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RATINGS Spurs 2-1 Arsenal: Same Old Problems Cost Us Again

By on March 3, 2013

As North London Derby defeats go, this has to be one of the most frustrating in recent memory. We started the game superbly and were well on top and it was predictable they were going to hit us with a sucker-punch and put away their first chance. The second quickly followed as Spurs took our defence apart in embarrassing fashion.

We got a lifeline with an early goal in the second half but where was the barrage of shots raining down on Lloris’ goal? We saw plenty of the ball but barely created anything of note as they held out for the win. Did we deserve to lose the game? Probably not, but did we do enough in the final third to win it? Certainly not.

With a defence as bad as ours we’re always going to run the risk of giving away cheap goals, and that’s just what we did against Tottenham, and when the front line isn’t clicking, we have no answers or alternatives.

The result leaves us seven points off third-placed Tottenham and five off Chelsea, so a top four finish is going to be a tall order. Spurs would have to choke big-time to let their lead slip this time around. Perhaps our best bet is that Rafa continues to demolish Chelsea’s morale.

Here are my ratings:

Szczesny – 5/10 – I thought he was poor. Didn’t really make much effort with Bale’s goal, just kind of sat on the floor, then came off his line too quickly for Lennon’s, making it easy for the winger to round him and tap home. Also, what was with all the burst out of his box?! Just looks out of sorts at the minute, unfortunately we don’t have an adequate alternative to come in.

Jenkinson – 7/10 – Thought he was having a good game before going off. Always gives 100% and showed he can cross a ball better than Sagna but could have done more to close down Parker before he sent Lennon clear for the second.

Monreal – 5/10 – Decent first outing in a NLD. Was lively down the left but could have got involved in the attacks more and was also culpable for Lennon’s goal, giving him far too much space.

Mertesacker – 3/10 – Spurs exposed his weaknesses to perfect effect. Why was he chosen to start ahead of Koscielny? Played his part in both goals, particularly the opener. Not good enough and we have no chance of returning to a trophy-winning side unless the defenders improve dramatically. Nice goal though, even if it did deflect off Monkey-boys head on the way in.

Vermaelen – 3/10 – A shadow of the player he once was. Schoolboy defending for the second. He had no idea where Lennon was and allowed him to run straight past him to score unchallenged. His partnership with Mertesacker isn’t working but the boss doesn’t have the stones to drop his skipper.

Ramsey – 4/10 – Another ‘gamble’ by Arsene that didn’t pay off. Ramsey was brought in to replace Diaby and was no doubt meant to ‘protect’ the back-four more that say, a Rosicky, but his lack of pace and quality was exposed once again. Spurned a great chance to score late on as well.

Arteta – 6/10 – Is not a defensive midfielder. We all know it, Mikel knows it as well, but he has to play there as we have nobody else to fill the role. Did OK overall but just doesn’t have the athleticism to protect the back-four.

Wilshere – 6/10 – Not up to his usual standards. After a bright start he looked a little tired in the second half. Still linked up with Santi and Rosicky well at times late on but just couldn’t find that spark to get the equaliser.

Walcott – 4/10 – Did he actually play? Did practically nothing of note. Just couldn’t get himself in the game at all. Went close with a free kick but frustrating game overall.

Cazorla – 7/10 – Excellent on the ball as usual, particularly early on, but didn’t have the attackers to work with.

Giroud – 3/10 – Useless. Not enough quality to be our main striker. Is useful at times but today wasn’t his day. Nothing came off for him and once again our lack of alternatives on the bench has cost us. How could Wenger gamble on us going through the season with just Giroud to choose from up front?! Also, needs to cut out the amateur dramatics. Always throwing his arms around and complaining. Cut it out Olivier and get on with the game!

Subs

Rosicky – 7/10 – Should have started. Made a positive impact again from the bench. What does he have to do to get a start?

Podolski – 5/10 – Saw plenty of the ball after coming on for Arteta but wasted a couple of chances to hit the target.

Spurs didn’t even play that well. They exposed our weaknesses, took their two chances and defended well. Our defence was once again suspect, we lack any protection for the back-four and we had no cutting edge up front.

Squad deficiencies are predictably costing us and it’s down to Wenger for not bringing in the players we clearly needed in the summer and/or January. Only one goalkeeper, only three centre-backs, no defensive midfielder and only one ‘proper’ striker. Baffling decision by the boss but as he always says, ‘judge me in May’.

