The team that so valiantly lost against Man City in the Carling Cup last week put in an abject display this time round in surrendering to the Greeks. On one hand, individual and collective mistakes meant that we were extremely lucky to only lose 3-1. On the other hand, this was a team full of squad players (barring Vermaelen and Santos who we unfortunately have lost to an ankle injury leaving us with no recognised full back on either side of the pitch and a trip to man City in less than two weeks) and we comfirmed some interesting things about our more experienced players and some of the younger guns. Arsene admitted after the game that he was annoyed with the performance and is responsible for putting out a team that maybe he shouldn't have. At the end of the day though this game was a dead rubber for us but not to Olympiakos and the difference in motivation and desire between the two sets of players was clear for all to see.
The Good
For the younger players who have a chance at playing first team football for us in the future (The Ox, FrimCoq and Miquel) this was a necessary learning experience that will hopefully, fingers crossed, be more beneficial to their long term development than an easy win would have been. It is the first time that these players have represented us in a difficult away game in an intimidating atmosphere and it showed. Now when they play in the Premier League they will know more of what is to be expected from them. A loan spell for Frimpong and some substitute appearances in the league for the Ox, Coquelin and Miquel should see further strides made forward for this group of players.
The Bad
There were two types of player on show that confirmed the weaknesses in our squad - the young-ish players who most likely are not good enough to represent the club (our back-up goalkeepers cough cough) and the more experienced players who plainly have lost all sense of form and maybe more importantly, a desire to recapture any form they previously showed (Arshavin, Chamakh cough cough). It really is disappointing to see especially when they have a responsibility to help the younger players. For now, while our first XI keeps gaining in confidence with every additional win this is less of a problem. But the busy winter schedule is upon us and then the business end of the season starts after the new year so these issues will be a problem that Arsene needs to address in the January transfer window and quickly - no last minute bargain basement shopping this time round please!
The Reality
Our first XI is good, very good if I must say. They have the ability to challenge any team on their day and are beginning to add some consistency to their performances.
We have some talented younger players on the fringes of the squad who need more refining and experience - this will only happen with continued training and game time - it is up to Arsene to decide the best route for each individual's development.
Despite the unprecedented summer clear-out, there is still some dead-wood at the club. One final sweep of the broom is required this January.
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