Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Monday night under the Emirates lights, in probably one of the most thrilling 0-0 stalemates that will be seen all season.
It was a game of two halves, which saw the first half go Liverpool’s way, indicated straight away with an effort from Philippe Coutinho that struck the bar in the second minute.
The Gunners had summer signing Petr Cech to thank, after he kept them in it in the first half with a handful of world-class saves. Arsenal dominated the second half, much like they did against West Ham United at home in the season’s opening fixture, but again failed to find the back of the net.
What five things can we take from the night’s disappointing result?
Cech showed his quality
Starting on one of the few positives of the game, after a very shaky start in Arsenal colours in the opening game of the season against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, where he was at fault for arguably both of the goals in the 2-0 defeat, the Czech Republican on Monday night showed his worth with his experience and quality as a goalkeeper.
Cech made what will most likely turn out to be one of the saves of the season, denying Christain Benteke in the 39th minute from only 4 yards out, with the whole goal to aim at.
It’s saves like that which are the exact reason Wenger signed the 33-year-old Premier League legend, because looking back at it now, he’s probably the reason Arsenal didn’t lose that game, and it’s another point gained for the Gunners, which could prove to be absolutely vital at the end of the season.
Chamber’s clearly isn’t ready for Arsenal
There honestly isn’t much to say about Calum Chambers after Monday night’s performance, apart from the fact that is was one of his poorest in an Arsenal shirt. He was caught in possession throughout the game, handing Liverpool numerous chances to open the scoring.
After only being at Arsenal for one season, and being very young, Chambers himself shouldn’t be blamed, he’s just simply not ready to play for the club yet. The best thing for him would probably go out on loan to another Premier League club to gain some valuable first team experience, with a bonus it being in the Premier League, so he doesn’t have to re-adapt when he returns to the Emirates.
Luckily for Chambers, Gabriel Paulista, his central defensive partner for the evening, had a brilliant game. Without him and Cech between the sticks, it could have been absolute shambolic for Arsenal.
Again, no finishing product from the Gunners
Without a single goal in two Premier League games now for Arsenal at home, questions about a new striker coming in continue to be risen.
There were plenty of chances created for one of the Arsenal attackers to break the deadlock, and Alexis Sanchez came close after seeing his shot come off the post, as did Aaron Ramsey, who almost caught out Simon Mingnolet with a great effort, but there wasn’t a presence up top that looked capable of putting one of those chances away, and that’s what the north London side really miss.
Olivier Giroud is a good player, but maybe not the consistent striker Arsenal need. He scores goals, creates them, and is an excellent team player, which is all that can be asked of him for his fee Wenger bought him for of around £9 million. However, the performance Benteke put on show for Liverpool on the night, made the attributes Giroud’s lacking very obvious.
The Arsenal fans now though, are literally screaming for Arsene to dig deep in his pocket once again, and sign a top class centre-forward that will score 25+ goals a season, which is exactly what Arsenal have so desperately needed for so long, it’s the difference between them being title contenders, or challenging for just a top four place for yet another boring season.
Coquelin with another top performance
Francis Coquelin continues to surprise with his sparkling form for the Gunners.
Since mid-way through last season, the Frenchman has been one of, if not the, most important player for Arsenal. He’s one of the first names on the team sheet every week for most fans and Wenger himself.
The 24-year-old filled a huge hole in the defensive midfield area for Arsenal when they needed it most. They’ve been missing a physical character in that position since former Gunner Patrick Vieira departed in 2005, and Coquelin certainly brings that asset to the pitch and more.
Slow start to the campaign
After three games now in the Premier League this season, Arsenal have lost, won and drawn, picking up only four points from a possible nine, and are yet to win in their own home.
For a team expected to challenge for the title, it’s evidently not a good enough start, and something has to be changed. With the transfer window closing just days away, it’s unlikely Arsenal will get a big deal done in time, but anyone associated with the club should know never to say never.
Yes, it’s very early in the season to be making any judgements or decisions, with only three games out of 38 played, but with an arguably weaker side than some other top sides such as Chelsea and Manchester City, even Manchester United now with their new signings, the Gunners should really be picking up all the points they can, and cannot afford to drop a whole three points against smaller sides, especially at home to West Ham United as they did.
It’s definitely not too late for Arsenal to turn on the heat once again like they did at Selhurst park last week against Crystal Palace in the 2-1 win and start registering some victories, but if they want to finally bring the Premier League trophy back to north London, they better get going pretty soon.
Arsenal’s next game is another tricky one away at Newcastle United, in a 12:45 kick-off next Saturday.
