Showdown or Showstopper

It’s early days yet concerning the fate of the league title this season, but Monday night’s showdown against Manchester United at Old Trafford will help point to the destination of the title. As Arsene Wenger has said so often in the past, you don’t win the league in December.

True indeed, but December nonetheless, neither Wenger nor Sir Alex Ferguson will want to concede ground on this one. The two old foxes may look war-weary, but they haven’t lost their battle-hardedness and are always up for such confrontations.

Already, there’s a spiky feeling about this one no thanks to big-mouth Patrice Evra trying to engineer an atmosphere of hate with his comments about Arsenal being a mere “training centre”. Consummate professionals don’t say such things about other teams, but we all know Evra has no tact or self-respect which was why he behaved to type at the World Cup and his international career ended disgracefully. A Nicholas Anelka clone with less brain cells than a termite.

Interestingly for the first time in recent memory, the Gunners go into this match ahead of Manchester United on the log. It’s not something that has happened in a long while. Since the 2007-2008 season, when Arsenal led the league for four months before giving it away at St. Andrews to Birmingham on the February afternoon Eduardo’s leg was snapped in two, we haven’t managed to edge ahead of Sir Alex’s empire.

For all manner of reasons, we’ve always remained in the shadow of the all-conquering Mancunians. Since then, Sir Alex has gone on to lift two league titles as well as a Champions League trophy. He was only denied a hattrick of league triumphs by Carlo Ancelotti’s resurgent Chelsea seven months ago.

This time around, with 16 games played in a 38-game season, we find ourselves one point in front of Sir Alex for the first time in a long, long while. This has happened despite our four league defeats already – three of them at home!

Titans of English soccer...Ferguson and Wenger

 Manchester meanwhile are unbeaten in the league but their campaign has been hampered by seven damaging draws. Despite playing one game less than us, they must still be kicking themselves that they cannot break away from the muddle at the top. Sir Alex, the old warhorse that he is, knows the value and importance of such big ties as Monday night’s clash and surely sees it as a must-win. December or not.

Already as seen so far this season, many teams have stepped up to the plate to take adavantage of the break up of the famous Big Four through the demise of Liverpool. This state of affairs has seen even promoted sides Blackpool, Newcastle and West Brom fancy their chances against the established sides and taken them with two hands.  Accordingly as we have all borne witnesses to so far, even Manchester United’s outstanding game against Blackpool can so easily leave them empty handed after 90 minutes. A look at the league standings this morning will show us that none of the promoted sides are currently in relegation zone.

The tables of fortune which favours the brave have turned full square in the premiership.

Gone is the fear of the mythical Big Four. Gone are the days of rolling over and allowing the likes of us and Man Utd to walkover the perceived small teams.

Which is why winning the league now may turn out to be harder and more gritty than it has ever been since it all started 18 years back.

Sir Alex knows it very well and therefore the bread-and-butter games with the lesser lights of the league are simply, no more what they used to be. It seems now that the days of winning the league despite not beating any of the big teams, may have gone with the past. There are simply no teams to walkover anymore. Arsene Wenger and his bunch had that lesson rammed down their throats painfully and decisively by first West Brom and later, Newcastle.

Monday’s showdown couldn’t have come at a better time for both teams as they seek to measure themselves against each other. As a parameter of how far they have progressed or regressed so far this season, Monday night is pivotal.

Yes it may be just December, but this showdown between first and second in the league will surely not produce a Real Madrid-Barcelona style annihilation. Because despite the game taking place at Old Trafford, the stadium has actually been a good hunting ground for Arsenal over the past few years. We only lost there last year thanks to a crazy Almunia penalty-giveaway and an even crazier Abou Diaby own goal after Andrei Arshavin had blasted us into the lead. The previous season, with the destiny of the league already settled, we held Man Utd to a goalless draw there. If we discount the Christiano Ronaldo-inspired Champions League 1-0 defeat there in April 2009, we have a decent record on the ground.

Added to all this, is the fact that Man Utd these days is more of a ship managing to stay above water, than a tank firing on all cylinders.  Up until three weeks ago, we had a better goals’ difference than them. Dimitar Berbatov’s five-goal salvo in that 7-1 crushing of Blackburn two weeks ago changed things for them but as mentioned earlier there won’t be any such scoreline on Monday night.

