AC Milan looked like a fresh hungry Premier League team while Arsenal looked like a slow, tired and laboured Italian side. Our great record against Italian sides in the past have often stemed from the speed of our football, the aggression in the challenges, the tempo that we set but for some reason this was non existent from the very start.
So lets get on with the comparison then, we all know our starters well : Szczęsny, Santos, Vermaelin, Kos, Sagna, Song, Arteta, Wilshere, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie.A very good team no doubt, maybe I would change Gerviho for the Ox just because I really don't feel he's a top player. He's direct and has pace but he just lacks composure if Arsenal only get one chance in a very tight importan
Previous to that Arsene Wenger brought on Thierry Henry for Oxlade-Chamberlain. Gooners are still wondering why it is Chamberlain that is being removed and not someone like Theo Walcott who was not at his best in the North East. It is nothing to do with footballing ability or indeed impact on the game like at Manchester United. Chamberlain is being protected, Arsene doesn't want him to play 90
Theo Walcott was in the groove yesterday at Arsenal and I think much of that was down to the way we played the game as well as some poor defending by the visitors. Quick early passes with a high tempo helps Theo, it helps keep our opponents on the back foot which Walcott's pace can exploit. When we face teams at the Emirates who sit back and have time to set themselves then Walcott often
Coquelin is one player I've been impressed with, he has done his job silently and steadily. He has shown he is a hard worker which is why the game today shouldn't be a big deal for him. Arteta partnering him in the middle of the pack should help him stand firm. A midfield 3 of Coquelin - Arteta - Rosicky should be the way forward but as we all know our thinking isn't Wenger's thinking and he would always come out with what he deems fit enough to make a huge statement and I fully
If Arsene works this way then it is no surprise as to why players like Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Arteta, Chamberlain, Arshavin and countless more from previous squads managed to hit the ground running. But like I say, I cannot state this as a fact, this is my opinion. The closest thing to facts though is the result of the transfer window. Have a look around at other clubs and the business they have done. At this point, I imagine a few people saying 'well this is not about them, we are in a position where we need the top four.' My response to that would be that every club has their own aims and goals and that Liverpool and Chelsea have the same aim as we do.
Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey are off their games right now. Especially Walcott who found making simple passes difficult, he lost the ball when he attempted a dribble and he just simply did not cause the opposition any problems.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks the real deal going forward, he could have helped Djourou more defensively at times but going forward he was our brightest player. He set up Walcott in the first half and also fashioned a chance for