Wenger Crushes Arsenal Hopes, Team Bows to Manchester United 2-1

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Valencia gave Manchester United the lead in the first half

August 28 2011. It’s a date that would be etched in my memory forever. Not because of any fond memories that I would love to cherish; rather it was a day that left an indelible scar. Arsenal humiliated by Man United 8-2 in the first leg of the English Premier League.

January 22, 2012. I had checked out the date of the return fixture at Emirates. In the last few matches Arsenal was on the ascendancy for a brief period as they finished 2011 on a high note — fourth in the league table. However, before the D-day, their fortunes again slumped and suffered two consecutive defeats. Further, the non-availability of their African stars viz. Gervinho, whose searing runs had been a revelation this season, meant their attack was depleted. Though Thierry Henry had returned to his favourite club, he was out for this crucial derby.

Vendetta was clearly in my mind as the countdown began. It was going to be a war; not only at the Emirates , but also at my home as me and my daughter Ginny, an ardent United supporter, would lock horns before the TV set.

The match began well for the Gunners as they seemed to control the proceedings with their trademark passing game. I could see young Oxlade-Chamberlain, making his debut, was a bundle of energy. However, United took control over the match soon as Djourou, the defender was horribly exposed by Nani as time and again he slipped past the hapless defender and sent inviting crosses into the box.

My daughter was screaming her team on; I looked on with a grim countenance. Deep down I had a sinking feeling that this wasn’t going to be our day — United would win comfortably as Valencia, Nani, the wide players were running freely, ably backed up by Evra. Though Rooney was not at his best, he was still trying hard. However, for a change, Arsenal was defending set pieces in a better manner this day. Mertesacker was having a better game and he was coolly blocking the waves of attacks.

Suddenly, the predictable thing happened just before the half time break. A United goal was conjured out of nowhere. Vermalen, who had effected a clearance a moment ago, went to sleep when Giggs sent in a measured cross. Valencia was left unmarked as his header found the target.

1-0. United.

The screams from my daughter possibly broke all decibel records. All the pressure and all pervading attack paid off. As the referee blew the first-half whistle, I could see our players seemingly dejected as they trudged off the field. My wife joined my daughter in chiding me about the possible outcome of the game.

The second half started with both teams playing an open game. Chances were being created. Arsenal seemed to be playing with a purpose. Just after resumption Chris Smalling slipped just inside his own half to give Rosicky a clear run at goal, whose pass found RVP, who weaved himself into position to place the ball of his favourite left foot but unfortunately fired wide of the post. Any other day, the ball would have found the target. I let out a sigh as my daughter was all in smiles. A close shave and indeed a massive moment in the match. At the other end Man Utd was creating chances, Szczesny made some brilliant saves. The defence came to his rescue at times.

The match was full of passion and excitement as United pressed forward, while Arsenal retaliated with swift counters. In the 71st minute, Oxlade-Chamberlain found his captain whose diagonal shot beat Lindegaard before finding the corner of the net.

1-1. Match on.

Van Persie celebrated by showing a T-shirt bearing a 91st birthday message for his Grandpa. My screams this time could be heard from two houses away as I broke into a delirious jig much to the chagrin of Ginny.

However, I was in for a shock as immediately after the goal Arsene Wenger substituted the energetic Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Arshavin, who is known as the “Lord of Lethargy”. As the home fans seethed in anger and disbelief, I could see RVP mouthing “NO” as he too stared at his coach at a shocked disbelief. The irate fans were seen booing the coach while giving a tumultuous reception for the young Oxlade-Chamberlain as he left the field.

I was mentally settling for a draw, however, the ending had a different script. Nine minute from time, Manchester United again conjured a second and a decisive goal. Valencia burst in from the right, drew in the Arsenal defence and fed the young Danny Welbeck. The striker drilled the ball in.

2-1. United. Game over for Gunners.

Ginny jumped on the bed and broke into a Kolaveri-di jig. My wife scolded her but she too was smiling. The daughter again prevailed over her Dad.

I was disconsolate. Wenger should learn from the Boss (Sir Alex Ferguson), United’s resilience, of their ability to win despite not being at their fluent best. They are the true champion material. Unfortunately, such traits are not in Arsenal.

Painfully for Arsenal fans like me, this was again a reminder of the inflexibility of Wenger, who is letting the team down over and over. It was a catastrophic decision to remove Chamberlain. As he had made up his mind, Wenger could not improvise. The decision backfired as it was due to Arshavin’s lack of defensive capability, which paved the way for the United winner.

The resurgence of the Gunners was cut short due to the horrendous error of judgment. No wonder fans would vent out their anger on the Coach as the events gave them a reminder of the fallibility of their coach.

The defeat left Arsenal way down in the fifth position, with hopes of a Champions League berth fading by the day. United is still in the run for the coveted title. If the team does beat City in the race, I would not mind.