Manchester Utd are slowly putting the divisive effects of the Wayne Rooney saga behind them and getting everyone to singing from the same sheet. Nemanja Vidic now seems happier after casting admiring glances at Spain and Italy all through last season. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes may finally be feeling their ages at last but in their places, the immature Anderson is finally finding his feet, while his younger compatriots Fabio and  Rafael are emerging as talented players, if still inexperienced. Another young tyro, the Mexican Javier Henandez  remains a dangerous arrowhead of their attack if needed.

Since Ronaldo’s departure, Man Utd have lost the thing that makes them tick. Rooney for one, being a huge victim of his departure.

Arsenal, like all other teams so far in the league, will seek to exploit that feeling of ‘emptiness’ at Old Trafford and in the likes of Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshire and Marouane Chamakh, they have the ammunition to make their presence count.

Arguably, Nasri has been the outstanding player of the season so far not only for Arsenal but in the entire league. He has suddenly become what Florent Malouda was to Chelsea last season. The most-improved player across all 20 teams, with Tottenham’s Gareth Bale definitely a close second.

He has scored against Man Utd in the past – when we beat them 2-1 at Emirates in October, 2008. So doing it again; at a time when he is in the form of his life, ought not to be too much to ask.

I’m really looking forward with a huge appetite to Monday night. Yet another opportunity to see how far Wenger’s bunch has come in their collective development. Because at Old Trafford there normally is no hiding place.

Arsenal 3 Partizan Belgrade 1

For what may be the first time this season, we started with two strikers upfront as Arsene Wenger went for a basic 4-4-2. Robin Van Persie continued his rehabilitation as he partnered Marouane Chamakh in attack. All-the-world-and-its-mother knew this was a must-win game for us as we looked to tie up our progress into the knock-out stage of the Champions League for the eleventh consecutive season. Funnily though, things started on a low key as we passed the ball around with ease and penned the Yugoslavs in their area. As has been the case recently, Samir Nasri was seeing a lot of the ball as he spearheaded proceedings from the right side of midfield. His prolific form in front of goal was easily the reason behind his confidence as he ran at the Partizan defence at will.
We had to contend with an early change however when the unfortunate Kieran Gibbs turned his ankle in the 15th minute and had to go off.
In the 26th minute finally, we made a breakthrough when Partizan skipper, Mladen Kratsjic upended Van Persie in the box. The Dutchman rose to bury the penalty and record his first goal since May. Against the run of play, Cleo scored a surprise equalizer for the visitors in the 52nd minute and once again, we managed to make life difficult for ourselves.
It was a night when we were not to be denied however as Theo Walcott came on for the disinterested Andrei Arshavin, and scored his first goal in almost two months with a fine volley in the 73rd minute. Four minutes later, the irrepressible Nasri sealed the game with a fine shot from the edge of the box after being fed by Song.
Things turned sour one more time for us as Bacary Sagna was redcarded in the 85th minute for a last-ditch tackle on Alexander Laveski. We resisted with ten men though to see out the game and finally, finally book our passage to the knock-out stage, next February.
You always got the impression that we were playing with the brakes on last night. It was to be expected, considering our trip to Old Trafford on Monday night in a top-of-the-bill showdown with bitter rivals, Manchester United.
The goal we conceded notwithstanding, it was a fitting end to our European campaign for the year, while we await bigger fish to fry next year and in the meantime, focus on domestic matters.
For making it out of the group stages for the eleventh consecutive time, we can’t be that bad really. Not even the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea or even Real Madrid can boast such consistency.

Back among the goals..Walcott celebrates his sweet volley

Below are the ratings on the night.

