Arshavin Brings Greeks To Heel

UEFA Champions League Matchday 2, Group H
Arsenal 2 – 0 Olympiacos

1 – 0 Van Persie (78)
2 – 0 Arshavin (86)

It had the makings of ‘one of those nights‘; total domination, stubborn resistance, chances aplenty and no goals. Two late goals meant that the possession, passing and creative flair earned its due reward.

The lateness of the goals is being used as a stick with which to beat the team, suggestions being made that it shows a lack of killer instinct. Such mental processes are complete crap. Obdurate defending is never broken early – it would not be stubborn otherwise. The frustration of the Arsenal attack by Nikopolidis bore a more than passing resemblance to the display of Vito Mannone at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Eboue and Rosicky were drafted in, the former putting on a splendid display of the right back’s craft, attacking with verve and defending resolutely. It was a throwback to the 2006 style. Is it enough to displace Sagna on a regular basis? That is extremely doubtful given the Frenchman’s consistency but nonetheless, a solid reminder that there is more than adequate cover defensively on the right.

The chances littered the North London night like papers wafting down the tube line. The Greek defence was bisected time and again as Arshavin, van Persie, Rosicky and a whole cast of characters were denied by an outstanding goalkeeping display. Fabregas did beat Nikopolidis only for the woodwork to deny the breaking of the deadlock.

The new formation employed this season encourages attacking football, the passing between the Arsenal players was, for the most part, exemplary, an aspect that will have pleased the manager. Equally so, he will have been more than happy with the quiet professionalism of those players who were not taxed in their positions. Matches such as this require concentration throughout. Mannone had two saves to make all match and he did so. The confidence brought on through clean sheets is infectious to a goalkeeper.

When the breakthrough came, it was fitting that it should be as a result of outstanding passing and movement rather than a scrappy affair. van Persie fed Fabregas who found Eduardo. The Croat supplied the required cross for the Dutchman to bury from close range; so much for van Persie lacking a predatory instinct.

Within ten minutes, the lead was doubled. Fabregas found an equally excellent cross from the right, Arshavin backheeling the ball through Nikopolidis into the net. Claims for offside were fully justified against the Russian but you play to the whistle and if it doesn’t come, defenders should not stop marking. They did and were suitably punished.

As much as the performances of the attackers are being praised, others should not be ignored. Alex Song snaffled the ball well in midfield and distributed wisely. He was ably supported by Diaby who had he scored with his opportunity, would have received recognition for a solid midfield performance.

Behind them, the pairing of Vermaelen and Gallas goes from strength to strength. Much has been made in the past of Vidic and Ferdinand at Manchester United in previous seasons; the Arsenal duo are building something equally solid and no less impressive. The Belgian continues to be a breath of fresh air, organising the defensive line to an extent that belies his ‘junior’ status in the defence.

Rosicky continued his recovery. Even at less than fully fit, his brightness of thought is apparent and gradually his pace is returning to match levels. This, with Vela coming back last night, Walcott and Nasri when they return, leaves an exceptional array of attacking talents that Wenger is going to be scratching his head about accommodating.

Which leaves the troubled trio of Clichy, Fabregas and van Persie. All have been criticised this season, sometimes fairly but for the most part unjustly. Last night all of them answered their critics to varying degrees. Clichy quelled the Greek attacks with positional play for the most part. Interceptions have always been an important part of his game and last night was no exception.

For Fabregas, it was a performance that was calm and composed, prompting his colleagues and working hard to provide cover for the defence as well. van Persie though is settling nicely into the central striker role. Last night gave an indication of how outstanding he will be there; the Greek defence struggled to control his movement and interchanging with others.

Job done and a nice way for Arsene to begin the celebrations of his elevation to the status of Arsenal’s longest serving manager. A repeat performance on Sunday would just about top that off nicely.

’til Tomorrow.

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