Arsenal horror show may signal end of top-four status

By Hilton Yip Source:Global Times Published: 2014-12-8 23:03:02

Saturday saw league leaders Chelsea's unbeaten run come to an end, but there was also the possible conclusion of another heralded run.

By this, I am referring to Arsenal's top-four league finish which has ­continued for over 15 years.

A stunning defeat to Stoke on ­Saturday was in total contrast to Newcastle's battling win over Chelsea. The Gunners had won two straight in the league, but Stoke are a tough nemesis which have given Arsenal fits in recent seasons. Arsenal should have been ready for a challenging test, but instead appeared timid and almost completely out of their depth.

While a two-goal burst in the ­second half made the final scoreline look respectable, the fact is that for at least 45 minutes, Arsenal were played off the field by Stoke.

From the very start of the game, when Arsenal conceded a goal in the first minute, they were second best.

Not because of roughness or ­cynical play from Stoke (that did come later), but by pressure and precision, exemplified by the Potters' ­second goal which saw Bojan latch onto a cross from Jonathan Walters in the penalty box to slot it cleanly into the net. Arsenal keeper Damian ­Martinez could have done better to contest that goal, but then his ­defenders did not do much either.

Per Mertesacker and Callum Chambers were especially at fault, being out of place, slow and resorting to clumsy challenges. Injuries were a factor as center back stalwart Laurent Koscielny and left back Nacho Monreal were out, but that does not excuse how inept the defense was.

What is worrying is not just how fragile Arsenal were, but how common this is becoming. Last season saw 6-0 and 5-1 losses to Chelsea and Liver­pool respectively. This season has seen collapses against Anderlecht (which came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3) and Stoke, decent teams but hardly worldbeaters.

There are still a lot of games to play with the busy Christmas period coming up, so all is not lost for Arsenal in terms of getting back into the top four. Even then, this would only be a return to the status quo and not an improvement on previous seasons.

At least one thing can be said about the Gunners. Their games are never dull, though often, it is opposing fans who are getting the most thrills.

The author is an editor with the Global Times. hiltonyip@globaltimes.com.cn

Posted in: Extra Time

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