• Fabianski (7/10) – Was reduced to dealing with only backpasses as a measure of the paucity of the visitors’ attack, until the 52nd minute when Cleo broke away to rifle a shot that deflected off Squillaci’s outstretched leg and sail over him. Nothing he could do about the goal, but he redeemed himself considerably when he stopped a fierce freekick from Kratsjic in the 86th minute consequent upon Sagna’s sending-off. With a cloud hanging over Manuel Almunia’s return to the team, Fabianski looks to have sewn up the number one shirt in the nearest future.
• Sagna (7/10) – Was his usual no-nonsense self and dealt with all that came down his flank in the form of Partizan attack. Roamed forward a lot though and linked well with Nasri and later Walcott. Unfortunate to be sent off in the 86th minute for a challenge on Laveski but will be back for the big game against Manchester United, Monday night.
• Squillaci (6/10) – He was the weak link in the defence. Was caught out severally by the duo of Cleo and Partizan’s West African, Medo. Gave Cleo the space he needed to shoot for their equalizer and looked out of his depth for most of the game. Methinks he’s exhausted from the unexpected amount of games he’s been forced to play since arriving in August. Looks like he’ll benefit from a breather.
• Koscielny (7/10) – Was surprised to see him return so soon after that head collision four days ago against Fulham. Did well though on the night and proved to be a tough customer. He is still our most-rugged defender after Thomas Vermaelen as he never shies away from knocks. Nipped a lot of balls that could have been a danger and covered lots of ground as well.
• Gibbs (5/10) – The young Englishman fell to the curse of injury – yet again. He lasted only 15minutes before a twisted ankle ended his night. Returned to the pitch to try to run it off, but eventually had to be substituted as he continually hobbled around.
• Denilson (6/10) – The Brazilian started in place of the rested Jack Wilshire and battled hard in the middle to assert himself. Guilty of misplaced passes on several occasions but he did his defensive duties well and snapped into tackles all night. Helped to screen the defence with his endless running and link-up play with those around him. Did better than in many of his erstwhile games for us.
• Song (6/10) – A rather quiet night for the Camerounian. He still threw himself around alot though and never allowed the Partizan midfield of Medo, Jovanovic and Laveski to settle. Had a sniff of goal in the second half when he collected a ball in the visitor’s box. After swivelling away from his markers, he attempted to curl the ball in off the far post, with options waiting around him.After three goals to his name this season already, he surely fancies his chances of getting more now. It was not to be on the night though but he still provided the assist for Nasri's goal.
• Arshavin (5/10) – Back to his bad habits. Didn’t inspire anything and though he tried to initiate some runs from his left flank, he ended up in cul-de-sacs. Didn’t look interested at all and after some fine performances over the past two games, he seemed to have fallen back to his old, lazy ways. Was the first to be substituted – not counting the injured Gibbs – not surprisingly.
• Nasri (8/10) – He is indeed a man transformed. Oozed confidence all night as he took on defenders at will and ran rings round them from all over the pitch. Gets in behind defenders easily now and last night was no different. He has emerged as a huge outlet of our attacks and has become very influential in the team, especially with the sporadic appearances of captain Cesc Fabregas. His goal in the second half was deserved after all the running and passing he was involved in on the night. For us to win anything this season, we need Nasri to remain in the blistering form he has found. Twelve goals so far this season makes him our highest goalscorer and for a midfielder, it is quite a statement.
• Van Persie (7/10) – After being out for so long, the Dutchman was due a full game and he got it last night. Completed his first 90 minutes in ages and was handed the captain’s band to lead the troops. Scored from the spot to send us on our way and did well for the rest of the game. He’s still finding his form and that will obviously take time. His presence on the pitch though encouraged Wenger to opt for a two-man attack and take some pressure off the hardworking Chamakh. Hoping Van Persie stays injury-free, as we head into a crucial time of the season.
• Chamakh (6/10) – Like Squillaci, he also looks jaded. Considering the frenetic start he’s had to both his Arsenal career and the season, his tired legs can be understood. Wasn’t at full pelt on the night and apart form a misdirect header in the first half, off a Bacary Sagna cross, he was largely anonymous. Wasn’t a surprise at all when he was eventually substituted.

Substitutes
• Eboue (7/10) – Came on very early in the 18th minute for the luckless Gibbs and as the only defender on the bench, had to improvise in the left full back position. Did well considering he was playing out of position and wasn’t disgraced at all. Resisted very well and stopped all that came his way. One of his better games for us in a while.
• Walcott (7/10) – Replaced the anonymous Arshavin and immediately put life into out attack. Took on the Partizan defence with his trademark pace and eventually scored a fine goal which restored our lead in the 73rd minute and brought belief back into the side. He needs games like Van Persie to rediscover his sharpness but may have to continue to contend with time on the bench.
• Bendtner (5/10) – Replaced Chamakh as Wenger clearly sought to rest the Moroccan ahead of the Manchester game. Was involved in the build up to the Nasri goal and helped trouble the Partizan defence.

Manchester City 0 Arsenal 3

The joy of three....Nasri explodes with joy after scoring the opener.

