Gunnerrific

Thus concludes two relatively poor performances in a row by The Gunners. While the game did have a few highlights we never really looked like we cared until PSV slid one just past Lehmann. It’s a familiar tale where urgency only comes out of the risk of a loss.

Instead of writing a full match report, which I’m pretty sure nobody really wants to read, I’m going to outline a few things that I’ve been missing from Arsenal’s game in the past few fixtures.

• Robin Van Persie, who’s obsession with scoring incredible goals has been sorely missed up front since his injury.
• Aliadiere, one of the few sources of creativity in Arsenal’s distressing performance against Blackburn.
• Henry, who despite a few nice chances here and there looked absent for huge stretches of the game. The way he receives a ball and holds it for 5+ seconds, standing still while looking for the perfect opportunity, frustrates beyong imagine.
• Top-form Gallas. It’s nice to have him back but it was painful watching him give up possession and get beat so often today. Our right side was entirely exposed as a result.
• The Beast. From underwhelming at his start for Arsenal, to overwhelming in his four-goal role in the Carling Cup evisceration of Liverpool, to underwhelming again. Why can’t we get “The Beast” on a regular basis?

So we look forward to meeting PSV again in two weeks at the Emirates. The pressure will really be on if we want to stay in the Champion’s League, but before that we meet Chelsea in the Carling Cup final. I’m hoping Arsene left Aliadiere on the bench to rest him for a starting spot in that game.

All that being said, I don’t think the loss today is going to be too much of a disaster for Arsenal. Considering some of the brilliant performances the team has put in, I would be more surprised if we didn’t find our form again in the next game. Yes, the last two performances have been pretty shoddy, but we’ve had an amazing run since the new year and it won’t be hard for the gunners to find their form again.

So what do you think Arsenal has been missing lately?