Lessons to be learned from Arsenal versus Stoke: Part 1
Last Sunday witnessed another disastrous performance by Arsenal, culminating into a defeat at the Britannia Stadium at the hands of an impressive Stoke City by 1-3. Arsenal’s performance was weak and their defensive frailties were exposed once again.
Arsenal already had their title aspirations put on hold for another year despite the morale-boosting 1-0 win over their rivals, Manchester United. However, any out-of-the-box hope of an unlikely title was put to rest after the mauling by Stoke City. Now
there is not even a mathematical or a miracle chance for the title.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Samir-Nasri-c32360 and Cesc Fabregas were both absent for this tie, but regardless of that fact, the performances on display were more than shameful and disappointing. The psychologically drained Arsenal team struggled against the tough and physical play of the
opposition.
It should be noted that from the first whistle, the Gunners looked out of sorts and were never mentally ready to win the match.
A third placed finish is still not guaranteed as Man City is putting immense pressure on the Gunners despite their 2-1 loss to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 and ensured a record
of 19th Premier League title.
This defeat also meant that the Gunners have only won 2 of their last 9 games and the away-game record to Stoke has become even more disappointing.
Many things have been learnt from this recent display by the Gunners. Here are some of the things that the football pundits have picked up from the game.
The Britannia Stadium field was in a terrible state.
Much has been said about Arsenal’s weak defence and not at all impressive passing, but that is not the only shocking feature about the match. The numbers of slips were evident and the times the players fell due to no reason.
The stadium was full of uneven patches of grass and it was evident how difficult it became for the players to keep their balance and maintain ball control. The players struggled to stay on their feet and struggled to understand why the field was in that
state.
Arsenal constructed a wonderful stadium and the field at the Emirates is of the top-most quality. Although it can be argued that Stoke City does not have the budget neither the means of such impeccable green quality. But some debate that often inferior teams
resort to is making deliberate bad field quality to hinder the opposition’s fluent passing.
Whatever the reason, the quality of the field should be inspected by the governing bodies else the players are at a high risk of injuries and lengthy lay-offs.
Jack Wilshere’s aggression should be, to an extent, embraced by the club.
Wilshere is an aggressive young lad. His loan spell at Bolton might have helped him toughen-up and it is great to see that he is not a push-over nor easy to give up. Some say that he is the only player in the squad that looks genuinely determined in winning
a title.
Article continued in Part 2 of Lessons to be learned from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 versus Stoke
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