No Gray Areas - Arsenal feel the pressure
Some strange things have happened to Arsenal over the course of the season but what's the explanation, asks Andy Gray?
What's going on with Arsenal? We've seen some pretty odd things happening in their matches this season: a loss at home to Spurs when they were ahead, Cesc Fabregas allegedly making some accusatory comments to the ref during their recent match against Everton, Abou Diaby retaliating after a heavy Joey Barton tackle and of course... the subsequent loss of a four goal lead in that very match.
I think the answer is that the pressure is starting to get to them. The pressure of not having won a trophy for more than five years. Once they win one I wouldn't be surprised to see them go on and land more silverware soon after. But, until they get over the line, I can see the players and indeed Arsene Wenger getting frustrated and allowing their emotions to get the better of them. Especially when a few things start going against them. Fabregas' reaction was a result of Louis Saha's goal standing despite the Everton man being in an off-side position and Diaby's reaction was as a result of being on the wrong end of a slightly reckless challenge.
So it's a mental thing really that could be Arsenal's undoing because they've got a fine squad at the moment crammed with classy experienced players and promising youngsters. Robin van Persie has been excellent since he returned and up to a few weeks ago (when he got injured) Samir Nasri wasn't far off being the player of the season.
What they maybe don't do as well as the likes of Manchester United is defend leads. When they're a goal up their instinct is to keep attacking and going for more. Sometimes that's going to work but on other occasions it's going to leave you exposed at the back; sometimes you need to win ugly. Just ask George Graham!
Barcelona may prove too strong in Europe and it's a four-way fight in the Premier League so you've got to say they'd have to play unbelievably well to win the title this year. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you should be backing at them at prohibitively short odds-on for the Carling Cup but I wouldn't put anyone off backing them to win the FA Cup at 5.1. It was the last competition they won and I can see them repeating the feat this year.
Published: 13 Feb 2011
Anonymous (February 13, 2011 5:47 PM) said:
Haha...Good article eh...Arsenal, haha, a good subject..foreigners...good for an easy go.
Keep it up...local lads will like, hah. This is England
Goonerman (February 13, 2011 6:54 PM) said:
On a large Wembley pitch the Carling Cup is sown up. And once we are out of the Champions League, the PL will be there for the taking if Man U and Chelsea have a good run.
The FA Cup is, at this stage, a lottery.
Goonerman (February 14, 2011 10:24 AM) said:
Two more points Mr. Gray:
1. Please don't start the 'mind games' this early for your mate Fergie and
2. Arsenal fans have never forgiven you for saying that Rooney didn't dive for a penalty when not touched by Sol Campbell.
Alan Maile (February 14, 2011 4:26 PM) said:
Does Pot Kettle and Black spring to mind when reading about Goonerman accusing somebody of diving or have you conveniently forgotten about Pires already.
bob (February 14, 2011 4:48 PM) said:
Barton a "slightly reckless challenge"?? That's the party line; but that party's over. Too many eyes on the shoddy (if not worse) referees like your man Dowd. As for Fabregas being irate about Saha's being offside, which you have correctly noted, this is passion to win, not being rattled by pressure. Perception is everything and I fear this article only serves the perception that only one team deserves to win the Premiership, and that team would not, by your lights, ever be Arsenal. Go Gunners!
David (February 14, 2011 5:14 PM) said:
No one denies Pires went to ground too easily but you missed the point that Shrek clearly dived and Gray said he didn't
Goonerman (February 14, 2011 8:58 PM) said:
In fairness, I am starting to miss Andy Gray's assessment of matches, (when Man u are not involved) he is 99% right, he gives a nice and simple analysis of incidents etc etc.
Well explained David.