Arsenal 1 (Vermaelen 80) – Manchester United 3 (Almunia 0.g. 33, Rooney 37, Park 52)
Match Report | Highlights
Manuel Almunia – There was no way he was going to tip that little lobbed ball over the goal. He could have claimed it easily, and he would not have gone 1-0 down, at least at that point. That was an awful decision and pretty much typified his performance today – devoid of any confidence or rationality. 3
Bacary Sagna – Took on Park Ji-Sung and I thought he had the Korean’s number at times, although Park did get past him a little to often for my liking. He was solid for the most part, and made a couple of good tackles and interceptions, and provided an attacking threat at times even though his crosses were performed in his typical wayward fashion. 6
William Gallas -Okay I guess, nothing special but far from a liability. Tried his hardest at all times and even pushed forward on the odd occasion once we went behind, but it was to no avail. If the rest of the side put in his effort we could have wont his game. Made a great interception in the first half, also. 7
Thomas Vermaelen -Pretty much Gallas minus the effort, and plus a goal. Was solid for the most part although didn’t put his body on the line and step up like he should have against a side like United. Didn’t make any mistakes or anything though, and did get himself on the scoresheet. 6.5
Gael Clichy – I’ve given him a bit of leeway in recent games as he’s been on the road back from injury however that ends today. His performance was absolutely diabolical at left back, and he was a total liability. Nani skinned him time and time again, I really felt bad for the lad. 3
Denilson – Average once again. Lost the ball way too easily and never worked hard to win back possession. Doesn’t show enough strength when on the ball, and gets pushed off it way too easily. Lazy at times, and was involved in all 3 United goals. 3
Alex Song – One of the few that showed grit and determination out there today. Was pretty much the only player getting stuck in and trying to win tackle after tackle, and never giving up when he lost the ball. He did look very tired though, and there were times when United’s packed midfield was too much for him to deal with. 6
Cesc Fabregas – Felt bad for him out there today. Tried his hardest and made a few great runs but was largely ignored by his teammates, particularly Arshavin, and was not given support for his efforts. Sub-par performance. 5
Tomas Rosicky & Samir Nasri – Played on opposite flanks up front, and pretty much put in the same performance. Both players looked disinterested and were often lazy, never protecting the fullbacks or dropping deep to help the midfield. Neither tried to spark anything creatively, and once we went behind just looked like they didn’t want to be there. 4.5
Andrey Arshavin – Out of position once again, and although he looked threatening in the opening minutes, his shooting was wayward and he was often very selfish. At least he was trying to make a difference though, even if he was a bit too eager to do so. 5
SUBSTITUTES
Walcott - 5
Eboue – 6
Bendtner – 5
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Beyond the result the thing that is so disheartening about today was its predictability. You may be able to beat the lesser teams with mediocre players like Almunia, Clichy, Denilson, Nasri, Walcott and Eduardo, but they really get found out against higher quality teams. This is not news, we all know it and have known it for about 3 years now. Everyone it seems except Wenger, who still seems to believe that they are better players just because he trusts in them. Unfortunately in top level sport the only language that counts is results and frankly we are getting pretty poor at delivering them when it counts.
Choosing not to sign a new striker and goalkeeper in either of the last transfer windows is not just a mistake – it is a dereliction of duty.
yeah i agree with you i have been watching arsenal news everyday since the window opened hoping arsene wenger will sign someone which he did sol campbell nd another guy but seriously we need a new goalkeeper we would never win the epl with alumunia in goals nd edurado playing wenger is a stubborn man he wants to run a healthy financial club then a football club i belive wenger is the problem for arsenal not the solution if he does goes then players will leave so be it we have cash to spend on newer players because im getting frustrated watching arsenal thinking they will beat man utd chelsea nd liverpool doesnt count no deisrespect to liverpool they dont count as a top four club anymore i knew arsenal wont win a trophy this year its all wengers fault no one elses fault i love arsenal but 6 years without a trophy is un acceptable for a club of arsenal structure thats the difference between ferguson man utd to arsenal and wenger man utd i hate to admit this is a better footballing club
To see the highlights from the game:
http://www.goals.se/2010/02/01/ny-311-arsenal-manchester-united-1-3/
Cmon gunners, lets win next game against chelsea!
I think you’re a bit generous on Arshivin…he was a 3 with Almunia,the guy has pace, and….that’s about it.
been depressed most of the day after the match but this cheered me up a bit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qROMT_N3iw&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_stronger_r2-2r-2-HM
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr74y9OMHlo
Guys also the defence of gallas and vermaelen is to blame, them disrespecting man utd like that busting forward and creating gaps at the back while evans and brown stayed back. That was so stupid!!
It is no use to cry over spitted milk.However, evaluation on the past performance is for the sake of improvement is a good one.
I agree the rates given to all players except Fabregas. For me, he was outstanding with a little support from hismates.Arshavin was very selfish in the yesterday’s game.It should have been 2 or 3 nil down before Man.Utd scored if he had assisted Fabregas.It is shameful for Arshavin.Almunia has never been World class.He would be an average substitute.
Also, we observed a worst performance from Clichy may be due to rush up for a big game.Even he was not good with Aston Villa.
Before the game, me and my colleague here have guessed that Arsenal would lose if Denilson was included in the 1st line-up.I am sorry to say he is a very negligent and a lazy man and he has not been cable to fit in his current position.So, he should be dropped to the bench like Almunia should be. If Ramesy got a 10% chance of what Denlison got so far, he would be decisive player in near future.
In my opinion , the main reasons for the defeat :
1.Using Denlison and Almunia as a first choice-Both should be replaced by Ramesy or Eastmond and Mannone respectively
2.Unendurable mistakes of Clichy
3. 4-3-3 formation has not been good the match with Man.Utd and Chelsea-and should be relaxed for 4-5-1.
4. Playing without a genuine striker-Walcott should be central striker
5.Exposing for counter attack-the defense should be very careful when participating in offensive role.First, they should be sure that they are working well in defensive activities.Song should help most of the time the defense rather than the strikers.
6.Selfishness of Arshavin-he should assist first and his scoring task should be the 2nd one.
7.Lack of commitment-especially on Nasri and Rosicky.
8.Delay in making the right substitutes- I am very happy if Eboye plays as a right back or a right midfielder since next week by being in the 1st line-up
Any how, we should come back to winning mentality and winning cameo starting from the match with Chelsea.
I hope a good week.
GD
from A.A-Ethiopia
this is the first time i begin to think that arsenal FC are playing in totolizator. maybe they put a big money on man utd.
Arshavin is a selfish brat. He has consistently displayed this trait and
must be dropped.
Sunday could have been ours if that little twit passed the ball instead
of shooting blanks.
It’s Asenal FC and not Arshavin FC, you silly prick.
http://www.goals.se/2010/02/01/ny-311-arsenal-manchester-united-1-3/ for highlights from the game! EXtremely good quality :)