Arsenal had a big break last night. Rosicky could have scored at late but Arsenal could have conceded a penalty to Fernando Torres. Arsenal were favourites at the start but disappointed throughout the match. The fact that Arsenal didn't come out with enough desire to win showed. There was no urgency and no spark in the game.
It was an exciting line up to see. Chamakh, Koscielny and Wilshere all making their first starts for the club.Chamakh used his height to pressure Liverpool but he rarely troubled. He had relatively good touches on the ball and I have no doubt he'll do even better next week. Koscielny had a good start for a first match. Although Arsenal conceded, I think we could see he is up for the challenge. I was delighted to see Wilshere make the starting line up, but Mascherano and Gerrard kept him quiet. Another step to establishing himself into the first team I guess.
Notables. Nasri was influential in many of the plays, showed quick movement and passing. Stuffed up two good free kick attempts but looked more confident than ever. Eboue played good passing as well but never really threatened offensively. Rosicky made a good impact after he came on and almost scoring.
Room for improvement. Arshavin looked completely out of sorts for one of his favourite fixtures based his goal tally at Anfield. I am still not convinced with the crosses from the full backs Sagna and Clichy. Everytime there needs to be good ball in the box, the crosses were disappointing. Almunia should not have been beaten at his near post. He doesn't convince me that he is capable of being number 1.
Impact of Fabregas, van Persie and Song
Arsenal missed these three players yesterday. There was no direction in the flow of the game. Arsenal were passing their way to nowhere at times and it is not something they should be doing. Van Persie never quite settled in the game. Had Song played a part in the game, Arsenal would have held more possession and allow more attacking plays.
We couldn't afford to lose the first game of the season and we didn't. I am not sure about the fitness of the absentees but I would love to see more firepower next week. It's going to be against a Blackpool side who made headlines with their thrashing of Wigan. There definitely must an improvement to this result next week.
~deyao~
