Arsenal’s players barely had time to throw their shirts to jubilant followers in the away end at the Etihad when they were lauded for their ‘best performance in years’.
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The 2-0 win at the home of champions Manchester City on Sunday was impressive as it was unexpected. Few, if they are being truthful, had backed them to perform in such a fashion, especially when you consider they had not beaten City, United or Chelsea in 17 previous attempts.
Psychologically, there are always question marks. Yet here they were, fearless, fighting for every ball and formidable against a side unbeaten in 14 as they sacrificed attack for defence and worked like trojans.
It appeared a tactical masterclass.
Disciplined and determined, Aaron Ramsey described it as a “very complete performance”.
Rarely have Manuel Pellegrini’s men been made to look so ordinary on home soil and this could be a significant moment in Arsenal’s campaign and in the title race too. Inconsistency has made them outsiders and again prompted criticism of Arsene Wenger, but a 13-point deficit to Chelsea is not insurmountable, especially when the Blues face City next on January 31 and also have to visit the Emirates.
This display, and result, should give the Gunners the conviction and belief to be brave enough to push for top spot. With players such as record signing Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, Tomas Rosicky, Calum Chambers and Mathieu Flamini on the bench, they certainly have quality in depth, but now need to show courage.
Wenger has pinned his faith on players whose futures were in doubt and they have started to repay him – and offered hope. Take Francis Coquelin who was on loan at Championship club Charlton a month ago, but has seemingly become essential.
Great team effort, everyone worked their socks off #AFC pic.twitter.com/7V4k1OzXFb
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) January 18, 2015
Wenger may still need an experienced head in midfield, but he could well save around Dh111m on say Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin if Coquelin can repeat his efforts against City and prove he is the long-term answer to such a key, and troublesome, position.
His stats at the Etihad suggest he could be. Coquelin won 100 per cent of his tackles, seven of eight aerial duels, made six interceptions and 11 clearances, and had an 87 per cent pass success rate. But most of all the Frenchman, 23, did not fear opponents such as the gifted David Silva, nor was he in awe of his own team-mates.
He looked confident and comfortable and that says a lot for someone making only his 13th top-flight start. To scream at more expensive, illustrious players to focus and not get caught out of position was an indication of how he no longer feels out of place on this stage, at this level. Having been with the club since 16, he finally looks at home.
“He’s got every chance of turning into a top midfielder” – @aaronramsey on Francis Coquelin: http://t.co/1pQtALjxE7 pic.twitter.com/UD5Uy8Puf9
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 19, 2015
And then there is Santi Cazorla, who was tipped to return to Spain following the summer arrival of Alexis Sanchez and the plethora of attacking midfielders at the club. But he was outstanding against City in a central role, tormenting in attack and tracking, tackling back to emphasise the team ethic that others must adopt too if they are to force their way into this side.
Ozil, Walcott et al may not like being subs, but this game, this performance, is now the benchmark for Arsenal. Wenger should not waver and risk upsetting the status quo.
If they are together, they could triumph.
