Gunners Too Tame for "Tactics" Lose 2-1

That's right..the gum-chewing, cheating, classless, and unfortunately correct Sam Allardyce's Rovers repeated their energetic performances against the top tier teams by beating us 2-1.

What a way to wind down a promising season. We started off surprising our detractors and now have confirmed all their previous criticisms. Arsenal can't defend against set plays. Arsenal are "soft underneath". Arsenal play pretty football but lack substance. What we lack is someone to kick these kids in the butt and get their heads in it for the rest of the season (one game albeit). What about the 3000 plus fans who traveled to Black burn? I did not see the game, but had to settle for reading up on the action and watching highlights. From what I read, the match was much the same tale as the rest our losses. We scored in the first half (welcome back Robin) and then...TOOK THE FOOT OFF THE GAS. Fan blogs are spewing with fury at the lack of fight in the team yesterday. If this loss had come in between some wins, we could write it off as being just an off day. But we have not won a game in eight consecutive matches. If we're too tired and hurt, then Wenger needs to increase our depth. If there is a work ethic problem, then he needs to give some players a farewell handshake.

And you know what? I don't entirely blame Fabianski. He had many fine saves. I can actually see how Wenger still holds out hope for him. His reflexes are tremendous. Watch his cat-like leap at getting Hoilett's goal to go over the net. His problem seems to lie in set pieces or anytime he is crowded around the net. There is no doubt after watching the highlights that he was crowded and blocked from the ball on the second goal. He was actually pushed into his own net by Blackburn players (who were able to push Sol, too). That's a foul. No doubt. You cannot block the keeper's access to the ball. BUT...the way the reffing is going in the EPL, you have to deal with it by giving it right back to them. We are too tame. Yes, this coming from an American. I have read how many Brits think American fans are too civilized about the game. I admit, I hold sportsmanship in high esteem. But at the same time, I also recognize the need to stand up for oneself when the referee is not doing his job.

When I first started following The Arsenal, my favorite player was goalie Jens Lehmann. Tall, great legs, wide shoulders, immaculate cheekbones - and as crazy as they come. He did not put up with being pushed around his own net. People lost teeth and ended up with cleat marks in their ankles (or hands if they were knocked to the ground). Just look at this photo. It screams "Touch my ball, and you are dead meat". Now, sometimes teams would intentionally mess with Jens in order to distract him, but all in all, he was tough. Big Z used to call him "Zat crazee German". Our next goalie - Fumbling or whomever- need to be a little crazy or tough, and willing to push back a bit. If another team decided to get physical with us - they should be wary of the repercussions. No one worries about us. And that says more than any of Wenger's explanations, exhortations, or complaining.

Our next match is our season ender next Sunday against Fulham. It is unfortunately on Mother's Day, so I will not be able to watch this one live either, as I am being a good daughter and taking my mom out for brunch and shopping. Fulham are in good form, and their manager is a shoe-in for Manager of the Year. They have a European Cup final after us, so they may put on a reserve team to rest their regulars. Can I admit that a first team Fulham scares the heck out of me? We still haven't mathematically secured third place yet...Man City and Spurs are playing each other tomorrow (Wednesday). If Spurs win, they will only be two points behind us with another match to go. If Man City win, they will be three points behind. Guess I'm hoping for a draw with Man City winning as a back up. I'm sick with the abrupt change in my gut going from adrenaline a few weeks ago to current dread. Here's to someone in the locker room taking a two by four to the boys' backsides. See you tomorrow...

P.S. Here are the highlights. Note Lukasz' saves, the lack of marking and clearing during the first goal, and the foul on the second.