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Watching Arsenal score their last-minute winning goal was comparable to finding out that an old friend has been granted official forgiveness. While there is a desire to offer congratulations, there is also curiosity about how they ended up needing forgiveness in the first place.
Ultimately, due to their victory, this became a tale of perseverance and Aaron Ramsdale must be recognized for his impressive performance in the face of giving up an equalizer to Brentford. He made two crucial saves in the second half, one against Ivan Toney and one against Nathan Collins. There will also be commendation for the overall determination shown by Arsenal in securing the win that elevated them to first place in the standings. However, this game did not dispel the concern that their inconsistency could hinder their chances of winning the title. When Arsenal is playing well, they are exceptional, but when they are struggling, they may not be as strong as necessary.
The argument that Arsenal failed to win the championship last season always appeared unjust: Manchester City has more resources. However, the games against Liverpool and West Ham stand out in the minds of many, as Arsenal appeared to be in control but ultimately caved under pressure. Identifying specific factors is not always simple, but it is logical to connect the losses to West Ham and Fulham between Christmas and New Year this season. In both matches, it was clear that Arsenal, despite a solid start, lost their momentum and were unable to assert dominance against determined opponents.
However, following their trip to Dubai in January, Arsenal went on a seven-game winning streak in the league, scoring 31 goals and only conceding three. This boosted their confidence and they were riding high on a euphoric wave. With their current mindset, they proved to be a formidable opponent, making it challenging for any team to stand against them. Despite being 1-0 ahead and in control of the game, Arsenal remained slightly cautious, knowing that their dominant first half performance may not have secured the win yet.
Next, the examination. The debate about whether David Raya is a better option than Ramsdale is ongoing. The importance of competition for starting spots may outweigh the perceived sense of safety that prior goalkeepers prioritize. However, Raya’s temporary transfer from Brentford has intensified the attention on the goalkeeper position. While Raya’s performance may have reduced some of that scrutiny, his inability to play against his original club shifted the focus back to Ramsdale. This was Ramsdale’s first game since the FA Cup loss to Liverpool in January.
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When he kicked the ball towards Yoann Wissa, resulting in Brentford’s unexpected tying goal – the previous week, the forward from DR Congo displayed an overhead kick that he dedicated to “football lovers”; this week, his goal could be seen as a nod to lovers of irony. As expected, this sparked a conversation about whether or not he would have made the same mistake if he had been playing regularly. But really, who knows? You can choose the hypothetical scenario that best supports your argument. However, the truth remains that Arsenal’s loss of intensity after pausing for Kristoffer Ajer’s treatment was just as significant as Ramsdale’s hesitation. It almost seemed as though they believed the first half was already over.
A seemingly simple victory turned into a potentially traumatic situation. It reminded us of West Ham’s struggles from last season. This pattern is all too familiar – Arsenal desperately searching for a goal while their play becomes increasingly erratic, causing frustration among the Emirates crowd. The Reiss Nelson Protocol was executed with no success, and the painful memories of the Bournemouth game from last season were fading. The opposing team fought hard and resorted to disruptive tactics. There were intense pleas for penalties and cards, and shots were being blocked by defenders, with one even bouncing off the goal post. Frustration was starting to take over, overshadowing any remaining hope. However, there was a twist this time around – Ben White, who set up the first goal, delivered another cross that resulted in Kai Havertz’s winning goal.
How can we evaluate a match like this? Should we commend Arsenal for accomplishing their goal? Or should we reprimand them for giving up their dominant position?
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Last season, Arsenal’s victories against Aston Villa and Bournemouth through last-minute goals were hailed as a testament to their resilience and almost as a predetermined fate, similar to how Liverpool’s emotionally draining wins have been viewed this season. However, in reality, it was a sign of their vulnerability, which was later exposed. After all, one can only rely on last-minute heroics so many times before they come up short.
Recently, Arsenal has not needed to depend on them. This could either be seen as a goal that reinforces their dream, giving them the sense that it was meant to be, or it could be a concern due to their lack of composure after conceding. Allowing themselves to be rattled could indicate a tendency to panic under pressure. The outcome of this game, whether it resulted in three crucial points or added to their worries, may have an impact on their potential to win the league. It is difficult to determine the significance of this game at this point.
Source: theguardian.com
