S.O.S.

It stands for ‘Same Old Story’. The story of the current season. Evidently it’s the price Arsenal are obliged to pay for poor finishing and a failure to defend set pieces effectively. Game after game. And Arsene Wenger must be tearing his hair out.

Hard working Everton beat Arsenal at Goodison Park with a goal from Andy Johnson in time added on, and it was the perfect way to mark David Moyes’ five years in charge. By that time the game ought have been out of sight, with Arsenal in cruise control, but even by half time, Gunners fans must have sensed that it was not going to be their day. Arsenal’s attractive approach play had produced 8 attempts and not a sniff of a goal, while Lee Carsley, with just half a chance, thundered the ball against the post with Jens Lehmann beaten and only a desperate last gasp save from the German keeper prevented AJ capitalising on a moment of hesitation to open the scoring.

The second half was more of the same from Arsene Wenger’s side. More football. More possession. More opportunities. Aliadiere. Baptista. Fabregas. Ljungberg. The list went on and on. Yet in the 72nd minute Everton had a half chance and again hit the post. So few were surprised when the impressive Johnson struck to give Everton the points and send Arsenal fans away thinking that if only he had been playing for them, it would have been a story with a very different ending.

It is important not to let disappointment fuel over-reaction. Even without several key players, Arsenal continue to play the best football in the Premiership and the quality of their squad leaves all opposing managers green with envy (though one or two of them would die rather than admit it). But they will win nothing unless the quality of finishing and the ability to defend free kicks and corners is improved. And the quicker the better.