You knew it would happen. In a season of tremendous tumult, Arsenal just couldn't land good news without some bad following closely behind.
On Wednesday, Arsenal took on Greek side Olympiakos in Champions League group play. I was of the mind that this was an assured three points for the Gunners.
I understood the Gunners had some injuries along the back line, but Olympiakos hardly put a scare into me with their attack. After the 2-1 victory by Arsenal, I have rethought my previously opinion.
Arsene Wenger's boys were saved by a spirited attack and the foot of one of his prized young summer signings.
If we ever questioned where Wenger was spending his money in the offseason, it should come to a close after a couple of his summer acquisitions rocketed home the essential goals of the game. Both Axel Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andre Santos scored.
However, Olympiakos breached the back line far too many times to feel safe in this result. The real star of the show was goal keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was called upon to go above and beyond in Wednesday's match at Emirates.
The Gunners were without Gervinho, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Laurent Koscielny due to injuries. Defender Koscielny could have been used from a depth standpoint as Wenger started Alex Song as a central defender alongside Per Mertesacker.
A team without a great deal of firepower was made to look like an top-shelf attacking club as they allowed far too many shots for such a side, then left David Fuster unmarked after a corner was won.
That lack of attention allowed Fuster to head home Olympiakos' only goal. While Arsenal took the full three points, they left with a great deal of questions as well.
The Gunners are on a continuous mission to reassert themselves on the world stage. There is no way to do that with a defense like the one they showed on Wednesday.
Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada
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