Scout Scribbles – Gunners Shocked at the Emirates

Arsenal slump to a surprise 3-1 home loss to Monaco, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain emerging from the bench to grab his side’s consolation. The worries build for Palace up front, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson miss Liverpool’s clash with Besiktas, whilst Billy Jones could return for Sunderland this weekend.

Wenger Unhappy with Defence

Arsene Wenger made just two changes for his starting XI for last night’s clash with Monaco, bringing in Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs for Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal in the full-back areas. The Gunners boss once again preferred Danny Welbeck to Theo Walcott on the right, whilst Olivier Giroud led the line before being hauled off on 60 minutes after an ineffectual display.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike off the bench wasn’t enough to prevent Arsenal’s run of nine straight home wins coming to an end and, after the match, his manager was far from happy with the display at both ends of the pitch:

“We missed chances and were a bit suicidal defensively. We were unlucky because the first goal was deflected, but the second and third goals were suicidal. It looks like we have lost our nerve and our rationality on the pitch. The heart took over the head, and at this level that doesn’t work.”

Wenger also commented on Giroud’s performance, saying that the Gunners’ forward spurned some clear-cut opportunites:

“I felt he had an off night tonight. He missed easy chances and it looked like it was not one of his best days.”

The Scout Says: Wenger’s damning assessment of Arsenal’s performance at the Emirates perhaps strengthens the idea that he’ll freshen things up for Sunday’s home clash against Everton. Bellerin’s shaky display may well allow Chambers a way back, whilst Monreal – having started each of the last six league matches – is likely to edge Gibbs back onto the bench. With regards to Arsenal’s attacking players, Walcott was handed 30 minutes after replacing Welbeck on the right flank and may well be in line for a start against the Toffees as Wenger alternates the pair, though Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike also brings him into contention either in the middle or out wide. After a run of fine performances, Giroud did himself no favours on the night, failing to hit the target with any of his six attempts at goal. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old striker’s run of three goals and two assists in his last five league appearances should hold him in good stead going into Sunday’s match-up.

Worries up front for Palace

Crystal Palace face fresh injury concerns, with growing fears that Fraizer Campbell could be out for around a month with a hamstring strain. Meanwhile, Marouane Chamakh, who’s suffering from the same complaint, is not expected to recover in time for the Eagles’ match against West Ham United. On a positive note, club captain Mile Jedinak is now fully fit and midfielder James McArthur is in line for a start at Upton Park.

The Scout Says: Injuries elsewhere in Palace’s front line could see their joint-top league scorer, Dwight Gayle, spearheading the attack in Saturday’s early kick-off. The 24-year-old striker has been stationed out on the left wing for recent ties against Arsenal and Liverpool, and looks likely to be given the nod ahead of Glenn Murray – considering the seasoned frontman has only recorded one start this campaign. Gayle’s deployment in a more advanced role may lead to the reinstatement of Yannick Bolasie on the left flank, with the DR Congo international yet to be handed a start by boss Alan Pardew since his return from the African Cup of Nations. In midfield, the return of Jedinak and McArthur affords the Eagles boss a real dilemma after he fielded a 4-1-4-1 last week, with Jordan Mutch and Jason Puncheon in the advanced central positions.

Henderson doubtful for City clash

Liverpool midfield stalwart Jordan Henderson and playmaker Philippe Coutinho did not travel to Turkey in preparation for the Reds’ Europa League encounter with Besiktas. The former is carrying a minor ankle complaint, while the latter is being rested by manager Brendan Rodgers. Mamadou Sakho remains sidelined with a hip injury that forced him to sit out the Southampton clash.

Speaking to the press yesterday, Rodgers explained the reasoning behind Coutinho’s absence:

“I’ve had to leave out young Coutinho. He hasn’t travelled with us. He’s an outstanding young player for us, a key player and he’s played a lot of games consecutively for us. This was a game that I’d earmarked to give him some recovery in knowing he can stay at home, not travel and prepare and get ready for the weekend.”

The Scout Says: Coutinho has started Liverpool’s last 19 matches in all competitions, so his omission from Liverpool’s midweek tie in Turkey should perhaps come as no surprise. The Brazilian midfielder has been in fine form of late, notching five assists in his previous nine league outings, and will be pivotal to Rodgers’ plan of attack against Manchester City. Doubts over Henderson’s fitness, however, are a real concern – compounded by the absence of Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard. The midfield general has started all but two of the Reds’ Premier League fixtures this term, with his industry in the centre of the park a key contributing factor to Liverpool’s five clean sheets in their last six outings.

Sunderland hopeful on Jones return

Sunderland trio Billy Jones, Jack Rodwell and Will Buckley could be available for selection against Manchester United. Manager Gus Poyet confirmed that Jones’ potential return on the weekend will go right down to the wire.

“Billy Jones will be touch and go so I don’t know if he is going to be available. We’re trying our best and he is much better but we have to take the decision on a daily basis.”

The Scout Says: As we saw last week after Patrick van Aanholt dropped to the bench, Gus Poyet seems undecided on his favoured back-four. The Black Cats boss opted for Santiago Vergini at right-back, allowing Anthony Reveillere to move to the left and displace the Dutchman, suggesting his pitch time is no longer guaranteed. It remains to be seen whether Jones’ availability will have any further impact – the former West Brom man has played just six league matches since arriving on Wearside this season and it may well be that the versatile Reveillere is the safest way forward for those looking to invest in the Sunderland defence – his average of 4.5 points per appearance is 1.4 greater than any other defensive team-mate ahead of clashes with Hull, Villa, Newcastle and Palace in the next six.