Well that was fun wasn't it? Arsenal served up a feast of a performance for a maximum capacity Emirates Stadium on a beautiful day in North London. We won 6-1 against a pretty decent Southampton side - at least on paper - and we can now look forward to a mid-week clash at Montpellier.
The line-up was as expected in the midfield and defense but it was up front were we changed it around. Gervinho played as the central striker with Podolski on the left and Chambo on the right. In defense, Szczesny started in goal after recovering from a rib injury and Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelan, Gibbs retained their place. In midfield Coquelin replaced Diaby after the Frenchman was rested and Arteta and Cazorla were obviously included.
The game was reasonably straight forward to be honest. Gervinho was playing as a false 9 constantly floating around the field to great effect. I've always had a love for him as a player. His finishing and final ball has always been in question but you cannot accuse him of wastefulness today. He dispatched the 2 clear chances he had and shot at first sight. I also have an affection for his movement. I remember Arsene citing his clever movement as one of the reasons he signed him and he showed bags of it today, especially for his 1st goal. Podolski was also really good today. His work rate was first class as is becoming a regularity in an Arsenal shirt and he is really efficient on the ball. He dribbles and passes with intent and his finishing isn't bad either. His free kick was simply outstanding and I can only predict more of the same in the weeks and years to come. Santi Cazorla was again awesome. The ball just sticks to his foot and what he lacks in pace he makes up with his incredibly clever football brain. He is always 2 or 3 steps ahead of the opponent and it showed again today.
The back four once again proved their credentials with another solid display despite the goal we conceded, which was solely the goalkeepers fault. Jenkinson is getting more comfortable with each game and his distribution was much improved from the Liverpool game. Mertesacker put in another immense performance. He doesn't need the pace with the amazing positioning he takes up. I love his anticipation and he put in another really tidy shift. Vermaelan was incredible as well. That partnership really is coming along and I worry for Koscielny, who was our best defender last season. His chances of getting into the team are getting slimmer each week. Gibbs was solid and got forward really well. The cross for the goal could have been defended slightly better by the left back, but otherwise I was happy.
The midfield was obviously good once again this week. I was slightly disappointed by Coquelin who made a few sloppy passes in dangerous positions. He put in an okay performance but he didn't back up the words he gave earlier last week when he said he is only 'slightly' behind Arteta and Diaby. He is quite a long way off them to be honest. But progress will come quickly with hard work and the right attitude. Arteta is an incredible defensive midfielder. Disciplined, clever and a great work ethic - what more could you ask for.
________
Ratings: /10
Szczesny: 5
Jenkinson: 7.5
Mertesacker: 8
Vermaelan: 8
Gibbs: 7.5
Coquelin: 7
Arteta: 8
Cazorla: 9
Chambo: 7.5
Podolski: 9
Gervinho: 9.5
________
Overall it was a pleasing result and should boost morale before the Montpellier game.
'Till Tomorrow
Follow @RealistGooner
No comments:
Post a Comment