4 Things We Can Learn From Arsenal’s Disgraceful Loss To Aston Villa

After Arsenal began the new season with a disastrous 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, writer Gunner333 looks back at the game and gives us some things we can take away from a disappointing start to the new campaign.

With no new additions this Summer, aside from the free transfer of Yaya Sanogo, many were keen to see how Arsenal would kick-start the new campaign. Our first encounter was Aston Villa at home and Wenger’s men were heavy favourites going into the game.

There were nerves amongst the Arsenal fans with uncertainties over whether or not the next nine months would bring success or frustration, but an early strike from last year’s mis-firing Frenchman Giroud signalled the potential for a positive start to the season.

We looked in control of the game from there on with half-chances falling to the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Giroud, but nothing came of them. Then mid-way through the first half Szczesny brought down Agbonlahor who raced through the Arsenal defence which gave Villa a chance from the spot. Benteke took it, missed, and headed home the rebound. Frustrating times for a concerned Arsene Wenger.

The first half came to an end with faded boos ringing around the ground. Not the best of starts for a Champions League chasing Arsenal side. Chances came and went, Giroud with a second chance to double his goal tally and Delph hitting the post for the away team.

Then came the games big turning point when referee Anthony Taylor felt the need to play centre stage once again when he awarded Villa their second penalty of the game, harshly ruling that Koscialny had fouled Agbonlahor in the box. Benteke made no mistake this time and fired Villa into the lead.

The afternoon got even worse for the Gooners when Koscielny received his fourth red card in his Arsenal career after a challenge on Weimann caused the controversial referee to award an undeserved booking.

As the game went on, it was clear it was not Arsenal’s day when Cazorla’s attempt at goal was struck into the ground and forced an excellent save from Guzan who tipped it on to the bar. Villa also created some good opportunities of their own through the dangerous Belgian Benteke before Luna broke clear late on to wrap up the game and consign Arsenal to a disastrous start to the new season.

Here are some points we can learn from the game.

1. Defensive Issues

Although many Gooners will say the lack of creativity in attack is the problem, our defence proved on Saturday we still have much to improve on at the back as well. Simple errors like allowing Agbonlahor to run through the defence and make unnecessary challenges which could give away penalties are just not good enough. Our discipline was poor, we completely lost our shape and we deserved what we got, improvement at the back is needed.

2. Lack Of ‘Never Say Die’ Attitude

Something else we lacked on Saturday was our never say die attitude. Last campaign it did not matter what the score was, we would always press and go for goals believing we could turn things around. On Saturday, we crumbled when we went down to 10-men. Sure things went against us and we missed a couple of decent chances, but the pressure seemed too much for the players. Perhaps it is partly down to fitness but we did not have the hunger and desire to go forward with the ball once we had conceded the second goal.

3. The Importance of Rosicky

The Czech international was our best player on Saturday and he was the only player who looked capable of making things happen. His work-rate was above the rest of the team and he created two excellent chances which, on another day, would have been converted. With the right amount of game time supplied to Tomas I believe he could become a vital component of the side. Let’s hope he can stay fit.

4. Spend Some F**king Money!

This direction is not as clear cut as it may sound. Of course the players we sign must be top class but there is a clear and obvious need to add to the squad. These sentiments were aimed at boss Arsene Wenger throughout the game. I’m sure he’s got the message. We simply MUST bring in a number of players before the window closes. If we’re struggling to successfully purchase a marquee signing like Luis Suarez or Wayne Rooney, then buy someone like Michu. He may not be the ‘top, top, top quality Wenger claims he’s looking for, but he’d certainly improve the squad. Not only will it freshen up the camp and perhaps influence a result or two, it will buy Wenger and his side some more time with the fans. The money is there, so it’s time to spend it.

What did you make of the game? Thanks for reading and feel free to comment below.