What did you think of the game? Where did we lost the match?

34 Comments

  1. Frontwheel 2

    March 3, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Well at least you got Walcott,you could have ended up with that waste of space Bale COYS

    • Gooner

      March 4, 2013 at 1:22 pm

      Twat!

      Remember the last 18 years before you start mouthing off.

      Getting all cocky after a win and the potential to finish above Arsenal for the 1st time since the days of Noah just shows you’ll always have the mentality of a small club

      ’61 Never again, ’61 never again

      COYG

      • Big Mal

        March 4, 2013 at 2:35 pm

        All Arsenal websites have been saying that Bale is overrated and looks like a monkey and that Walcott is now awesome. Bale was quiet yesterday, but scored one and could have had more; it would have been good to compare him to Walcott and I still don’t understand why Wenger didn’t pick him yesterday.

      • AVB

        March 4, 2013 at 8:26 pm

        Hahaha!!!

        Remember the last 18 years? Can’t even remember the last time you won anything.

        Time to give up your CL place. We’ll take it from here boys.

        Enjoy your downward spiral 🙂

  2. irishspur83

    March 3, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    Unfairness we could/shouod have scored at least 4. We even scored your goal. To say yas didn’t deserve to lose is a huge stretch. I was surprised jenkinson got taken off thought he was playin quite well. Shows arsene views his team differently than everyone else. However I think both of us will be in the top 4 as Chelsea are on a slippery slope of inconsistency

  3. Ian Wright

    March 3, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    HOW can you say we didn’t deserve to lose, when ONLY three players managed to secure a score above 6?

    The truth is we controlled large parts of the game, but Spurs could’ve of won by a larger margin, had Sigurdson and Bale not missed a couple of sitters.

    Defence is a shambles, midfield lacks bite and strike force is largely impotent!!!

    Wengers MUST go for the good of the clubs future. I love the man as much as anyone but he is damaging his reputation, and his legacy by subjecting Arsenal to a slow and painful death.

    The truth is, when both squads are fit, Wilshere and Cazorla are the ONLY two players that would get any where near the Spurs team. Which for a club like Arsenal just isn’t good enough.

    Its’s all well and good giving Wenger MORE money, but I’m not sure that he knows how to spend it!

    • dave thomas

      March 4, 2013 at 12:11 am

      Arsenal fans always talk about controlling a game when they have had lots of pointless, ineffective possession. Do not recall Lloris having a difficult save to make.
      Its the usual arsenal argument – “if we had scored with every shot and they had missed with all theirs we would have won.”

  4. John

    March 3, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    I don’t get why our defenders get so much slack, we let in both goals because out right winger was playing centre forward and the midfield waved them throught. The problem is and always has been the lack of pressing from midfield. As I said Walcott was nowhere to been seen on the right hand side for either goal, and both Wilshere and Ramsey in succession watched the spurs player waltz through midflield and make the simple ball behind

  5. uche

    March 3, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    ok! We all love the great wenger.., but after 8 years of his inability to sort out the defense, how many years more does he actually need

  6. kosher kid

    March 3, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    I know it’s hard but……

    Tottenham are better than Arsenal!

    It has been coming for a few seasons but; you know it now.

    There is a feeling on both sides of the divide that today was a turning point. Tottenham were truly confident about winning this one. The goons were worried about Tottenham. And rightly so.

    Some of Tottenham’s squad players would improve the Arsenal first team.

    Tottenham didn’t play Caulker, Kaboul or Gallas today. All three of them are better than either of the Arsenal centre backs that played in this NLD.

    Tottenham had Sandro out injured and Lewis Holtby in reserve. Tommy Hudd could get in the Goon team looking at todays performance. He has more presence than any of the Arsenal midfielders and can play with both feet, unlike the new hope Jack Wilshire.

    It has happened over time but, very quietly and effectively, Tottenham have assembled a balanced and talented squad of players. This has happened while Arsenal’s best ever team has been dismantled.

    Cazorla is Arsenal’s best player. Too many of the others are inconsistant. The two 5-2 defeats that preceded todays game were hard for Tottenham but, it would appear that it has built character in AVB’s team. those results did not tell the true stae of affairs in North London and now the reality has to be faced up to.

