We shouldn’t question Wenger’s Arsenal after Chelsea’s supreme firepower

The result is not a huge blow for the Gunners despite the pre-match rhetoric. Most sides in the world would struggle to compete with Chelsea if they lost their main striker and without Van Persie they were inevitably toothless against a world class defence. Further, Manchester United have a notoriously poor record against the top four sides, but continue to win League titles because of their ability to consistently win against the bottom half sides.

The true test of Wenger’s team does not lie against Chelsea but against the likes of Sunderland, the fixture before, where a lack lustre performance saw the Gunners lose 1-0. The same pattern denied Liverpool last season, who dominated the top four mini league, but drew at home to Stoke, Hull, Fulham and West Ham. Arsenal still ‘don’t like it up ‘em’ and need to take all three points from sides that will play defensively and aggressively.

If Arsenal does want to compete for the league title and other major honours they require the much called for midfield enforcer. Wenger was linked with the powerful Gokhan Inler of Udinese who would provide much needed grit to the centre of the park, but kept his faith in Alexandre Song. The team also lacks squad variation with many players around 5ft9 and employing similar midfield and attacking roles. The ability to bring on extra height when chasing a game would give the Gunners another dimension, on Sunday all they could do was sub in Rosicky for Nasri.

Injuries to Van Persie, Bendtner, Gibbs and Clichy have left Wenger delving deep into his reserves at a very inopportune moment and the Chelsea game was going to be very tough to win. The real challenge comes next weekend with the visit of Stoke to the Emirates. The real test for Arsenal comes in a clash against Amdy Faye and Ricardo Fuller not Didier Drogba or Michael Essien

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