Funny how a loss changes things. Seven wins in a row and we were looking up. Now we're peering down at 5th. Before the game Arsene was asked about the possibility of catching City in second, after it was dropping below Chelsea. It was a game that we should be winning, 18th in the league and fighting for survival.
But it was typical Arsenal. In recent seasons we've struggled against smaller sides, maybe getting over-confident and yesterday we just couldn't break them down. There was no-one in the team capable of unlocking a defence. Ramsey started on the left wing, it worked at Everton, it didn't work here. He drifted inside the whole game which only contributed in clogging up the midfield meaning there was no space for Arteta, Song or Rosicky. I would've gone for the Ox because he's probably the most capable of making something happen. Clearly it wasn't working and whilst it was a mistake to start Ramsey it was another mistake to leave him on for the second-half.
Our midfield were pressed hard, leaving space for our centre-backs to roam forward but Arteta continuously dropped deep, making it easy for QPR to press higher and higher. Errors from Vermaelen let them in for both goals but the collective defending was much worse than what we've seen recently. Neither Arteta or Song got back to mark Diakite and there was not enough cover for their first as well as a lack of midfield pressure.
The defeat leaves us looking back over our heads and will surely cast some doubt in the players minds. We're now right back in the fight for fourth, with the game against Chelsea now taking on some extra relevance. They now sit five points behind. A decent amount which we all would have taken a few months ago but the situation is precarious none the less, with City coming to the Emirates next week. Sp*rs could go level on points with us today if they can better Swansea but I think its more important to focus on ourselves rather than on anyone else. Only we can pick oursleves up and if we keep looking at others to falter, we'll falter ourselves.
The obvious lack of options from the bench was apparent once again. Park was no-where to be seen and introducing Chamakh in the 82nd minute isn't something which would bring fear to the opponent. Obvious changes need to be made in the summer but the only way in which we can make them as best we can is to qualify for the Champions League. Players looking towards the summer and a way out of the club are not in a good enough state of mind to be playing for us. The summer is still a long way away and what we do then will be dictated by what we do now.
Robin Van Persie failed to get fully into the game, partially down to the lack of chances created but probably also down to the amount of games he's played this year. Never in an Arsenal shirt has he played this much per season and he looks like he needs a rest. The problem with that is if he has a rest then we basically surender our strike force if we start Chamakh. Its a tough situation and a hard decision for Arsene as we have some hard games remaining. Either Wolves or Wigan look the obvious choices, but today its been shown that even the weaker sides can take points if we switch off.
A case of poor tactics against good tactics played a part today. QPR were set up well, inviting some pressure but not letting us be at all dangerous for most of the game. One good save and our goal were the only real chances we had, just showing the lack of creativity and movement. Let's hope this was just a blip in a strong end to the season.
Yesterday was the 11th anniversary of the death of David "Rocky" Rocastle. It was a shame we couldn't win for him but his name was sang by the away fans during the match. An Arsenal man through and through who will be missed by all those who saw him play.
Thanks for Reading
@Arse_Licker
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