Whilst people will all have a different favourite Beatles track, what is unarguable is that “We Can Work It Out” is the quintessential Beatles track. Lennon’s dark melancholy blended with McCartney’s chipper blind optimism to create one of their most artful number 1s.
If the late era Wenger has ever had a quintessential year this might already be it even though it’s still mid January. Pathetic cup upset? Done. Surprisingly gutsy display against a top side? Check. Spineless collapse away at a relegation threatened team? Sorted. Best player sold to a rival in convoluted web of lies and cheap point scoring. Complete.
So we’ve had the downbeat Lennon verse this was the upbeat high tempo McCartney chorus, a sublime win against mid table opponents.
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And let’s not be churlish here, this was sublime, classic Wenger. By the time Mesut Ozil ghosted into space and back-heeled for Lacazette to sweep Arsenal into a four goal lead 22 minutes in, you could be forgiven for thinking you were watching the Invincibles.
Nacho Monreal was the unlikely catalyst for the win, restored at left back in a back four, Monreal headed home from a Xhaka corner in the 6th minute before picking out Iwobi in a crowded six yard box four minutes later. More poor marking from another Xhaka corner three minutes after that allowed Monreal to hook a ball back into the six yard box for Koscielny to bundle home.
After the 20 minute blitz the rest of the game was a bit more pedestrian, allowing Benteke to flick on to Miliojevic to smartly chest control, turn and finish.
All in all it was a comprehensive Arsenal win and when Arsenal play like this it makes talk of Wenger leaving seem laughable. But now what? What will follow? Can Wenger work it out? No. We’ve been here before. The Beatles followed up with Paperback Writer. This win will be followed by a plucky cup defeat on penalties and a beleaguered draw in the rain at Swansea and yet more soul searching.
Written by Gary Robinson.
