Spirit 1, X-factor nil

There are only two things in the world where you can have  a sense of pride even in defeat- Sport and war. Not least due to the similarity between them. With a tint of bias, this was probably the best contest that the Premier League has thrown up this season- a game which had everything- European finesse of the passing game, an English resilience and tempo. It was a shame we lost. I genuinely feel it was our best display. It was one of those rare defeats that does not sap your morale. 

Firstly, this team has more fighting spirit than any Arsenal side than any other Arsenal team of the Emirates stadium era. They do not let their shoulders droop and there is a fight about them, which warms the supporters’ hearts. More the reason why Arshavin stood out like a sore thumb, when he took a shot in the dying minutes and could not care enough to even push his body weight forward. But, more on him later.

And yet, there was something missing. A bit of class, an X- factor, that all of us have been crying out for. We threatened, even dominated towards the end of the game, with our chances. But we did not stamp our authority the way we do. I guess some class has been sacrified to accommodate spirit. But it need not be that way. I think the shining beacon of an example for what our players should be like is Mikel Arteta. Available on the cheap, oozes class and yet has the resilience to complement it.

Our defense has been extremely strong. I am going to make a statement that may seem ludicrous at start. I think we have the best defenders in the premiership. After the shock has sunk in, think about it.. Probably Vidic (who is out for the season) and Rio are a better centre back pairing, but their wingbacks are out for a toss. Evra has looked past for some time and right back is a position that Fergie has never rated and never spent on any quality player for that position. Chelsea are old and creaky at the back. Cech has been so embarrassing that they would take Almunia in a heartbeat (I don’t know why is he still getting so many chances. Put the second keeper in). Man City has equally good players like Hart, Kompany etc. But their third centre back is called Lescott and no. 1 left back is called Clichy. Liverpool play Carragher. Enough said. Ledley King has played his customary 10 games of the season and gone off injured. So the great Youness Kaboul and William Gallas at the centre, alongwith  Assou Ekotto (Kyle Walker is not bad) are hardly a defense that would leave you sleepless. (Throw in Gomes as well in the mix).

If anything the Man City game showed us, it was the lack of squad depth. There was not one person, including Arsene, who believed that there was a substitute named who could change the game. At the most, I am ready to give benefit of doubt to Benayoun. But the rest. Arshavin and Chamakh need to sold just on the apathy of Sunday’s performance. Park is currently a substitute for the subs bench. After his injury, Rosicky keeps doing neat flicks, when he comes on with no end product. I don’t think there was an Arsenal fan who said in his mind, bring Rosicky on! that will change the game. Ramsey was quite ordinary on Sunday, yet a half baked Ramsey seemed a better bet than the entire subs bench.

And now back to the thing that really irked me- Two substitutes who seemed as inspired with ideas as a roundtable conference held by Tony Pulis and Rory Delap on Total Fotball. Arshavin- He just doesn’t care, does he? I hope he is gone on the first of January. I cant stand the sight of him coming on when we are chasing a game anymore. And Chamakh? He looks like a martian (doesn’t help that he has an uncanny resemblance to the hero of Avatar) who has wandered onto the pitch. Stunned everytime he receives the ball- What have I done? Why are they giving the ball to me? It is testament to the others that the players kept up the spirit of their performance even they were down to nine men. If I was Theo, even i would go bonkers if I am replaced by Arshavin.

We may not be a one man team, but we are a one striker team for sure. Thats not good enough. Poor Van Persie is bound to have some off days but there seems to be no help around. I have got a funny feeling that apart from Henry some big name striker is coming along. I have a gut feeling, it could be El Nino. Even in this form, he is a bargain at 20 million. And if there was one manager who could rescue him from this wilderness, it has to be Wenger. He made the world believe Adebayor is agreat striker. Torres would be too easy a project for him. He has the ability to play as a one man striker. He has pace, can head the ball. The perfect striker. I remember reading that Henry was his idol during his formative years at Athletico. It would not be bad for a disciple to come to the shrine where your idol has been idolised, would it?