Those saves didn’t tell us anything that we didn’t already know. Fabianski and Almunia could also make those saves, arguably better than the youngster. I wanted to see corners whipped under his crossbar but that just did not happen during the second half which is a shame

Match Review – Legia Warsaw 5 Arsenal 6

Arsene Wenger made it his priority to fix his leaky defence at the end of last season. Going forward and finding the back of the net was not a problem for Arsenal last season and hasn’t been an issue for a number of years. Since the break up of the invincibles, the goals against column has not been as impressive consistently as in previous years.

It is important to get some perspective on the game, given that it is a friendly before the big kick off on the 16th, a number of players such as Alex Song, Denilson and Abou Diaby who do plenty of work ahead of the back four were missing from the squad. This being said the same defensive errors are turning up uninvited. It seems like whatever the personnel, we are still witnessing the same basic mistakes from those in defensive areas.

The first Legia goal was struck fantastically well,. Fabianski had very little chance to deal with it. As soon as it left the players foot, it arrowed into the corner of the net but he was allowed far too much room to amble forward from the half way line, set himself on his left foot and pick his corner without an opposing challenge from anyone in red and white.

Emmanuel Frimpong is only 18 years of age, and will continue to learn his trade. A more experienced figure would have positioned himself ahead of his defence, giving him the chance to close down the shot.

It was more the second goal that was the concern. From open play we are generally decent defensively when all the players are concentrated and are working hard for each other but when the opposition have the ball from a dead ball, something just switches off. A list of errors unfolded as the in swinging corner was taken. Frimpong lost his man at the near post, he then missed the header. Fabianski was stuck behind a sea of players then tripped over Vermaelen’s leg. Not one other player attacked the ball and the result was a fumble off Koscielny and into the back of the stranded Fabianski’s net.

It was all a little too familiar and it wasn’t long before the frailties were exposed again. Another set piece but surprisingly varied given the success of the previous one. It was played short and then driven in from a diagonal angle. Both Vermaelen and Rosicky missed the ball, it found an unmarked Legia player at the back post who rather deftly headed it back to an unmarked player to smash his shot into the roof of the net.

3-0 down before half time, not the best preparation for Anfield but some positives could be taken from the game if the squad could show character and make amends.

The come back started with some great feet from new boy Chamakh. Frimpong won the ball high up the pitch, Chamakh’s double drag back and lay off to Nasri was neat and tidy. Nasri’s chipped pass was inch perfect but it was Chamakh’s bravery and commitment to win the header that impressed me most. I have watched many of Chamakh’s goals for Bordeaux and wondered how many of those brave headers he would get for Arsenal, throwing himself at goalkeepers fists or defenders boots. It is the type of header that other Arsenal players do not score. I have a feeling that those type of goals will be priceless in big games.

There certainly appears to be a great understanding between Nasri and Chamakh. We have seen it all through pre season and long may it continue into the new season. It just highlights the need for good quality from wide areas. Sagna, Clichy and Walcott will all need to improve that area of their games. Van Persie, Nasri, Cesc and Arshavin can all deliver a fantastic ball, so it is down to the rest of the squad to catch up to that standard.

At half time Fabianski was replaced by young Polish prospect Wojciech Szczesny. It wasn’t long before he was called into action with a great Peter Schmeichel type double save, once with his feet and the second a reflex save on the way up with his hands.

Those saves didn’t tell us anything that we didn’t already know. Fabianski and Almunia could also make those saves, arguably better than the youngster. I wanted to see corners whipped under his crossbar but that just did not happen during the second half which is a shame.

Wenger rang in the changes at half time and it kick started our attacking play. Eboue, Vela and Gibbs came on at the break for Walcott, Rosicky and Frimpong.

Wenger made some interesting tactical changes. I expected Gibbs to replace Frimpong in the holding position as he has done for the England under 21s, instead Samir Nasri was moved in front of the back four, presumably to improve our possession from the back to the midfield and attack.

It was the two substitutes who combined for Arsenal’s next goal. Carlos Vela took an in swinging free kick to the back post for Emmanuel Eboue to head in at the far post. Fantastic delivery from Vela and a first headed goal from Eboue in the Arsenal colours if I am not mistaken. Eboue wasn’t finished yet, on the hour mark he turned striker, put through against the keeper, he put him on his backside with a dummy then confidently placed past the keeper.

Barely two minutes later Vela demonstrated his excellent passing range again with a chipped (obviously) pass to the breaking Kieran Gibbs. Gibbs let it bounce, steadied himself and fired into the roof of the net for 4-3. A remarkable turnaround.

Legia Warsaw scored another when a switched off Arsenal defence were not alert to a hooked ball over the shoulder, players concentrating on walking out of their area rather than sticking with the opposition player. It may have been the right decision had Sagna remained in line with his team mates, instead the Frenchman played them all onside and Szczesny had little chance with the finish.

Carlos Vela completed a hat trick of assists in 45 minutes when he flicked on a header to Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who had replaced Chamakh. JET ran onto the header and slotted past the substitute goalkeeper. Another neat finish after holding off his defender.

The Legia goalkeeper did not cover himself in glory with a rather soft attempt at saving Nasri’s free kick that squirmed underneath him to make it 6-4.

Henri Lansbury who replaced Wilshere continued the poor defensive showing from both sides failed to deal with a cross which fell to a Warsaw player to score from close range.

A hugely entertaining game which brought a range of positives and negatives in equal measure. Chamakh, Nasri, Vela, Eboue and Gibbs all came out of the game with goal stars whilst the defending and Fabianski for at least one of the goals will have to write 1000 lines stating that they must do better.

Many variables such as heavy legs, young players, missing personnel can be thrown into the pot of excuses. Arsene and the coaching staff have one week to get it right.

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