[Player Ratings] Arsenal 1-2 Wigan: Awful Gunners Blow It

What a shocking performance. In fact, i’d say that was our worst display at the Emirates this season. Just when we had the chance to move eight points clear of Tottenham and almost secure third place, Arsenal blow it. 

Firstly, congratulations to Roberto Martinez and Wigan. They were superb and fully deserved their win. They worked much harder, fought for every ball like their lives depended on it and created the better chances on the night.

But as good as Wigan were, we were equally poor. No urgency, no desire, no respect for the opposition and no ideas once Arteta left the field. It was QPR all over again.

The injury to Arteta not only disrupted our midfield, but it pretty much cost us the first goal. As G. Nev pointed out at half time, as Wigan broke from an Arsenal corner Arteta was limping on the edge of the penalty box and couldn’t track back. Benayoun, seeing Mikel in distress, shouted over to the bench and during this secondary lapse in concentration, Yossi had lost a yard on Di Santo who burst through our un-guarded midfield to score. Had either Arteta been fit, or Yossi not been alerting the bench to his injury, the first goal may very well not have happened.

The second goal was a joke as Sagna was twisted-up by Moses, neither Djourou or Vermaelen cut out the cross and Szczesny failed to gather the loose ball.  As bad as the defending was at times, the lack of creativity in the final third was equally worrying. We looked lacking in ideas and there was no movement off the ball. RVP hardly got a touch.

Being 2-1 down at home at half time, you’d have thought we would have pounded the Wigan goal in the second half. But i really can’t recall Al Habsi making a save during the second period! The ‘comeback’ was pathetic and Wigan strolled to a 2-1 win, and it could have been worse had Moses had a little more composure.

A terrible result but lets not get too despondent. We’re still five clear of Tottenham who just got battered 5-1 and have only won one game in seven. So it could be worse! Here are my player ratings from the game:

Player Ratings

Szczesny – 5.5 – Could have done better with both goals. Came charging out and missed the ball for the first, while i still have no idea how he failed to gather the ball before Gomez got the second. Some say Gomez kicked the ball out of his hands, but he didn’t. Szczesny did make a decent save from Moses though and distribution was ok.

Sagna – 5 – Given a torrid time by Moses. One of his worst performances in a long time. But he wasn’t alone!

Djourou – 5 – Back to his dodgy best. All over the place at the back, but went close with a decent volley. Subbed.

Vermaelen – 6.5 – Lovely header for the goal and was at least trying to make things happen in the final third.

Santos – 5 – Missed a great chance to equalise and looked slow and lethargic at the back. Almost cost us a third with a poor attempt at a tackle in the second half.

Song – 5 – His worst performance of the season? It’s definitely up there. He looked knackered, made several clumsy tackles and was nowhere near his usual level.

Arteta – N/A – Went off after just 6 minutes, and it looks like his season is over after he left the ground in a protective boot on crutches.

Rosicky – 6.5 – First half he was outstanding, but faded badly in the second when he ran out of steam. Was our best player in the final third though.

Walcott – 4 – Seriously, he did absolutely nothing. Hardly touched the ball. In fairness, Wigan were defending deep, but still no excuse for such a poor display.

Benayoun – 5.5 – Went close with a couple of first half headers but didn’t really get in the game and was eventually subbed.

RVP – 5.5 – Went close with a thunderous effort in the first half but other than that Robin was hardly in the game. Got no service at all but he looked a frustrated figure. Most worryingly of all, he looked on his last legs. The season is definitely taking its toll on him. Shame we don’t have a decent striker who can come in to give him a breather, eh?!

SUBS:

Ramsey – 4 – Looked low on confidence and many times looked like he didn’t want the ball. Did very little when in possession, mostly passed sideways/backwards and gave the ball away far too much. I hate to jump on the bandwagon as Rambo is the player every ‘fan’ is loving to hate right now, but he really does look out his depth at the minute. A loan move next season could be good for him.

Gervinho – 4 – Made no impact, other than losing the ball A LOT.

Chamberlain – 6 – Tried a little too hard at times, but at least he was trying to create opportunities and put a little urgency in the game. Should have started.

The Referee – 1 – A special mention to the referee. Possibly the worst refereeing performance i’ve seen at the Emirates this season. A true disgrace. He may not have made any huge mistakes and won’t make the headlines due to that fact, but he had a massive impact on this game with a succession of incorrect decisions. Some of his calls were truly mind-boggling.

Watch full match highlights from Arsenal 1-2 Wigan here.

What are your thoughts on the game? What would your ratings be? Get involved in the comments section….