Van Persie was allowed a goal a minute from time after substitute Bendtner bundled his way through and a blocked tackle on the Dane allowed the ball to roll to Van Persie to side foot in from six yards.  17 goals in his last 16 Premier League games. He has been the one outstanding performer

I am mentally tired now. Exhausted and drained from this end of season capitulation. I keep finding myself looking forward to a game, a chance to banish the memories of the previous week, a chance for the team to show what they can and have done for so much of this season. Play well and win football matches. The trouble is in recent weeks they have also shown that they can produce periods of utter madness.

As soon as I saw the team sheet I frowned and worried. Where is Clichy? still no Nasri and Cesc? what on earth has happened to Djourou? Three new defenders into a team that was already having defensive issues was a concern that I did not expect to show up so quickly.

Who knows what Squillaci was playing at when Darren Bent was afforded the whole of the penalty area to chest the ball down from a lofted pass and then loft the ball over Szczesny.

Squillaci was the only player to play the forward onside and not only that but he appeared to be ball watching and not paying any attention to which player was behind him. Shortly after mistake number two was punished with another early goal for the visitors.

Ashley Young slid a pass through our center backs and Bacary Sagna attempted to play the offside trap even if Bent was in an onside position. Our feeble defence was cut to ribbons and Bent applied the finish.

Defenders more than any other position, need understanding, they need partnerships but Arsenal’s makeshift back four looked like strangers which is pretty much true as those players have hardly played together this season. A back four of Sagna – Djourou – Koscielny – Clichy would not have conceded two goals in 15 minutes.

From that moment on, the game was an uphill struggle, a struggle that a side desperate for confidence was not going to overcome. Well perhaps it would have done if we had correct officiating.

After an abysmal start the team started to finally get their passing game together and started to look like
a team that actually knew who their team mates were.

Ramsey was caught by Richard Dunne in the penalty box whilst trying to shoot on goal. Nothing given. I actually find it pretty normal these days to have major decisions not given our way. How I would love to know what the actual figures are for incorrect major decisions for all teams. We would surely be top of that particular table, by some way I would guess.

Robin Van Persie also reminded me of another table that we would top by hitting the base of the post after twisting and turning in the box. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has double the amount of attempts off the woodwork as the second highest in the league.

At half time Wenger had to gamble to get back into the game, and gamble he did with the removal of Squillaci and the introduction of Chamakh in attack.

Credit to Chamakh, it was the brightest that I have seen him in a while and his presence made a difference to the team.

We created chances and as is often the case, they were not seized upon. Gibbs struck at the keeper when lifting over him would have been the better option. Chamakh headed in at the far post but the referee was at it again. Minimal contact was made by Chamakh on Kyle Walker and it was enough for the referee to blow his whistle.

Even with a terrible start to the game and gifting Aston Villa two goals, we could have been equal if decisions had gone our way but it was just not to be.

Van Persie was allowed a goal a minute from time after substitute Bendtner bundled his way through and a blocked tackle on the Dane allowed the ball to roll to Van Persie to side foot in from six yards.  17 goals in his last 16 Premier League games. He has been the one outstanding performer for Arsenal during this miserable second half of the season but even with that exceptional strike rate, he cannot do it on his own.

How I yearn to have Van Persie fit for 90% of next season.

The full time whistle blew and the disgruntled Gooners showed their emotions.

Conclusion

From fighting for the title to staring down the barrel of Champions League qualification in a matter of weeks  is massively worrying.

Van Persie aside, the goals have dried up. The defence is leaking goals no matter which personnel are in place, so the team continue to drop points. Had the season had a couple of months left then I would really fear for the end position. We are in free fall and nothing much seems to be changing, that is a concern.

We are now looking for Manchester City to slip up in the two remaining games they have but in the form we are in, gaining three points at Craven Cottage is currently looking like a big ask

Szczesny (6)
Sagna (5)
Squillaci (4)
Vermaelen (6)
Gibbs (5)
Song (7)
Wilshere (6)
Ramsey (6)
Walcott (5)
Van Persie (7)
Arshavin (4)

Please note that ratings are only my interpretations of the game and that others will have differing opinions