Sometimes I write predictions that are accurate, sometimes I am wide of the mark but rarely this season have I been accurate but without meaning to.
Let me explain. My earlier prediction mentioned the fact that Arsenal hadn't beaten a decent side since FC Porto and Manchester United. The inference being that the teams played since were not top quality and that Liverpool was a decent side and worthy of the Grade A price hike at the Grove. Well to be honest, Liverpool put in a poor performance today and if that display is anything to go by, they won't finish in the top 8. And no, Liverpool weren't worth the increase in ticket price.
What Arsenal Need: They need a win. They desperately need a win. And just as much as Arsenal need the three points, they need a good team performance to build morale and confidence.
The Gunners got a well deserved win and everyone went home with a smile on their face. The three points were welcomed by the Arsenal faithful who applauded the players off the field, but I was equally pleased with the overall team performance.
Things To Watch Out For: I'll be interested to see if Wenger persists with the 4-1-4-1 formation of recent weeks. I don't think this formation is necessary at home and I think at times it leaves Arsenal with no men in the box, which is a fundamental flaw.
Wenger did persist with the 4-1-4-1 formation and it worked, but I'm still not a fan. I feel it makes the team too dependent on getting midfielders in the box and if Henry pulls wide onto the left wing, the opposition's penalty area is often devoid of a single Arsenal shirt. Testament to the dependence of the formation on getting midfielders into the box, is that all three goals today were scored by defensive players.
My only concern with the current Arsenal style of play is that a fair number of unforced errors creep into the games. Arsenal do keep hold of the ball well and compared to other teams in the Premiership they have the best short-passing game, however, at times possession is given away cheaply. I do embrace the fluidity and dynamism of the Gunners' style of play, but I see lapses in concentration creep in and short simple passes go astray. Against better opposition Arsenal could be punished for this but today it cost them nothing.
Hopes For The Match: I hope Walcott starts on the left wing and uses the playing time to show his talent. It will be interesting to see how he interacts with Clichy on the left, but equally it will be good to see Eboue and Hleb teamed up again on the right. You would think that there is a good amount of pace and attacking zeal on both wings, I just hope they work hard and defend well too. I'm desperate for Henry to put in a good performance and I yearn to see him build a relationship with van Persie.
Walcott didn't feature today and van Persie teamed up with Clichy on the left wing. The right wing due combined to create the goal for Flamini.
I was pleased to see how positive Henry was with his team mates today. He even embraced van Persie after his number was displayed to be substituted. That was the type of leadership we used to see from Vieira and it was good to see them interact in such a way.
My team selection for this game:
Henry, van Persie
Walcott, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb
Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Eboue
Lehmann
Subs: Almunia, Senderos, Djourou, Flamini, Adebayor
Long-term issues: Rosicky has a hamstring injury and will be out for up to 10 days missing the Liverpool, Newcastle and Hamburg matches. Baptista and Ljungberg are still no nearer a return and have as yet not even played for the reserves since getting injured. Diaby is not going to be ready until January at the earliest.
Now that Arsenal have three points from the Liverpool match it would seem that Rosicky's injury may well go without real detriment to the team. The Newcastle and Hamburg matches should pass smoothly with victory in each as I don't see either team scoring against the Gunners.
Prediction: Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1
Arsenal 3 Liverpool 0
