Goalkeeping problem remains a constant problem at Arsenal
HOW EVERYTHING SEEMED to be better when Petr Cech was signed in the summer. Yet, on the opening day of the Premier League, the new signing made two highly uncharacteristic errors against West Ham and Arsenal lost.
The veteran was supposedly the answer to all of the Gunners’ problems – his arrival guaranteed to push the club closer to the title. And as much as he has been very consistent since his nightmare league debut, tonight’s assignment with Olympiakos proved that the position remains a problem for the club.
Many will argue that David Ospina’s error is nothing more than an isolated incident, that Cech will return as first-choice in the next game and Arsenal will move on. But that’s not really the point. The mistake has cost them dearly and may have major repercussions on their Champions League campaign.
It really shouldn’t happen. It’s a basic defensive slip and it’s all-too familiar a story. We didn’t just see poor concentration from Ospina this evening but from others in that Arsenal rear-guard.
Still, the goalkeeping position is under the spotlight again and it means fans will direct plenty of anger in Arsene Wenger’s general direction.
Eoin O’Callaghan
Where do Chelsea and Mourinho go from here?
Chelsea badly needed a big performance tonight, yet not for first time this season, they conspicuously underperformed instead.
Jose Mourinho’s team selection was bold — big names such as John Terry, Nemanja Matic, Radamel Falcao, Eden Hazard and Oscar were all either left out of the starting XI or the matchday squad entirely.
However, despite the many changes, the outcome was the same as it has been for much of the Londoners’ season so far, meaning they have now lost five matches in all competitions before October for the first time since 1978.
They looked limp in attack and vulnerable at the back — in short, completely deprived of the qualities that made them such a potent force domestically and (to a lesser extent) in Europe last season.
Ultimately, Mourinho must accept at least some of the blame — the likes of Terry and Hazard were patently missed this evening, while Ivanovic — the man he has made stand-in captain — was particularly poor and partially at fault for at least one of the goals.
Whereas some bad results at the start of the season could justifiably be described as a blip, the trend of Chelsea underperforming is continuing at an alarming rate to the point where it’s now threatening to turn into a full-blown crisis (if it hasn’t already).
Having seemed so invincible last year, Mourinho, particularly given his shoddy behaviour (epitomised by the treatment of Eva Caneiro) and recent eccentric team selections may well consequently pay the ultimate price for these failings sooner rather than later.
Paul Fennessy
You feel sorry for a player of Alexis Sanchez’ quality
Arsenal have talented players, of that there’s no doubt. But their failings come from a fragile foundation and mindset.
A penny for the thoughts of Alexis Sanchez.
Such an energetic and brilliant player, he was the difference last weekend against Leicester when Arsenal’s defensive failings were clearly evident and his top-class finishing won them the game.
He has started the season slowly but his capabilities are never in doubt.
Tonight, he took his goal superbly well (a brilliant cross from Theo Walcott, in fairness) but it was his all-round play that sparkled.
His pace, power and relentlessness were all on display, particularly during one lung-bursting drive from deep late in the opening period.
Arsenal did have plenty of chances in the game and looked a lot livelier when Aaron Ramsey was introduced but only Sanchez seemed capable of producing a genuinely game-changing individual moment.
The more Arsenal keep hold of him, the more chance they’ll have of staying competitive but should he leave for whatever reason, you’d fear for their future.
Eoin O’Callaghan
