Arsenal pay price for negativity....again.

Ok - Arsene got what he said would be a good result (in light of historic games in Kiev). Howver, you have to say it feels like points dropped.

I had a sneaking suspicion that we would be facing a draw, or a loss, once I had a peek at the formation and team.

Firstly our game at Fulham showed the dangers of playing with such a negative midfield and our failure to effectively implement 4-5-1-/4-3-3 formation at the moment it isn't our game. RVP should never ever ever again be considered for the left wing role - the Dutchman looked frustrated all night. In that position he receives the ball but cannot do what he does best which is cut in field and unleash pile-drivers with his magical left foot. Nor should he be in the side for his defensive capabilities, he simply cannot tackle and presents little obstacle to the attacking winger or full-back. I think Vela might have been a better option for last nights game, given the absense of Nasri.

Vela and Walcott are similar players, on the left and right they could be devastating. I took the opportunity to watch Vela during his years in La-Liga. He is a busy player, not too disimilar to Nasri in his tenaciousness, his touch and finishing are excellent. In the absence of Eduardo, who I think is the partner that works best with Ade, Vela should be given a run or at least the last 30mins of games. For me if you are going to play 4-5-1-/4-3-3 it is important to have two winger-forwards who can get up to support the central striker quickly but can also get back to cover or impeed attacks going down the flanks before the midfield is overrun. All the forward need do is slow down an attack by sticking to and harrassing the man in possession.

Secondly, while song can do Flamini's job, his possessional sense is sumwhat lacking. Don't get me wrong, I think he did pretty well, actually, the best I have seen him play for Arsenal. He is certainly improving. One of the most important roles of a DM is to anticipate the correct position to be in as you are frequently covering more than one player as a break develops. Being in the right place at the right time can be the difference between helping out the defence and being a spectator.

Anyway, in a fortnight we will know if Porto are as good as they looked. I seem to remember we fairly comfortably beat them 2-0. Same again would see us on top of the group as long as Fenebache don't get beaten by a greater margin.