We inflicted the heaviest home defeat on Manchester City since January 2007, and what a win it was. What an impact it also made on our league position.We rocketted up to second spot, reining in Chelsea and leapfrogging Man City and Man Utd in the process. It may or may not be an indication where we’ll end up at the end of the season but it surely put us in the mix for a real title challenge now.Things got off to a dramatic start in this heavyweight clash in the 5th minute, when Derdyck Boyata upended Marouane Chamakh. The City defender rightly got his marching orders and 15minutes later, we went ahead after a cute one-two between Arshavin and Nasri. The Frenchman ghosted past a static Gareth Barry to shoot us ahead.
Some inspiring goalkeeping by a reborn Lukasz Fabianski kept us in the game and in the 60th minute, Alex Song blasted the second goal off a pass from Fabregas.Third goal sealed it up through Nicklas Bendtner’s first of the season in the 88th minute and that was that.It was a landmark win and one we truly deserved inspite of the ten-men we played against. Our range of passing and movement flummoxed Man City most of the time and helped us impose our style and authority on the game. A good win this one and one that surely, surely now makes us serious contenders for the title. On a weekend when all our rivals won, it put us in a vitally good position to stand up and be counted in the coming weeks.
That West Brom defeat now looks so far, far away.


Below are the ratings.
• Fabianski (7/10) – Often, I had to rub my eyes to be sure it is the much-maligned Pole between the sticks for us. He did himself and the team proud with how he repelled all that came his way. His smart, low save in the 3rd minute from David Silva was the first of a series of fine stops and he excelled for all of 90 minutes. Surely now, Almunia has to be afraid of his chances for the Number One shirt. Lukasz seems to get better with every game and confidence must now be sky high for him. The clean sheet must be a welcome one for him as well.
• Clichy (6/10) – Was skinned a couple of times by the marauding Micah Richards but he also gave as good as he got. Supported Arshavin very well from the left and got forward at every opportunity.
• Squillaci (6/10) – The third game in a row between him and Djourou and the mutual understanding helped the duo. He dealt with the threat of the dangerous Carlos Tevez and also his replacement, Adebayor.
• Djourou (7/10) – Another reborn player. He looked the part and played it very well. Good and authoritative in the air and seems to be finally fulfilling his long-held potential. Picked up a booking but was unpertubed as he dished out tackles all afternoon. His growing confidence from regular games was also apparent.
• Sagna (7/10) – He was just his usual no-nonsense self. Helped to smother the threat of the elusive Silva and ran his guts out on the right, linking with Nasri and later Walcott.
• Song (7/10) – He clearly fancies himself as an attacking midfielder now, with two goals in successive games. Did all that was asked of him in breaking up City’s game and never allowed their midfield to click. He outshone his more-illustrious opponent, Yaya Toure and capped it up with that cracker of a goal that sealed it for us. One of his best performances for us.
• Nasri (8/10) – My man of the match, though by a whisker. He was involved in everything we did and definitely now, he has found his groove in the team. The goal he scored apart, our little Frenchman never stopped moving. Never stopped probing. Never stopped looking for the ball and releasing it. He also gave the assist that led to Bendtner’s goal. A virtuoso outing for a multi-talented player. Better still, he is now suddenly our leading scorer.
• Fabregas (7/10) – In the absence of the much-improved Fabregas, there were fears that we would lose some spark in the middle. Fabregas put such fears to rest as he took over from where he stopped before that injury against Sunderland, last month. He, like Nasri, pestered the City defence endlessly. His passes were unreadable and drew the foul that cost Boyata a dismissal. He also drew a foul from Kompany which led to a penalty that he took and was saved. Nonetheless, our skipper had a huge impact as always.
• Arshavin (6/10) – Its almost becoming the norm now, but apart from the assist to Nasri for the first goal; the Russian was very anonymous. He doesn’t look happy playing and if the truth be told, something seems to be going on behind closed doors. Time will surely tell concerning his form.
• Chamakh (7/10) – He also had a quite game but credit must go to him for the skilful way he operates in and around the box. He seems to have the uncanning ability to attract fouls that either lead to penalties or cautions or even dismissals. And that is no ordinary gift.

Substitutes
• Rosicky (5/10) – Didn’t do much. Didn’t have to after coming on with us two goals up.
• Bendtner (6/10) – Reminded us all what we had missed in his absence with a well-taken goal for the third strike. Displayed maturity to stay onside for the through ball from Nasri before scoring. At least now, we have an alternative outlet for the striking position if needed.
• Walcott (5/10) – Also came in when the game and points were already sewn up. Still showed hunger and was full of running as ever. Must be chomping at the bits now for a starting spot sooner or later.


This was a good win indeed and one that was also much needed. It's three wins on the trot now and you truly cannot ask for anything more from the lads. Next up, we go up North again for the Carling Cup meeting with Newcastle on Wednesday. Expect a much-changed side but one packed with experience as already hinted to by Wenger.