Arsenals soft center exposed, actual news to be found, elsewhere.

On Sunday Arsenal were two goals to the good against West Ham at half time, they looked comfortable without threatening to run riot. They were deployed in a more defensive version of their 4-3-3 formation with Eboue on the right, becoming a more standard 4-4-2. Staying further back and keeping that side more solid and only presented attacking potential when necessary. It was he who found space and an excellent, swerving cross for the opening goal. The furthest players forward were Van persie and Arshavin, the latter stayed out to the left, constantly roaming towards the right in the first half. This worked in the first half when the intensity levels where high but as the game drew on it became more difficult to keep the ball in West Hams half of the pitch.

There is no doubting Arsenals attacking options but there is little variety to the smaller skillful players at their disposal. Wenger has spoken of Van Persies attributes as a center forward and his awareness, touch and finishing make a compelling case. However the omission of a strong center forward towards the latter stages of this game meant the West Ham were able to regain possession quicker and pressurize the Arsenal defense. Intriguingly they brought on Nicklas Bendtner but only as an addition to the midfield, something he has already done against Manchester United. Instead could he have been utilized him more centrally and have Van Persie and Arshavin play around him in certain situations. I certainly don't believe that Bendtner is the finished article but he does offer strength and a target for long balls, a plan B.

This result might just be an anomaly as a derby match can produce unpredictable results but they will need more resilience if they are to mount a serious challenge to Chelsea. Seeing as the London teams face more games of this nature than any other area it is a factor they need to bypass, starting again with Tottenham on Saturday.

Final Score - West Ham 2-2 Arsenal