Title Race Over, Part Trois!

Third time looks to be an unlucky charm for Arsenal, as a 2-0 loss at White Hart Lane, looks to have knocked the Gunners out of a chance at the EPL title this year, in every sense but mathermatical. While earlier losses to Manchester United and Chelsea had critics prematurely closing the book on a Gunner title challenge, this third big loss looks to be the real deal.

First off, hats off to Tottenham. They won this one fair and square. The looked to be much hungrier than Arsenal through most of the game, defended very strongly and played the counterattack well. Gunners are left to ponder a fifth successive trophy-less season. That the final nail was placed and pounded in by archrivals Tottenham makes the misery all the more painful.

Now, the analysis/whining. The first goal was a wonder volley from 19-year-old Danny Rose playing his first football game ever. I'm just kidding about that, but it was an impressive debut. On the downside for young Mr. Rose, it's all downhill from here as that is certain to be the best goal he'll ever score, even if he plays in the EPL until he's fifty. As Kevin Palmer puts it:

There was a gasp of surprise around the crowded White Hart Lane press room as the team-sheet was pinned onto the wall and the name of Danny Rose was listed as a starter for Tottenham, but boss Harry Redknapp could argue his selection was justified as his 19-year-old, starting his first league match, scored a goal that he will not better for the rest of his career.

The goal, however, got its start with another weak keeping effort by Manuel "Punchy" Almunia. The Spanish keeper decided to punch out a lofted cross, instead of the safer option of catching it. The ball came down free to Rose. It was a wondershot and not likely to occur too often, but Rose wouldn't have even had the chance if Almunia had done his job.

I haven't tracked the number of points dropped by Almunia's poor habits, but I would guess it's at least nine points. If true, the price of buying cheap at this position is the league trophy. Aside from David James, I can't think of another team's first choice keeper I wouldn't rather have than El Punchero.

The second goal, early in the second half, was down to Mikael Silvestre failing to look for runners in behind him. When Thomas Vermaelen went down with a calf injury in the first period and Silvestre came running on to the pitch, you just knew a goal was coming for Tottenham. The lack of depth on the squad killed us this year. While the sheer number of injuries to big talents was beyond what most teams have to go through, championship teams have to play through injury crises. Arsenal has got to a layer of the squad that just doesn't have what it takes to get to the top.

Two things that I noticed about the squad were lack of attacking instinct and timidity. Arsenal had nearly 70% posession over the course of the game. Ninety-five percent of that posession was between the boxes. I'm glad that Arsene has taught the kids how to dribble and pass but it's time to get on to the chapter on the Final Third. Without Cesc, nary a Gunner had an idea how to pierce the Tottenham defensive shell. It was an embarrassing thing to watch.

I thought Nasri was ineffective as was Rosicky. Eboue was lively for stretches, but he badly needs someone who can play the ball to his speed, as he doesn't have the ability to break down defenders. Diaby did not have a strong game, either. Distrubingly, he did not lot to me as if he had the heart for the game. Tottenham relished the match. Diaby looked like he'd rather be somewhere else.

That timidity permeated the Arsenal team. They looked nervy and all too aware that they had everything to lose in the match. Once the Verminator left the pitch, I'd say the only player with any heart was Sol Campbell, who was yelling at his teammates, trying to get some response from them, urging them to fight back. Campbell had a very good game in my mind. He marked well, was rarely beaten and made a number of great blocks and tackles. He could be a very good back-up back next season.

Bendtner was a non-factor. A lone striker he is not. The Dane needs a dangerous strike partner; without one, defenses have shown that it's easy to stop him. And, the game changed when RVN made his return to the Arsenal side after nearly 6 months with torn ankle ligaments. He made an immediate impact, injecting a final third into the side, and forcing a handful of smart saves from Gomes. While he didn't score the goal, it resulted from the pressure RVN enabled the team to create. We can only ponder what might have been if we'd had a healthy Van Persie all season.

Finally, and this is important not to forget, while the weakened Arsenal side did not have what it takes to be EPL champions, they do have enough to get us to third place and to the Champions League quarterfinals. Those are not inconsiderable achievements. If the first-team squad stays together (and let's hope for a key addition or two) and stays healthy, that should be something to build upon.