Wenger Gambles and Loses

Arsene Wenger rolled the dice on Sunday, and crapped out. In a game that meant so much to both Arsenal and Man Utd, Wenger surprised everyone by starting Thierry Henry on the bench.

It was a calculated gamble, and one that did not pay off for the Frenchman. By the time Henry came on in the 2nd half, Arsenal were already chasing the game.

Man Utd - who had their own lineup surprise with Ruud van Nistelrooy starting in favor of the in-form Louis Saha - played solid football throughout. The Red Devils absorbed Arsenal's early barrage in the first quarter-hour, and then played smart, composed football after that. Whoever scored the first goal would be in pole position, and it was Man Utd who was up to the task.

Rooney's goal on 54 came from a defensive lapse. Following a turnover, Senderos lost track of Rooney, and a beautiful ball from Silvestre on the left floated just over the Swiss center-half's head and onto the feet of Rooney, who finished with a clinical strike. Expect Sol Campbell to return to the Arsenal lineup midweek at Portsmouth.

After that, it looked more likely that Man Utd would add a second than Arsenal would level the score. Arsenal, needing a goal, was forced to play a very high defensive line and send players forward. Man Utd absorbed the Gunner attack and broke on the counterattack for the second goal, with Park slotting home a cross from Rooney.

Rooney was brilliant again. His footballing instincts are beyond comprehension. His passing, footwork, ability to find space, timing on his runs, and thunderous shot are an unparalleled combination of skills. He wrong-footed Kolo Toure on at least three occasions, which is something few, if any, strikers are able to do. His goal was simply unstoppable.

Wenger's decision to leave Henry on the bench will leave many scratching their heads. The move indicates that Wenger believed Arsenal could lose this game and still finish in 4th. That's quite a gamble, as it assumes Arsenal will win its game in hand over Tottenham, and win the showdown at Highbury against Spurs on April 22.

If Arsenal accomplish neither of those goals, nor manage to keep pace with Spurs in other contests down the stretch, their only hope at Champions League football next season will be to win the competition this year.

Email us at bookableoffense@gmail.com