We will get it right next year. Player analysis and ratings Vs Man Utd

By 1970’s Gooner

Well, we discovered another weakness in the last few games. We can’t keep leads.

We play well enough, dominate throughout large parts of games (we had 75% of the possession during the earlier parts of the first half), play football from another planet, score the all “crucial” first goal but we can’t keep the lead.

For Christ’s sake why oh why don’t the players concentrate when the other team are kicking off after we have scored?

You would have thought that after having done exactly the same thing at Anfield only a few days ago we would have learned our lesson. But no.

The only explanation I can think of is that fatigue has something to do it; as when you are tired we all know that decision making falters and when you’ve just scored you tend to relax and drop your guard.

And to close the circle on this thought process I can only point out the lack of sufficient depth in the squad.

A lot of the players have hardly had a breather with Wenger resisting to rotate, as the alternatives were on the injury table and their deputies were exciting but unproven youngsters.

If this is corrected with a few additions in the summer transfer window who will add experience and nous (especially when the other team are kicking off) I really believe that next season we will be champions.

Lehmann

For a goalkeeper who has hardly played this season he really impressed me with his agility and significant saves. He had no chance with the free kick (the wall should have jumped) but he made two saves from Rooney which looked certain goals. 8

Clichy

The best Arsenal player on the field. Strong and tenacious in his defending and always going forward at every opportunity. It is amazing that such a young player can put in such quality performances. I think he is the best left back in the Premiership and way ahead of Evra who was good today but not as good as Clichy. 9

Toure

Looked tired to me and also short of confidence. He was not penetrative enough going forward. Has not been at his best since the Africa Nations Cup. 5

Gallas

Should have kept things calm after we scored, quitened everyone down. He didn’t and then proceeded to miss clearing the ball from a scuffed shot by Park and stuck his arm up to stop it. 5

Song

I was worried when Song lined up as a central defender and he did have a couple of hairy moments especially when he missed his touch on a stray ball which led Rooney in one on one against Lehmann (which he saved with his legs). But overall Song had a sound game I thought. Does this men Senderos is going? 6

Fabregas

Had for his standards a quiet game. He was more concerned with defending especially in the first half. This may have had something to do with Hleb playing in a more central role who was doing more of the playmaking.

Cesc looked very tired in the end which is indicative of the fatigue that this team has been feeling by the end of this season. 6

Gilberto

He had a very good game. Almost back to his best, defending in front of the back four winning most of the tackles and setting up attacks.

He did falter however when he panicked and just kicked Ronaldo just outside the area in the most dangerous position. You would have thought he would have had more composure. 7

Hleb

Had one of his best performances, running the show with most of the best moves that Arsenal put together coming from him. I hope we keep him for next season as he is vital to the type of football that Wenger’s style demands. 8

Eboue

He was much more composed in this game passing the ball to his teammates for a change, attacking his defender and also tracking back well when Man Utd tried to counter attack.

This is probably the reason Wenger does not start with Walcott yet. Faded off in the second half and was replaced by Walcott. 6

Van Persie

Added attacking quality to this squad which has been missing since he and Eduardo went off injured. Created the goal with some ingenious football on the left wing crossing for Adebayor to handle the ball into the net. 7


Adebayor

We created at least four very good chances which he failed to take. Not the mark of a quality goalscorer (Eduardo would have put the ball in the net). His touch was a little bit better this game but overall he didn’t perform to standard today. 5

Man of the Match : Gael Clichy

Statistics

Manchester
United , Arsenal

2 ,Goals, 1
0 ,1st Half Goals, 0
7 ,Shots on Target, 7
8 ,Shots off Target,7
2 ,Blocked Shots, 6
6 ,Corners, 5
12 ,Fouls, 10
2 ,Offsides, 2
2 ,Yellow Cards, 6
0 ,Red Cards, 0
78.3 ,Passing Success, 81.9
35 ,Tackles, 40
65.7 ,Tackles Success, 65
53 ,Possession, 47
45.8 ,Territorial Advantage, 54.2