The Gunners’ top four aspirations dealt a major blow but can Wenger turn it around, again?

After Antonio Valencia’s first half header was cancelled out by an exquisite finish from Van Persie in the second, a late strike from Danny Welbeck proved to be the difference between Arsenal and Manchester United, resulting in a 1-2 defeat for the home side and denting the Gunner’s hopes of finishing in the top four. And although the focus should be on what took place on the field, an unforeseeable blunder from the Arsenal manager would go a long way in being the basis of a plethora of familiar headlines.

It was a game of two halves as the away side piled up tremendous pressure on the club from North London, comprehensively exploiting Arsenal’s vulnerability on the right due to Bacary Sagna’s absence with Nani tormenting the Frenchman’s replacement, Johan Djourou. The goal eventually did come from that side, when Ryan Giggs floated in an inch perfect cross for Antonio Valencia to head home.

Wenger responded with an uncharacteristic half time substitution, replacing the Swiss international with Nico Yennaris, an 18 year old debutant .Yennaris’ pace and composure on the ball settled things on the right and the momentum swung in favour of the home side.

Unbelievable l Van Persie regrets having missed an open chance

A harrowing Van Persie miss and an equally poor Aaron Ramsey effort later, the Gunners eventually breached Sir Alex Ferguson’s defense as a swift counter attacking move saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had been the best player for Arsenal so far, feed Robin Persie with a well weighted pass. The in-form Arsenal captain extended his goal tally to twenty three with a trademark turnaround finish.

What happened next was what few could have envisaged. A commotion comprising mainly of jeers rung around the Emirates emphatically. It was a reaction to Arsene Wenger’s decision to bring on Andrey Arshavin in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

At a time when Arsenal had all the momentum they needed to find a winner, an out of form and unmotivated figure was the last thing they needed. But that is what they got, and not shockingly, sloppy defensive play from the Russian led to United’s winning goal.

Boos echoed around the Emirates at full time. Arsene Wenger’s failure to equip his side with what the situation demanded had proved to be the turning point. For the first time in 6 years, Arsenal had lost three league games in a row.

Given the fact that Arsenal’s title challenge was well over quite some time back and that a place in top four was the priority , the result is a major wake call for the Gunners , if not a severe blow. And if it is not the latter, it is only because Chelsea and Liverpool, Arsenal’s biggest threat to that all important Champions League spot, failed to secure maximum points in their respective games too.

Johan Djourou l No wonder he was the first to be substituted

But as Arsenal have often witnessed, gambling with lady luck is not the wisest of options. Injuries apart, there are major issues that Wenger has failed to address. It seems like the defensive fortification that appeared to have finally arrived could not stand the test of time. It is the case of same old Arsenal now.

Lack of cover to full backs exposed the defense to wingers, against Swansea as well as Manchester United. Arsenal’s opponents seem to penetrate inside the eighteen yard box with ease. Former Arsenal left back Nigel Winterburn recently stressed on this aspect, admitting that he always feels Arsenal will concede.

This problem only accentuates when there seems no intent to buy or loan a full back in the ongoing transfer window. If Arsenal are to maintain their top four status come end of the season , Wenger would do well to realize that it is not possible to outscore every opposition and that the defense has to be more tight.

The fluctuating displays of Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song have not helped the Gunners in recent games. The Welsh Captain, in particular, had a very poor game against the Red Devils. The return of Jack Wilshere is not far and would be a massive boost for a midfield that is desperately lacking steel and creativity.

Mr.Inconsistent l Or should we say Theo Walcott?

There were a few positives for Wenger’s men. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved that he is more than ready for the Premiership after a mesmerizing display against United. At a time when Gervinho would not be available for another month, and Theo Walcott’s horrendous form, Chamberlain might prove to be the key in unlocking oppositions in the final third. Whether his display against United was a one-off remains to be seen.

Nico Yennaris, a team mascot in 2000, made his Premier League debut on Sunday. Until Bacary Sagna returns, the eighteen year old Englishman’s confident display against the likes of Ryan Giggs and Nani should be enough to earn a starting place in the team, ahead of a consistently clumsy Johan Djourou.

Arsenal missed out on an opportunity to close in on Chelsea whilst drifting away from Liverpool and Newcastle. It’s not the end of the world but Arsene Wenger needs new signings, players coming back from injury and a thorough restructuring of his team’s defense. If that is not enough to secure a top four finish, the 62 year old Frenchman may find himself under a sort of pressure he has never had to face while managing Arsenal.

And it may just signal the unthinkable.

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