Wigan v. Arsenal 2-2

After a determined 3-1 victory over perennial rival Chelsea, it seemed that Arsenal had finally shed the stigma that has marked them in recent campaigns - While sometimes brilliant, critics posit, Arsenal lack the killer instinct to finish out the big games. A three-point take at Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic would have pushed Arsenal to the top of the table alongside the impressive duo of Manchester City and Manchester United, and more importantly, proved that the Chelsea win was more than a rare peak in Arsenal's inconsistent form.

From the kick-off, Arsenal looked out of sorts. Indeed, they looked a completely different team from the Arsenal that handled the Blues a few short days before. With 8 changes to Monday's starting 11, the lack of cohesion is understandable.
It needs to be said that Arsenal were put at a disadvantage before the whistle even sounded. Arsène Wenger, for all his abundant class and vision, appears increasingly inept when it comes to personnel management. With a hectic march of matches on the horizon, squad rotation is understandable. However, eight changes to a winning squad seems at the very least disrespectful to a stalwart Wigan side, and at the most, irrational.

Even more perplexing than the number of changes is the way in which the starting eleven was aligned. It's as if Wenger chose his squad with a blindfold and darts, and this was especially apparent in the attacking third. A languid Arshavin on the left, an overworked Chamakh in the middle, and Bendtner out wide on the right. In other words, an empty pair of boots on the left, a gun-shy striker in the middle, and a loping central striker masquerading as a right winger.

To the Russian's credit, Andre came alive for a top finish and a decent if fortunate
ball that led to Bendtner's goal, but if current form continues, Arsene needs to come up with a more viable option on the left side. If Wenger is going to stick with the 4-3-3, he needs players who can provide better service into the middle.

It was nice to see a few new faces getting minutes, but with Wenger's disparate midfield selections, Arsenal displayed their classic flaw - an abundance of midfield possession paired with an inability to provide quality service to the strikers.
As the second half matured, Wenger continue to evidence a lack of understanding by keeping Walcott and Nasri safely on the soft chairs next to him. They saw the pitch, but far too late to influence proceedings.

The draw, while far from a crisis, is significant in that it makes the Chelsea win seem a blip rather than the touchstone it could have been. Birmingham is looming, and anything less than 3 points will put the Gunners' title hopes in danger. Let's hope Arsene can find a way to prevent "if only" from becoming his legacy.

World Cup 2010: Denmark v. Cameroon

In the group stage, results are king. Yes, the Danes looked flat, were careless on the ball, and had some moments of extreme good luck but the fact is, they came out with 3 points.

Cameroon looked great. In terms of possession and pace, they looked superior, but a few blown chances granted them naught but a ticket home. It's a shame that today's Cameroon didn't show up against Japan - I believe such a match would have produced a vastly different result.

Conversely, if the Danes bring the same lead-footed and sloppy play into the Japan match, Samurai Blue might have a shock in store. They also have some serious work to do at the back, especially with the loss of Kjaer. Remember, the Danes will need a win to open the gate to the knockout stage.

Cheers to Denmark for fighting back from an early - and far too easily conceded - lead. As in the first match, Rommedahl was vital for the Danes. It's amusing to hear and see so many comments calling attention to Rommedahl's age. Sure, he's no spring chicken, but he's proving that he's still far from out-to-pasture. He served Bendtner an unmissable goal, and took matters into his own hands with a clinical left-footed strike.

Denmark's first goal was one of the prettiest of the tournament thus far. An enormous diagonal pass from Simon Kjaer, beautifully controlled by Rommedahl, and then sent in with Scandinavian precision for our friend Nicklas. If the Danes could make their game this pretty all the time, they could do some serious damage in South Africa.

I'm sorry to see Cameroon go. They played a marvelous match and deserved the chance to compete for the chance to move on in the competition. For the sake of the tournament and the continent, let's hope the remaining African nations are able to make an impact. Here's looking at you, Didier.

World Cup 2010: Denmark v. Holland

The Danes tactics in the first half were brilliant - a compact holding midfield and some great chances on the counter. The own goal at the start of the second half was truly a backbreaker, deflating the Danes halftime spirits. Had Denmark kept a clean sheet into the 60th minute or so, I would have fancied them for the draw, if not a one-nil win.

Dennis Rommedahl is my pick for Danish Man of the Match. Despite numerous complaints over his diminished pace, his work rate was phenomenal and he was a consistent threat on the wing. His service to Bendtner in the 27' was nearly perfect and simply should have been finished.

Accolades also go to Danish keeper Thomas Sørensen, who kept the superlatively talented Dutch attacking unit at bay. Although the scoreline indicates otherwise, the Dutch weren't able to legitimately best the Stoke City man on either goal. The own goal was completely beyond his control, and his fingertip save on Elia's late strike was a brilliant one - Kjaer and Jacobsen should have dealt with the rebound.

All credit goes to the Dutch, who despite an early lack of their definitive finesse, made some great tactical changes in the second 45 to open up Denmark's strong central defense. The own goal was a shame, but Holland generated some good chances and if they can find their rhythm will cause serious problems for their knockout stage opponents.

The Danes, although obviously disappointed to have come away without a point, should feel encouraged in having essentially stymied one of Europe's most potent attacking units, and should head into Saturday's match (against a heretofore uninspired Cameroon) gunning for a three point take. Look for Danish Dynamite to stretch their legs against a midfield far less threatening than that of the Oranje. While Cameroon has the advantage in pure pace, the organization and attacking guile of the Danes should be enough to see the Lions off.

Cameroon's earlier loss to Japan plays to the advantage of Danish Dynamite. Based on first round form, Denmark should come out with a win, but should the Indomitable Lions manage a draw, Denmark can still be through to the KO round with a win over Japan.

While by no means a pushover, Samurai Blue should have a difficult time piercing the strong Danish back four, while Bendtner, if fit, should take advantage of his size and strength to be a heavy threat in Japan's third, especially in set piece situations.

If the Danes are able to nurse their injuries and keep their confidence high, they should come out of group E under Holland, ready and able to threaten their first round opponents.