    Arsenal have been complacent about their North London rivals and Tottenham are now top boys.

    Welcome to the real world.

    • Doonsbury

      March 4, 2013 at 7:35 pm

      Oh dear, this really must stop my poor gooner friends. I know that the grass is always greener but if you think that Huddlestone would get anywhere near your team you really need some help. Quite frankly Spurs could have lost that game quite easily if it wasn’t for some heroic defending. To thionk that Wenger has delivered you Champions league football and payed off the stadium before Fair Play regulations come in – well you should be eternally grateful. I would love to see us build the new stadium AND get champions league AND pay off the debts but I doubt it will happen. Wenger and your board, greedy bastards though they are, have set your club up for the long term. You will be fine. Ok you may not get Champions League EVERY year but you will most of the time – we probably won’t, Liverpool probably won’t, who knows what happens to Chelski or City when they can’t be bankrolled by their owners. Relax

  7. Rob

    March 3, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    The problem Arsenal have is no guts for any battle. Spurs bullied Arsenal. Arsenal are a one man team (Wilshire) but he will be gone within 2 years unless arsenal invest in their team. Remember we had our best defender and midfielder injured and our best centre forward coming back from injury. Bale was average today. If he had played like he has done recently you would of been embarrassed

  8. Yiddo

    March 3, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    Its been coming for a few seasons now, Spurs are looking the real deal! Theyre consistent and can certainly attack and defend better as a team! Arsenal are in dissarray! 😀

  9. the_unchosen_one

    March 3, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    Arse-anal huffed and puffed but it was Spurs who blew the house down. We should have had the game buried with a third – Bale missed an open goal and Siggy was through but chose to centre, Defoe could have scored too.
    It was a game of 2 defences; one looked competent and the other incompetent….well crap actually.
    Does anybody think Giroux looks like a toucan?
    Stop pantie-Cazorla and you stop Arsenal. Wet Spam gave us more trouble.

  10. Twatpuncher

    March 3, 2013 at 9:29 pm

    Is coz you lot is plucky losers?LMFAO!

  11. Hops

    March 3, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    Very little chat from Arsenal fans… to be expected

  12. Big Mal

    March 3, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    It might have been different if Arsenal had played Walcott as he could have used his pace to good affect. What is interesting about Arsenal now is that the team are not young any more – only Jenkinson who is not a first team regular, Wilshere and the keeper are young with Walcott pushing 24. There do not appear to be good quality youngsters coming through. Too many average signings on huge wages. Worrying times.

  13. HOWARD

    March 3, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    All this Arsenal in disarray talk is a bit premature. They had 60% possession today and controlled a lot of the game. Spurs on the other hand knew this and were setup for the counter attack. Good tactics by AVB at home.
    As a Spurs fan its hard to say this but Arsenal miss two players. Another Sol Campbell and an RVP. Thats all. The quality in other positions is there but that dominate force in defence that was Adams and then Sol has not been replaced. One to organise the rest. Up front you just need RVP back.
    With these two additions top challenging again. Trouble is drop out of the CL and players don’t come. Its about money for the board but CL for the players. Suarez will leave Liverpool in the summer because of these. Spurs could lose Bale if we slip up. Hazard and Oscar have said they were not going to sign for Chelsea unless they had CL.
    The gap is 7 points but in terms of PL challenging its a striker for both teams and an extra centre back for Arsenal.
    Now beat Man City next week and lets see Chelsea slip to 5th. As must as i dont love Arsenal at least you try to win the league without Sugar daddies!

    • Will

      March 4, 2013 at 1:06 pm

      Spot on!!! Excellent comments.
      What most of us forget is that the Woolwich Wanderers and THFC are the only (plus Everton) top seven non cheats in the PL although Swansea are doing wonders on a tight budget as well.

      • Rob

        March 4, 2013 at 8:02 pm

        what are you on about???

        • Will

          March 4, 2013 at 11:03 pm

          Ignorance dominates obviously. Just read it, if possible.

