Borussia Dortmund arrived
at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night armed with more than just the lethal
finishing prowess of Robert Lewandowski. They were well aware of the fact that Arsenal's
previous two Champions League defeats at home have been to German clubs. Even
though the dugout was bereft of Jürgen Klopp's menacing presence, Dortmund's
pressing style was sufficiently enough to inflict a night of despair on Arsenal
and birthday boy, Arsene Wenger.
Any defeat is not without a measure of learning though, and on a rain-lashed night in north London, two of Wenger's most influential summer signings were placed into retrospect. Arsenal were left a little fragile in a midfield devoid of Mathieu Flamini's unremitting industry and positional sense. Also missing was his ability to shield the defence, avert any potential threats and essentially shore up proceedings that might have prevented two rather soft Dortmund goals.
Arsenal's other failure was in the form of Mesut Özil. Largely subdued and denied any space to work his craft, Özil was reduced to a bit-part role in Dortmund's half. It's not as if to say Özil is solely responsible for Arsenal's creativity. But it does greatly reduce the propensity to create chances when Wenger's most potent weapon can't get anywhere near the trigger. In recent weeks, Özil has sparked the club to life, but on Tuesday night, the magic was sadly missing.
Arsenal now have it tough to get out of the Champions League's most challenging group, with precarious visits to Napoli and Dortmund still to be negotiated. Pessimists would argue that Arsenal failed their first major test of the season. But even at the cost of three points, this Arsenal team look organised, seem to have cutting-edge and know how to remain optimistic. Is this defeat the beginning of a slump? Or the springboard to a glorious season? Have your say.
Any defeat is not without a measure of learning though, and on a rain-lashed night in north London, two of Wenger's most influential summer signings were placed into retrospect. Arsenal were left a little fragile in a midfield devoid of Mathieu Flamini's unremitting industry and positional sense. Also missing was his ability to shield the defence, avert any potential threats and essentially shore up proceedings that might have prevented two rather soft Dortmund goals.
Arsenal's other failure was in the form of Mesut Özil. Largely subdued and denied any space to work his craft, Özil was reduced to a bit-part role in Dortmund's half. It's not as if to say Özil is solely responsible for Arsenal's creativity. But it does greatly reduce the propensity to create chances when Wenger's most potent weapon can't get anywhere near the trigger. In recent weeks, Özil has sparked the club to life, but on Tuesday night, the magic was sadly missing.
Arsenal now have it tough to get out of the Champions League's most challenging group, with precarious visits to Napoli and Dortmund still to be negotiated. Pessimists would argue that Arsenal failed their first major test of the season. But even at the cost of three points, this Arsenal team look organised, seem to have cutting-edge and know how to remain optimistic. Is this defeat the beginning of a slump? Or the springboard to a glorious season? Have your say.
It was a big game for Arsenal not only in terms of securing a place for the next stage but also a start of few difficult weeks ahead when they face the likes Chelsea, Man U and again Dortmund away.
ReplyDeleteThe Arsenal defense still look very susceptible and have yet to face a strong attacking team. With upcoming fixtures it will surely put the team under immense pressure and we will only know by end of November whether they can still stand a chance for competing at the highest level. I seriously have my concerns about the current squad.
I would love to be proved wrong
Maybe you should just be happy they are doing well.
DeleteThanks Anshu. Absolutely true. It's only a matter of time before Tottenham get going, Chelsea start ramping it up and United rediscovering their lost magic. Liverpool too look solid for a top four finish. So Arsenal need to keep the momentum going when the tough fixtures come back. I suppose December would be a good yardstick to measure Arsenal's progress. Most teams fall by the wayside by then.
ReplyDeleteBorussia Dortmund were the superior team on the given day,Arsenal midfield didnt work together ,only arteta was avoiding the attack from the middle.Ramsey was over confident due to his prior performance in the Epl ,his mistake cost the team the first Goal .Ozil alone cannot help arsenal win the trophy,he needs support .New signings are a must for Midfield -This season Man City and Chelsea look to have the advantage
ReplyDeleteArsenal are looking like the best English side in the League by far though the Champions League is another story. This may just be a tiny slip-up for them but I think they will make it till the QF at least.
ReplyDeleteAll the EPL teams are not even close to the Top 2 Spanish and German sides. But it is refreshing to see Arsenal at the top of the league.