Arsenal’s performance against Monaco was very disappointing for the home fans, especially the team’s defensive display. Every time we were caught out on the counterattack, and because of the away goals rule it will be a difficult task for the Gunner’s in the second-leg.
I’m not saying we have an impossible task, however, Monaco haven’t let in three goals at home since September 2011 and only six teams in European cup history have gone through after losing the first-leg.
One of the things we learnt from this game was Arsenal’s frailty at the back, Per Mertesacker was struggling all game with his lack of pace. He was at fault for Monaco’s first two goals, one goal deflected off him and the other one was as a result of his poor decision-making. This experienced German defender should be dropped and Gabriel should be given a chance. Mertesacker has made mistakes throughout this season.
Secondly, until Theo Walcott and the Ox were brought on Arsenal did not manage any breakthrough against Monaco. They made a big impact in the amount of chances created. Before they came on Arsenal had not achieved a single effort on goal. This exposed the team’s hesitancy to shoot and not being clinical enough in front of goal. The only negative, was the Ox losing possession that led to the French team’s third goal. Both of these players have more pace and would have suited this game better than Giroud. Giroud had some guilt edged chances which he should have buried.
Thirdly, we have seen similar performances in the Champion’s League at this stage of the competition for the past five years. But no disrespect to Monaco the teams Arsenal have faced have much more prestige including Barcelona and Bayern Munich. In these previous matches Arsenal would have been forgiven for not having the belief to go through. But in this game the team seemed complacent, and there was no excuse for the way we performed. The fans expected a tough but winnable game.
Fourthly, we learnt how important Cazorla’s personal performance is for how well Arsenal do in matches. In recent months he has played incredibly well and raised the level of the team. The Spaniard had a disappointing match and thus Arsenal struggled. The attention has mainly been on Alexis but Santi is also crucial to the team.
Fifthly, some pundits have questioned Arsenal’s ability to have a Plan B. Their neat and tidy play did nothing in this match. There was no urgency starting from the defence to attack. Do Arsenal need to play differently?
The team proved they were capable of playing more cautiously against Manchester City, but they have not yet shown they can do it consistently.The manager will have been frustrated and disappointed at this result and the performance. Hopefully he will have learnt many things so that this type of performance is not repeated. In the Champion’s League bad performances are punished, and this match was no different.
