Over the last few weeks, I have focused on comments made by the fans and looked at whether most of them are right to say that most of the team needs changing. The Chelsea game clearly proved that Arsenal are some way behind.

Or did it?

From what I seem to see, Chelsea played Arsenal on the counter and Didier Drogba twice capitalised on Arsenal mistakes and punished us. Did you know that Didier has scored twelve goals against Arsenal? He is the arch enemy that we love to hate because he is simply too good.

But Arsenal were not as poor as people make it sound. We bossed the game afterwards but we clearly missed something: a finisher!

A lot of fans want to see Arsene dip into the market and have a team overhaul but can I remind everyone that this is the same Arsenal team that beat the top four last season. So what’s missing? ADEBAYOR!

I said when we sold Ade that unless we replace him with a striker that has real presence up front then we will suffer, and we clearly are. Last season, Ade’s presence was enough to keep the other defenders busy and therefore let our midfielders take charge and score a few goals like Nasri against United. Already you saw that when Bendtner came on, the Chelsea back four started shaking up a bit.

Though we cannot make excuses for the result, Chelsea were amazing in defence and Cech was on form and made the difference though the game on Sunday had a catalyst of errors that needs addressing. Here’s my view on the defence, tactics and future buys:

Defence

Clichy is having a horrible time at the moment. Since his injury, he has been making too many mistakes and unfortunately for him, he has been punished for them. We all saw Clichy decided to go for a walk when he should have stayed on the line! But overall we didn’t defend the corner properly and got punished.

For the second goal, Clichy and Vermaelen got in each others way and Drogba found space on the left. He still had a lot to do but riffled a shot into the net. To be fair to Almunia, although the ball went straight at him, there was too much power on the shot!

Midfield

Fabregas did his best to lead the line and create some chances. His ball to Arshavin was a dream pass but he could not influence the game as he wanted to. In the end, the captain was forced into long range efforts which showed the Gunners’ desperation.

Attack

There was no striker on the pitch until Bendtner came on. I felt he should have started from the start because his presence could have made some difference. Whether he is good or not, a tall player in a makeshift of three players up front always causes problems.

Theo Walcott is not having a good time and was very poor. He did not use his pace at all and should have been taking A.Cole but never went behind the Chelsea backline. Eboue came on and caused problems b running behind the defence!

Tactics

It is not rocket science, Arsenal are playing too many of the same type of players in one team. They are central attacking midfielders, so psychologically they all think of cutting inside and going through the middle. This makes it too predictable where the opponent simply has to sit and wait, the full backs comes to support then cross it in but its easy to deal with.

Arsenal need natural wingers and a strong striker with a presence. If we were clinical on Sunday, the result may have been different. I think 4-3-3 brings out the best of Arsenal but against the top 4 we should play 4-4-2 with natural wingers on the side and two tall and powerful strikers up front.

Arshavin

Had he scored THAT chance, the game would have surely changed. He is not having the best time but I feel as though he is giving up too early. I understand his frustration at playing lone up front but wasn’t he the one who complained when Arsene plaid him on the left side?

Don’t get me wrong, he is a world class player who can change the game at any moment but enough of the moaning and a more positive mentality is needed.

Transfers

In January, players are hard to find at a reasonable price. Those bought needs to come in and make an instant impact; I don’t think there’s a player out there who could have done that. It is easy for us to say BUY BUY but that does not always work. Do you want to see Arsenal turn into the new Liverpool? They have bought so many players but are still a long way off and Maxi Rodriguez signed this January. Has he come in to shock everyone? No, even though he was free, panic buys in January is not going to work!

Future

I am not giving up on the title just yet. I can see United and Chelsea drop points against each other, Tottenham, Villa, Man City and Liverpool. Giving up is not an issue. Arsenal must pick themselves up and go on a winning run. But if we drop more points on those two up there, then I will have to accept that we blew it again!

I think the boss needs to see what comes the end of the season, secure Fabregas with a new contract, and then buy one world class player in all areas. Goalkeeper, Defence, winger, striker!

Arsenal are not a long way off the top, we are one or two players short! We lack depth in our team, I’m sure a fully fit Arsenal team would have been right up there without a doubt.

So don’t lose faith.

In Arsene I still trust, the best man for the job!