Following Monday night’s fantastic 3-1 demolition of Premier League champions Chelsea there was a great deal of optimism surrounding Arsenal’s title charge. Finally critics were talking up the Gunners after they banished their hoodoo against the top sides with the comprehensive victory at the Emirates.
But only two days later the north London club are back to square one after a late equaliser condemned the Gunners to a share of the spoils with Wigan, and a definite two points dropped. Arsene Wenger made eight changes to the side that dispatched Carlo Ancelotti’s men and from the start of the match against the Lactics Arsenal looked disjointed and very much a side who were not comfortable.
Passes were going astray and there was no cohesion from a side that had the opportunity to draw level on points with league leaders Manchester United and Manchester City.
Managers always look to rotate at this time of year because of the busy festive period. Squads are tested to the limit at this time of year as clubs play every couple of days.
But it must be remembered this year some clubs have had a mini winter break due to adverse weather conditions and Arsenal had two weeks without a match in between the 1-0 defeat to United and the 3-1 win against Chelsea.
Wenger believed his players needed a rest and took a gamble. For a long time it looked like the big gamble was going to pay off but in the end his decision came back to haunt him as Roberto Martinez’s 10-men equalised thanks to Sebastien Squillaci’s own goal.
Arsenal were unlucky not to win the game as they were denied a penalty when Samir Nasri’s free-kick was handled in the area late on and even Wigan’s own penalty was very dubious as Charles N’Zogbia looked to go to ground very easily.
But the French manager needs to stop barracking officials and take responsibility for his part in the two points dropped. There is always a need to rotate but to make eight changes after such a comprehensive win was ludicrous. Johan Djourou put in a world class display against Didier Drgoba and would have been full of confidence after such a display.
But the Swiss international found himself on the bench. The centre-back, who has had well documented injury problems, has been Arsenal’s best defender this season (when he has had the opportunity.
Wenger is obviously worried Djourou could break down again but if this is the case why were more reinforcements not drafted in back in the summer. Without Vermaelen and only a half fit Djourou, only Laurent Konscielny and Squillaci are realistic alternatives.
This was only one example as Eboue was played out of position and players such as Jack WIlshere, Theo Walcott, Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri were rested.
But some of these players had hardly had a busy schedule as Wilshere was rested for three games when he served a suspension and Walcott and Van Persie have missed half the season through injury.
No doubt had the gamble worked Wenger would have been lauded a genius but the fact of the matter is it didn’t. Arsenal had a great opportunity to cement their position in the title race but after taking one step forward they took two steps back.
And Wenger needs to take part of the blame for the part he played.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
