Dutch mishap failed to Hammer points home

CONCEDING a last minute equaliser against AZ Alkmaar might not prove to be a major calamity in the greater scheme of things, but I was hoping it might serve as a lesson for our young side. However the infuriating way in which we casually frittered away what might prove to be a couple of decisive points at Upton Park on Sunday would suggest that the Gunners gleaned little from our mishap in Holland.

With both Spurs and Man City dropping points, it was all looking hunky-dory at half time, as we’d suddenly been presented with a rare opportunity to establish some breathing space between us and the dogfight that appears on the cards: the challenge for a Champions League spot.

We might only be talking in terms of the odd point, but psychologically, it could make a big difference for the Gunners to be perceived as being involved in a battle between the top three, leaving the likes of Liverpool, City, Spurs and Villa to play inconsistent leapfrog amongst the also-rans..

However with Carlton Cole making more than a nuisance of himself and his West Ham teammates working their socks off, to deny us the time and space to develop any rhythm in the middle of the park, most Gooners felt fortunate to be two goals to the good and I’m sure the Hammers must’ve felt hard done by.

Meanwhile we might’ve also battered Blackburn, but Chelsea didn’t have to go behind twice in their romp against Rovers. As much as it sticks in my craw, I have to admit to an increasingly grudging respect for the efficient way in which they’re capable of dispatching lesser opponents with an economy of effort which really should serve to demonstrate the law of diminishing returns that applies to our lads tendency towards cruise control.

Instead of going for the jugular and putting the result beyond doubt, thereby allowing them to relax and enjoy a leisurely conclusion, we all too often end up paying the price for taking our foot off the pedal, leaving the pitch absolutely shattered both physically and mentally, after having been punished for our casual attitude and forced into fighting it out, right until the final whistle.

Drogba and Anelka are developing a positively terrifying partnership and on current form, I can’t watch Chelsea without wondering what might’ve been, if it wasn’t for the limitless bankroll that blew Wenger’s efforts to sign Michael Essien out of the water. Perhaps Alex Song is set to develop into an equally influential player, but Arsène has admitted in the past that Alex isn’t a natural midfielder and while he learns his trade, wily opponents will continue to take advantage while some might accuse his colleagues of taking advantage of his willingness to work like a trojan.

Not to take any credit away from the Irons resolve, as they could’ve easily folded, but it felt more as if we shot ourselves in the foot on Sunday.

I can’t envisage either Chelsea or Man Utd letting the Hammers off the hook in such a slipshod fashion. Instead of establishing our credentials as potential contenders, we continue to lack the ruthless streak that’s going to be vital if we’re to fulfil Wenger’s assurances of bringing home silverware this time around.

I’m all for seeing the Gunners strut their stuff, but after stumping up the best part of 50 quid to stand behind a goal, it feels downright disrespectful for them to be arrogantly playing keep ball, as if they expect the opposition to lie down and present us with a win. When forced at the death into demonstrating too little drive and determination too late, this only highlighted quite how flat-footed we’d been up until then.

This might’ve felt more like a defeat than a draw, but there was at least the silver-lining of the point that puts our North London neighbours back in their rightful place in the build up to this weekend’s derby. I’m looking forward to a more committed outing tonight, from a Carling Cup side hungry to catch their manager’s eye, with the likes of Gibbs and Almunia both capable of ousting their counterparts come Saturday.