Lane)—The Gunners surrendered leads of 1-0 and 3-1 to end the game as a 3-3 draw.
- Tottenham (Emirates Stadium)—After Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh gave Arsenal a 2-0 first half lead, Tottenham levelled in the 67th minute. Then, Younes Kaboul's header in the 86th minute gave the Spurs a 3-2 lead, which was the final result.
- Wigan (DW Stadium) -- Nicklas Bendtner gave the Gunners a 2-1 lead, but it was squandered in the 81st minute following Sebastian Squillaci's own goal, to end as a 2-2 draw.
- Newcastle (St. James Park)‚—The worst of all. At halftime, Arsenal had a commanding 4-0 lead, thanks to Walcott's, Djourou's, and van Persie's goals. Then, somehow, Newcastle brought the lead down to 4-3. Finally, Tioté, capped off one of the greatest defeats (and collapses) in football history with a fantastic volley to draw level at 4-4.
- Sunderland (Stadium of Light)—After Cesc Fabregas scored possibly the luckiest goal in the world in the first half, Arsenal had a chance to seal it. However, Tomas Rosicky missed the penalty, and Darren Bent scored a scrappy goal in extra time.
Not only when they score first, but even when they concede, Arsenal's mindset completely changes. When they dominate possession, but allow a goal due to a defensive lapse, the Gunners play like it's the end of the world.
They need to start having confidence in themselves and not act like a goal conceded is the end of the world.
Positive: We Know the Best of Samir Nasri
3 of 8In the first half of the season, Samir Nasri was arguably the most on-form player in the world.
The Frenchman was going on sensational runs, and scoring wondergoal after wondergoal. He was a key factor of Arsenal's great form up until December.
Though his second half was surprisingly disappointing compared to the first, we now know what he is capable of doing.
If Sammy can go into the zone like he was, Arsenal can expect some good results.
Negative: Injuries
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Injuries are always going to be a problem with this squad.
Thomas Vermaelen—a solid Belgian center back—was plagued with injury for months, suffering setback after setback just when his return was announced.
Skipper Cesc Fabregas also missed quite a few matches due to being hurt in different places. There are several examples; I have just given two.
Week in, week out, there is a new problem with someone. Hamstring, leg, ankle, shoulder, back, you name it.
Positive: Talented Young Guns
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Jack Wilshere has been excellent throughout the season, showing though he's small, he's tough and can handle the competition. The 19-year-old Englishman (Englishboy?) has demonstrated great skills, especially with defense and use of his body.
Wojciech Szczesny has been a fabulous shot-stopper all year, and he's proven the fact that he has huge talent. At 21, the Pole is telling the world that he could have a great future.
These two are examples of major potential in younger players, and hopefully for Arsenal, there is more of the same in the academy.
Negative: Defensive Crisis
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With Thomas Vermaelen out, the Arsenal defense has been in shambles.
Johan Djourou (who has been very good this year) has been out for a long time, while Laurent Koscielny, an erratic defender, has been sometimes solid, but also mistake-prone. The replacement, Sebastian Squillaci, has made so many errors this year, and Wenger should consider getting rid of him.
Arsene Wenger is miserly, which can be a good thing. However, the gaping hole in Arsenal, the defense, is so clear, but Wenger refuses to buy someone. Hopefully during the summer, he will spend some money on a solid center back.
Negative: Some Players Whom Arsenal Had Faith in Need to Go
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Andrei Arshavin hasn't gone without use in his years at Arsenal. He was tied for first place in assists this year (with Fabregas) and even scored six goals in the Premier League.
Tomas Rosicky has been suffering a few injuries, but he really cannot produce on the pitch. He has not been very effective with Arsenal, but maybe he can get better.
Nobody is really sure about Fabregas; whether he wants to stay or go, but his injuries have kept him off the pitch for a long time. However when he is on the pitch, he can be fantastic.
Conclusion
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Though there have been some ridiculous collapses this year, and Arsenal finished fourth instead of first, there are, however, some good things that happened this year.
Hopefully for the Gooners, they can improve and maybe end their trophy drought.
