Arsenal dodged a Barcelona style bullet! by D.N.
Arsene Wenger really got away with one in the home game against Southampton, although the Arsenal players on the pitch were to blame for our struggles as much as the manager. The team selection definitely put us in a tough situation but there was enough quality on the pitch and the players have to take responsibility as well.
I get that the internationals and the upcoming Champions League game at PSG is important but the priority is still to win the Premier League right? And after our poor start to the season and with Chelsea, Man City and United all on perfect starts, could we really afford to take chances?
In top leagues like the EPL you can always get beat if you slack off and that is just what we did. Barcelona did the same thing against just promoted Alaves tonight, with lots of key players like Messi, Suarez and Iniesta left out. And the players that did play seemed to be going through the motions like us but they got punished with a shocking loss at home.
It might not be such a shock for us to lose at home to Southampton but it would have done some serious damage to our season. Shane Long had a great chance to regain the lead in the second half and on almost any other day would have gave his side the win.
We were so lucky to get that late penalty. It was soft and there had been a clear foul by Monreal in the build up. We have had plenty of bad luck but Wenger and the players need to see that Barca game and realise how lucky they were today. Then make sure it does not happen again.
Maybe it will turn out to be a perfect wake up call but I have my doubts. What do you think?
Barcelona defeat to Alaves Highlights…..