Fumble

By Boris Mellor
August 27 2010

Let's dispense with a big myth, the myth that Blackburn have the evil eye on Arsenal; Rovers' 2-1 win in May was their first victory in eight Premier League games against the Gunners. That's what was so disappointing about the result, and undermines the argument that Arsenal were improved last season.

Any team that wants to win the league has to be able to avoid defeat at Blackburn and Wigan, Arsenal couldn't. Very few teams win at Blackburn, but Chelsea and Man Utd did draw there last season, between them only conceding one goal. Indeed Arsenal dropped more points from winning positions away from home (15) last season than any other side.

Now I can't remember every one of those points dropped, but I would wager that over half of them were down to keeper error. Football is ephemeral, it fades rapidly from the memory, but I do remember that Fabianski had a nightmare in both of the above mentioned games. Nor did Almunia cover himself in glory at Manchester United or Spurs.

I am disappointed that Wenger hasn't signed a keeper yet. He says the transfer window should be shut by now; well if it was that would be the end of getting a new keeper. I hope that John Cross of the Mirror is right and that signing a keeper is still on.

Rugby Team?

I am not going to rerun the argument about how dirty Allardyce teams are, we all know what we think. No doubt there will be some in your face stuff, but instead of moaning it's time to deal with it. I regret that Squillaci is not yet match fit maybe he would deal with the aerial bombardment better than most. It should be kept in mind that Vermaelen didn't play in this fixture last year, so hopefully he will protect Almunia at corners.

But are the Rovers a rugby type team? Well the following figures seem to show a rugby type of play:

59% of the goals Blackburn scored in 2009-10 came from set pieces, the highest ratio in the Premiership

 Blackburn have the lowest pass completion rate in the division this season (56%) while Arsenal have the highest (87%).

Whatever the conclusion, Wenger should concentrate less on what he can't affect, other teams playing style, and more on what he can, buying a new keeper for example.

If Arsenal were to lose against Blackburn some will deduce he is getting his excuses in advance. Wenger should spare his words on drilling the error prone Arsenal defence, they might reap more dividends.