  14. philip

    March 4, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Simply put it, we are always going in circles. Come September, October & November, We have few bad results, the manager and director comes out saying we have so much cash to purchase and we will purchase in January. Come December, we have few good results and the manager says he doesnt see a reason for our strong squad to be further strengthened. come February, we are knocked off all the cup competitions in succession. Come April, we sell our best player. Come August, we buy mediocre players and call the team “STRONG”

    I see no reason why every spurs fan and media think, just because spurs “may” finish above arsenal, once in 15 years, to say Spurs are now stronger & the Gunners are in “Negative Spiral”. If they maintain this consistency for at least 5 years, then realistically the power is shifting. Yes there is togetherness within the Spurs squad cause everything is happy & green, they are winning games. Let them drop some points and if arsenal catch up, they will be looking over their shoulder and then we can see the real togetherness.

    Yesterday’s game, Giroud was hopeless. Rosicky & Podolski should have had more time and “maybe” the result would have been different.The difference was just pure class (bale). The gunners have no one with that quality and that made the difference & the naivety of our defense cost us dear.

    The simple difference with our better teams & the current squad is “DESIRE” & “HUNGER”.The only players with these key elements are Jack, Aaron & Jenkinson. The players are gifted skillfully but to be a top club in PL you need to have DESIRE & HUNGER = Winning Mentality, which we can see in abundance at MANU.

    I am sure nothing is over yet, there are more twists and turns coming our way and am very sure 4th & 3rd place are still up for grabs.

  15. B Johnson

    March 4, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    W GOT EXACTLY WHAT DESERVED – NOTHING. MR WENGER INSISTENCE ON THIS PATHETIC ENGLISH SPINE. HE BATTLED FOR AND PAID WALCOTT 100k PER WEEK. WALCOTT IS SO POOR IT IS UNBELIEVABLE, HOWEVER MOST OF YOU ARE JUST AS BAD, LETS LOOK AT THESE RATINGS, THE AUTHOR OF THIS PIECE HAS STATED HOW POOR WALCOTT AND RAMSAY WERE( AND BELIEVE ME THEY WERE), HOWEVER COULD NOT FIND IT IN HIMESELF TO GIVE THE 2 BRITISH PLAYERS THE 3/10 RATING THAT HE FOUND VERY EASY TO THE 3 FOREIGN PLAYERS. I HAVE SAID A 100 TIMES FOR OVER 4 YEARS HOW POOR WALCOTT IS. I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW RAMSAY GETS TO PUT ON AN ARSENAL SHIRT. WHY DOES HE NOT START ROSICKY? WHY IS HE NOT PLAYING PODOLSKI? WHY DID HE SUB JENKINSON WHO WAS HAVING A GOOD GAME TO REPLACE HIM WITH THAT IDIOT RAMSAY WHO WAS ALREADY ON A YELLOW CARD? I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES, WENGER PICKS PLAYERS AND THE BEST MANAGERS PICKS TEAMS NOT PLAYERS! THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF PLAYERS AT ARSENAL OVER THE YEARS WHO HAVE PLAYED WITH NO PRESSURE OR URGENCY AS THEY WERE FULL AWARE THEIR POSITION WAS NOT UNDER THREAT. AS WE ALL KNOW THE 11 STARTED YESTERDAY WILL PROBABLY START THE NEXT GAME

  16. Will

    March 4, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    I thought that the Woolwich Wanderers did okay and I can scarcely say that we p*ssed on them as they fought untilthe end and both of our goals were counterattack gifts of the gods.

    When Wenger first had success it was because he inherited the GG defence and when that died I thought that he might fall on his face. But he pinched Campbell who, no matter how much you hate him, was a rock in defence, and the WW lot went on their merry way.
    But the supply of free french forces has dried up(? Due to NU :)) and now Wenger has to forge his own true defence and he has not been able to do it. Whther from poor player selection or the lack of true DCMs I don’t know. But all in all he has done very well and you WW lot owe him quite a lot but then, being cheats, you wont admit to it.

    • Will

      March 4, 2013 at 1:02 pm

      Love the CL BJ

  17. Mike

    March 4, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    In fairness we should let the Spuds enjoy their moment of glory. It’s a big deal for them to poetentially fisnish above us for the first time in a generation. Make the most of it people it may not happen again in your lifetime. 52 years and counting……….

    • Will

      March 4, 2013 at 2:20 pm

      Mike do have a small p***s to make idiotic comments like that so you can feel good?

