Arsene Wenger’s stony expression pasted on his appalled faced was clear for all to see as he trudged down the tunnel at the Emirates, knowing his side had wasted a glorious chance. The chance to close the gap to just one point on United had been fought for fiercely, but against a resilient Sunderland defence that United’s own Steve Bruce had organised, the Gunners could not break through.
All they needed was a goal, but it just wasn’t to be. It was just one of those days- all teams have them – when that goal simply doesn’t come, and it is unfortunate for Arsenal that it came today, at a crucial time in their season. Five goals in midweek against Leyton Orient meant nothing against a Sunderland defence which was in a different class to that of Orient’s.
Wenger may count him and his side unlucky with some of the officiating as two crucial calls in particular will possibly be questioned. An offside decision late on in the 87th minute was called up for Andrey Arshavin, whilst replay’s show that although very borderline, and very close, the little Russian was probably onside and would have been clear through.
A little earlier too, there was a penalty shout for the Gunners, which was denied, as Arshavin went down from a push from Titus Bramble in the box. Arshavin’s subsequent shot was an unbalanced one as he hit it wide of the post as a result of the push. Arshavin was clean through, only for Bramble to fall into his back with arms outstretched. This went undetected and the chance was gone.
In the absence of two of Arsenal’s best in Fabregas and van Persie, the other players had to step up and fill in. Nasri, Wilshere and Bendtner helped Arsenal to a total of seven shots on target, but none found themselves go beyond Simon Mignolet in the Black Cat’s goal, as the away side held on for the point.
Arsenal were never going to overtake Manchester United through a win in this game, obviously because it was mathematically impossible but they would have expected a win against a side who have been struggling recently since the departure of Darren Bent to Aston Villa. A win would have been a significant stride towards their first League title since 2004, especially considering United’s tough trip to Anfield tomorrow.
Arsenal’s strikers may have misfired today, but they do have two aces up their sleeve, or rather Kenny Dalglish’s sleeve which Arsenal will borrow. Manchester United travel to Anfield with a weakened defence, and will face a Liverpool front line which has recently been boosted by the additions of Suarez and Carroll. Wenger will be hoping the penetrative power of Liverpool will be greater than United’s defensive abilities in the absence of Vidic and Ferdinand. If so, the disappointing draw to Sunderland won’t look to bad, and rather a point gained than to points dropped.
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