Lackadaisical display disappoints travelling gooners.
An expensive November trip to the Ukraine for a relatively meaningless fixture really separates the men from the boys but it looked like it would be a trip worth making when Theo Walcott gave us a breathtaking start. We broke from a Shakhtar corner and within ten seconds the ball had been beautifully passed into the back of the net by an in-form Theo Walcott. Jack Wilshere’s pass and Walcott’s perfect first touch sent him clear on the half way line and, as Wenger had mentioned in the pre match press conference, ‘once he is behind the defence, who can catch him?’
Sadly that was as good as it got for the travelling contingent. Bar Squillaci’s header straight at the ‘keeper and Wilshere’s curled effort which just went the wrong side of the post we created nothing of note for the rest of the match. It was a poor display and one that a less than memorable Shakhtar side took advantage of in no small part because of a former Arsenal player. At times Eduardo was the best player on the pitch and it did make you wonder whether Wenger made the right decision in letting him go, especially when an inferior player in the same mould continues to wear the famous red and white. Wenger’s infinite patience with Carlos Vela is unfathomable and the Mexican’s emergence from the bench last night inspired nothing on the pitch, he is an unnecessary drain on the wage bill.
It was another Gael Clichy mistake which led to Eduardo’s winning strike just before half time but instead of a charitable donation to a former colleague who everyone is fond of, sadly the error was just another to add to Clichy’s unenviable collection. Some better Arsenal sides have also lost in the Ukraine so it is not a result to be overly concerned about but the lack of cohesion in our side is a worrying trend.
Thankfully we only have to wait until Sunday for the next chance for the players to redeem themselves and start another winning run but it will still be too late for the most dedicated travelling supporters.