Lessons from QPR

Evening folks,

Being an Arsenal supporter is a bit like doing a nude run - there is always a feeling of exhilaration and excitement but sometimes you question why you are doing what you are doing as you start to feel some sort of embarrassment. This week was the embarrassing part. And despite not winning by more than three goals - which would have been magnificent (and normally expected against the last placed team) - I have to say that I am relieved to have come away with three points against QPR, no matter how scrappy the goal was. The game provided some interesting talking points...

The RB position is our strongest
I was a bit surprised that Sagna made the starting lineup in truth, given how well Jenkinson was performing previously. But I do think that it was the right thing to do, not necessarily because Sagna is better than Jenkinson, but because Jenkinson had played almost every single game of the season so far and deserved a break. It's interesting to note that Sagna played as though he was never out injured - that is how good he is - and it's quite clear as to why he's considered one of the best right backs in the world. At the moment, the RB position is the strongest in the Arsenal squad, and I expect that Wenger will rotate Sagna and Jenkinson in that position to limit injuries.

We need a good back up keeper
On the issue of the defense, I think it's quite evident that Arsenal need a new backup for Szczesny. Someone who is experienced and willing to play backup. At the moment, Mannone is a bit Almuniaesque and Fabianski is, well, Flappy-hand-ski. Julio Cesar made some glorious saves for QPR today (although he spilled a lot of shots) and kept them in the game right to the death. He is the kind of keeper we need as backup, while Szczesny continues to develop into a world-class talent.

Cazorla and Podolski need a break
Both of these players were below their usual best in the past three games. I still hold that Podolski plays better with Gibbs, but I think that both players needed a break. Unfortunately I don't think it will be coming any time soon given that Manchester United is next week. Personally I would like to see Arsha playing in the #10 role as an understudy for Cazorla.

As we go into midweek against Reading, I'm hoping for a big morale boosting win (as usual), because it's Manchester United next, and I would give my left nut to beat them good.