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.