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Club Focus – Arsenal – Wenger disgusted, but the Gunners still gain ground in the title race
The bitter disappointment of an opportunity missed in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland was curtailed by Manchester United’s subsequent defeat. The latter turned two points dropped into a point gained, yet there is still a sense that the Gunners will need to capitalise on these moments if they are to lift the title.
With a titanic clash in the Champions League just days away it is forgivable if minds were focused more on the Catalans than the Black Cats. Whilst Birmingham City were still drunk on their Carling Cup success, the Gunners were suffering a severe hangover. In their first league outing since the final, the home side were shorn of their usual vim and verve, as they struggled to break down Steve Bruce’s defensive set-up. Having lost four on the bounce heading to the Emirates, Bruce evidently sent his side out to avoid defeat and, but for some smart reaction saves from Wojciech Szczesny, Saturday’s disappointment could have easily turned to dismay.
Despite their sluggish start, Arsenal produced more than enough to win the match and, ultimately, were unfortunate not to secure all three points. Marouane Chamakh’s header hit the bar late on as Arsenal’s pressure ensured a dramatic finale, but Andrey Arshavin was at the centre of the day’s real drama. The Russian was denied a penalty when he was shoved in the back by Titus Bramble and was later incorrectly ruled offside as he rounded Simon Mignolet in the Sunderland goal. When questioned about the effect of the above in his post-match interview, Arsene Wenger replied: “I’m too disgusted to speak about it, frankly.”
The interpretation of Wenger’s statement is a matter of semantics. Having seen Sir Alex Ferguson reprimanded for a tirade against match officials, Wenger made the strength of his feeling known whilst refraining from criticising the officials directly. It is also worth noting that Wenger did not specifically say he was ‘disgusted’ by the decisions, merely that he was too disgusted to discuss them. Hence, it is arguable that Wenger was in fact disgusted at the result more than the reason as his side spurned a golden opportunity. As it was, the Gunners eventually gained ground in the title race, but such lethargy will not go unpunished at the Nou Camp.
Jack Wilshere has declared himself fit to face Barcelona and Wenger will hope the other two members of his midfield triumvirate are available. Alex Song remains doubtful for the clash, whilst Cesc Fabregas has a greater chance of making what would be his first appearance at the Nou Camp. As Arsenal sweat over the availability of key personnel, Barcelona, like title rivals United, will be without their first-choice central defensive pairing as the injured Carles Puyol joins the suspended Gerard Pique on the sidelines. As Wenger has stressed on numerous occasions this season, the first goal will be key; and with Spain’s World Cup winning centre-halves unavailable, Arsenal’s chances of securing this have improved greatly.
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