What to say about ‘Boro

By: travis | December 15th, 2008

Another weekend and a familiar result to sting the nostrils this evening. A 1-1 draw that wasn’t really much of a surprise, but nonetheless the pain can still be felt. What hurts even more/comes as a relief is that the other members of the big three all managed to draw. So instead of inching our way back into title contention, Aston Villa leapfrogs over us into fourth place, leaving us in position for the UEFA Cup berth. That’d be nice, wouldn’t it?

The sights were all-too-familiar on Saturday. An away trip to a lesser opponent, and while trips to the Riverside have been difficult in the past few years, it’s still a fixture that needs to be won. We opened up showing strong intent, although I was concerned with the starting midfield featuring Abou Diaby, Denilson, and Alex Song. No offense to the three of them, but they are hardly the supporting cast that a player like Cesc Fabregas needs around him to thrive in one of the world’s best leagues. Not that I would want him to move elsewhere, but imagine if he had the sort of teammates at a place like at Camp Nou. I know it’s sacrilege as a Gunners fan to bring it up, but my point is there needs to be more quality in order around him to keep him here. That’s pretty easy to see.

Back to the game. As could be expected, Middlesbrough were not about to roll over and let us dominate, but still found them behind thanks to Adebayor. His goal came off a corner that ‘Boro decided not to defend on. I can’t remember seeing an easier goal off a set piece like that. They simply forgot that he was back there, and he made them pay. From there, it looked like maybe things would pan out differently today – but it was once again the work of former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere who would nab the equalizer.

After that, a draw seemed inevitable. Van Persie and his chocolate leg were unable to find the net once again – he needs to recapture the venom displayed at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago. I find myself frustrated at the stubbornness of Wenger and his inability to see some of the problems in his side:

“Today was a game we would have lost at the start of the season. But now we have a better defensive balance and we are more of a team.

“We just lacked a little bit of that extra little thing that comes with confidence but we are a young team and that is why it is important we just keep belief and keep going.”

I’m not sure I understand why he would expect his team to lose a game to Middlesbrough. They’re hardly world beaters – no offense to ‘Boro supporters – but that sort of attitude is not one you want to see from your head coach. And in reference to the lack of confidence, this reflects the side Wenger sends out there and reflects on his opinion and ability as a coach. He is the one who has claimed to believe in these players to go out there and win a title. By saying they are young and lack confidence, isn’t he contradicting himself? Please, please, Arsene, go out there and pick up a Veloso or a Mexes. Somebody to put out there to open things up for Cesc. They need it.