Well this is a weekend of mixed emotions, firstly euphonium that we have relegated the bin dippers to at least fifth and made sure that last seasons qualification to the elites Champions League was just a one off. Then there is the regret, regret that we never kicked on after some wonderful performances and amazing results in April...and now we are in the lottery of the Champions League qualifier, something we all could do without. So what did we learn from yesterdays draw with Arsenal? Apart from Van Gaal is just as unnatural on a microphone addressing a stadium than Delia Smith.
- Ashley Young is peaking. A few, myself included have long been sceptical of Young before this season, his crossing and decision making could be described as erratic at best. Like Nani he seems to run into dead ends too often trying to get past defenders rather than look for a more beneficial ball. Young this season though has progressed beyond what most expected of him, his crossing has improved (as Herrera will testify) and his passes, one two's and runs have been beautiful to watch...let's not forget his defensive work this season which really has been a vital factor when Blind was at Left back, especially as Blind does lack pace. We are top heavy down the left flank - defence and midfield but Young has proved he has earned a place in next seasons squad.
- Falcao should not be offered another stay. Shit happens as the saying goes...ask Diego Forlan who couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo as another saying goes, or Adam Johnson who can only score with the under 15's. Falcao has tried but it just hasn't happened and he seems a shadow of his former self, of course that doesn't mean he suddenly has become past it and he probably will go on to be a success wherever he now ends up. But at a quarter of a million per week it is too expensive a gamble when we need a goalscorer who can actually...well...score. Yesterday we also saw the next chapter in his struggle with staying on his feet, yes the pitch appeared over watered and many slipped at different points of the game, but only one seemed to be making a habit of it (with alarming weekly regularity) and that was our Falcao.
- Van Gaal substitutions strikes again. For some reason his subs seem to kill a game quicker than a bomb threat, either they leave you baffled, leave the players confused or end up knocking all momentum from the game. Against Arsenal both might have been forced (the De Gea one definitely was) due to injuries to De Gea and Rojo but it happens quite a lot. Long gone are the substitutions of old from Fergie where it would kick start a push for a new goal or to tighten things up, now it just recently seems to be a green light for the players to take their foot off the gas and this is something Van Gaal needs to really tackle head on if we are to challenge on all fronts next season.
- Still too much hesitance in shooting and our attacking play is too slow still. It's been happening all season where you see players ready to sprint off chasing a through ball with a possibility to break the defence...and we then pass it sideways instead. It happened a half a dozen times yesterday where Falcao got level with the Arsenal defensive line and was ready for the ball over the top only to find he again gets no service. Then there are the times we seem to be afraid of shooting so we develop Arsenalesque traits of trying to pass it in the goal and you can feel the crowd just longing for someone to put their foot through the ball and just bloody shoot. That's what impressed me with Van Persie against West Brom, he tried, he tried from all angles but at least he tried. It didn't work out but passing side to side until a golden clear cut chance presents itself hasn't really worked so far this season has it? We need a more ruthless streak.
- Rojo should be our first choice CB. Yesterday Rojo showed again why Van Gaal made a great decision in bringing him to the club, he is versatile, strong and gives his all. He has really been one of our best players this season and looks a bargain considering his age and being able to play comfortably at either centre back or left back, not to mention he is a full international. With a calming leader like Hummels beside him and a natural right back we should make it an easy transition for which ever keeper we buy to replace De Gea. Rojo's injury record this season raises a little concern and is something Van Gaal really needs to address with the training and medical staff because quite a few of our squad have now become 'injury prone' but he has done enough to put himself ahead of Smalling and Jones for that starting slot.