Arsenal

Adebayor allows Arsenal to use a touch of pragmatism

By Tim Wigmore ⋅ January 20, 2008 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Arsenal’s facile 3-0 win at Craven Cottage came with the hint that they have added a touch of pragmatism to their footballing beauty. For long periods of the game, they retained the ball with finesse and panache. Yet, strikingly, their opening two goals were not spectacular but almost ridiculously simple.

Twice, Emmanuel Adebayor leapt to head in crosses. That was all it took to end the resistance of a Fulham side who look ever more likely to be relegated. For so long criticised for their dogmatic insistence on trying to score the ‘perfect goal’, Arsenal are learning to add directness without compromising their aesthetically pleasing style.

Adebayor is perhaps the most significant figure in this. Frequently made a scapegoat in his early travails in English football, especially after a pair of astonishing misses in a game at Portsmouth, he has performed quite superbly this campaign. He is adept at holding the ball up and picking out team-mates. At times, he is capable of supreme skill, as exemplified by an outstanding volley to seal the early-season win at Tottenham. Supremely adaptable, Adebayor fits in seamlessly when Arsenal are playing their purring and free-flowing brand of football. But his power and aerial prowess allows Arsenal to vary their style. Over two years at the club, he has metamorphosed from an inconsistent and infuriating talent into a worthy leader of the line. Seemingly freed, like so many of his team-mates, by the departure of Thierry Henry, he has already scored 15 times this campaign, exceptional for a player whose virtues extend far beyond finishing. Comparisons with Didier Drogba are no longer absurb.

Alongside him, Eduardo has palpably gained in confidence over the last six weeks or so. Possessing great natural finishing flair, his dribbling can also be a joy to behold. With his willingness to roam the left flank, he is a fine complement for Adebayor’s gifts. Nonetheless, it is hard to escape the feeling that Arsenal need a return to fitness and form for Robin van Persie if they are to win the Premier League. With his capacity for individual brilliance and finishing dexterity, van Persie was sorely missed during the draw with Birmingham, an unwelcome reminder of how Arsenal can still lack ruthlessness in front of goal.

Very few people would have believed Arsenal would be level on points with the leaders after 23 games. It has been a tremendous effort, but now is the time when we will see the extent of their resilience. With Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue on African Cup of Nations duty for the next month, van Persie seemingly injury cursed and even Cesc Fabregas suffering a slight downturn in form, we will soon know whether the squad has the mental capacity to match their playing skills. If they are to be rewarded for their exhilarating football with trophies Adebayor, the man who allows them to employ a more direct style to complement their ball-playing skills, will be at the forefront.

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