      You have had 3 periods of dominance since I was born: a brief and boring double in 70-71 which EVERYONE else hated you for its antifootball. The GG run which despite Nick Hornby’s opinions was about football as thrilling as a burst of constipation amd then the Wenger era wher he cleverly exploited the defensive capacities of others until now when he has been finally found out.
      However, whether you win anyything or not. or gain the CL or not. I don’t really care as Wenger has been a gift of the gods(sorry) to you lot as he taught you how football should be played.
      However the net result is that you lot have turned into expectant glory hunters like the MU crowd and do not hesitate to bite the hand that led you to the promised land.
      Is there ONE gracious loser amongst all of you?
      No wonder we cannot forget how you cheated to get into England’s first football tier in 1919.

  18. Mike Gunner

    March 4, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    Wenger is an arrogant man. He has lost the plot and if he wants his legacy to be rememberedhe shd leave before it is tarnished by the axe.
    Managers are judged on results and frankly he is fortunate not to be axed after a 8 year barren run.
    I can’t see Arsenal improving even next season.

  19. Mood gooner

    March 4, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    DONT BLAME WALCOTT. HE DIDN’T PLAY AGAINST TOTT. ON SUNDAY.IT WAS ONLY HIS SHADOW RUNNING AROUND. I DO AGREE WITH JOHNSON WHY PLAYING RAMSEY AS A FIRST CHOICE. PLAYING TOTT U NEED EXPERIENCE PLAYERS, LIKE ROSISKY,,, POD. WALKER BULLIED EVERYONE ON HIS RIGHT BACK, NOT UNTIL POD STARTED , WALKER WAS. SLOWED DOWN. WHAT IS ESPECIAL WITH RAMSEY, HE DOES NOT DESERVE TO WEAR AN ARSENAL SHIRT. SOME ONE TOLD ME THAT HE IS VERY GOOD IN TRAINING,,,BUT PUT HIM ON THE REAL SHOW. HE IS AN IDIOT. I DO HOPE WENGER DON’T START HIM AGAINST BAYERN. WHAT IS ESPECIAL WITH WALCOTT TO EARN HUNDRED THOUSAND A WEEK. THERE ARE SO MANY STRIKERS IN EUROPE THAT IS AVAILABLE FOR FIFTY THOUSAND A WEEK. THE PROBLEM WITH WALCOTT HE GIVE U A GOOD GAME OUT OF TEN. NINE TIMES HE IS NO WHERE TO BE SEEN OR LETHARGIC,,LIKE YESTERDAY. WHY HE DIDN’T REPLACE HIM WITH CHAMBERLAIN. THEN. FOR GOD SAKE. IF U WANT TO CHANGE THE TEAM DO IT AT FIFTY FIVE MINUTES, NOT. AT SEVENTY FIVE MINUTES. THIS IS WHY WE NEEDS THE ARAB TO TAKE OVER TO STOP ALL THE NONESENSE.WHY WE PAY MILLION OF SALARY WHEN OUR PLAYERS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY. FOR WATFORD. OR LUTON.

  20. Mood gooner

    March 4, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    WENGER. PLEASE STOP TALKING OF SUMMER SHOPPING. YOU ARE DOING THIS TO CALM DOWN THE FANS.SO THE FANS GET EXCITED THAT U WILL BUY . IN THE END U WILL NOT BUY ANYONE OR SELL ANYONE. WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE SAME RUBBISH.

  21. batunde

    March 4, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    why should prof derogative. Come end of season he should buy strong experience 1. Centre back 2. defensive midfieder 3. Sharp Shooter Striker

  22. oldon

    March 4, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    not the same old story. 10 and a half white’s.fact. im not old enough to remember days like these.fact.everything you do will
    always come back to black,fact. stop hating and accept that. arsenal cant even admit that walcott’s there best player.fact. stats prove that.fact. the rest need to pass to him but they won’t cause they are crap.fact ox
    gibbs,sagna,diaby kos, rosicsky,podols, r classy get rid of the rest. THIS IS LONDON.

  23. jogonbacktowoolich

    March 4, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…

  24. Will

    March 4, 2013 at 11:07 pm

    poor lot these Woolwich posters.
    No idea as to just how lucky they have been but still happy to bite the hand that made them lucky.
    Arsenal are so finacially syable, have a decent stadium and minimal debt: you are in good hands and one season isn’t over and means NOTHING!!!

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