Drogba’s incessant bullying of Arsenal

Richard Jolly

• Last Updated: November 30. 2009 10:43PM UAE / November 30. 2009 6:43PM GMT

The strong French influence at Arsenal accounts for much of their support south of the English Channel. An emphasis on African talent that dates back to the arrival of the Senegal-born Patrick Vieira brings them further followers.

It is understandable that Didier Drogba once classed himself among their fans during his days at Le Mans and Guingamp. Now Drogba is both Arsenal’s antithesis and their nemesis.

The Ivorian’s brace in Chelsea’s 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium took his personal tally to 10 goals in 11 games against the Gunners. He has never lost to Arsene Wenger’s side; no fixture between two clubs of the stature of Arsenal and Chelsea is dominated to such an extent by one player.

Wenger’s rather sour analysis cannot detract from that. “It’s funny because he doesn’t do a lot,” he said. “Drogba is in a period where he kicks the ball and it goes in.” That purple patch dates back to the start of the season.

Yet it is also pertinent that on one occasion when Drogba did not touch the ball it still went in; his presence alone helped account for Thomas Vermaelen’s own goal, sandwiching his own double.

That is the power of intimidation. Drogba has turned it into an art form, bullying Arsenal to such an extent that a succession of central defenders have fallen in his wake.

Philippe Senderos’ once promising career has never recovered after some harrowing afternoons against the Ivorian; Mikael Silvestre has barely featured since May’s 4-1 defeat; now Vermaelen, a class above either, nonetheless endured his most uncomfortable 90 minutes for Arsenal against Drogba.

It is worth noting that both of his goals were converted with genuine finesse, a deft touch to divert Ashley Cole’s cross being followed by a late free kick.

Drogba can do things stylishly but he invariably does them powerfully. And that, in a nutshell, is the difference between Arsenal and Chelsea. The latter recognise that beauty and brutality can be a winning blend.

In that respect, Drogba, more so than John Terry and Frank Lampard, is the personification of Chelsea. His histrionics are a reason why they have not won the global battle for hearts and minds, but he does determine football matches.

He has also provided a barometer of Chelsea managers. Jose Mourinho bonded with him, Guus Hiddink galvanised him, Avram Grant sometimes struggled to motivate him and Luiz Felipe Scolari alienated him. Thus far, Carlo Ancelotti appears to be as successful as the Portuguese and the Dutchman in his handling of a temperamental asset.

Drogba’s influence can be measured by his status as the Premier League’s joint top scorer. More significant, however, have been his performances in the season-defining matches. Against Liverpool he supplied both goals. Against Manchester United his role was more contentious: he appeared to foul Wes Brown as a combination of Terry and Nicolas Anelka delivered the winner.

Controversy and Drogba are rarely far away. There is a school of thought that he dives less than he did when he arrived in England although it is hard to present someone who spends so much time feigning injury as a reformed character.

Nevertheless, it is tempting to wonder what might have been. Wenger considered signing Drogba when the striker was at Le Mans. A diminutive forward line could have been given another dimension: the Arsenal defence spared their biannual examination.

Instead, aided by Drogba, the balance of power in London has shifted westwards towards Stamford Bridge. When he arrived in England in 2004, Arsenal’s team were the Invincibles. In the subsequent five years, no one has done more to prove they are beatable.



rjolly@thenational.ae