Well that is a massive relief. Arsenal have just beaten Liverpool by 2 goals to 0 at Anfield. Another clean sheet and finally a couple of goals by 2 new signings, Podolski and then Cazorla. It is the first time we have kept 3 clean sheets in all of our first 3 games in the league since 1924/25. That's 88 years! You cannot say Steve Bould hasn't has an effect. We are also the only team in all four English divisions to still have a clean sheet. As impressive as that sounds, it was also important to score the goals, which we clinically did today.
The man of the match for most people today was Abou Diaby. For so long Arsene Wenger has talked him up as a great midfielder and just a few months ago declared that he would be the first name on the France team sheet if fit. Today he proved why. He was immense in both attack and defense. He was strong on the ball and his passing was accurate. I love how he retains the ball. Whether its a flick around the back or a rag-doll of the defender, he always makes sure he doesn't lose possession. If he can stay fit and perform like he has today consistently, then we have another world class player on our hands.
Cazorla was impressive once again. He finally got his assist today, after a clever pass to Podolski who slotted home with ease. The duo paired up again later in the game which resulted in a goal for the Spaniard. Their link up play is very good and I can see their partnership getting better and better. Podolski has played very well on the left hand side, more often than not drifting into the centre to get involved in play. Finally we have a goal threat from the wing which we have lacked for the last few years.
Olivier Giroud was good up front by himself. He had one chance in the game almost identical to the one against Sunderland only this time on the left. He couldn't wrap his foot around the ball and unfortunately sliced wide. His movement is top class though and the finish will come. One thing which Arsenal must improve upon is their delivery into the box. Not once this season have we created a goal scoring opportunity for Giroud from a cross. We attempted many crosses in the game but almost all were over hit and gave Giroud no chance. When one goes in, they will start to flow for the Frenchman.
Our defense was solid in most parts once again today. Mertesacker played well besides for a few scary moments in the box. Vermaelan was exemplary once again. I love his determined attitude and his so alert to danger. He has that no nonsense attitude most fans love and is justifying the captains armband. Jenkinson is playing very well. His defending is great but I got a bit fed up with his passing across the field in the first half which Liverpool twice capitalized upon. Thankfully he was told off at half time because it never happened again. Gibbs was also decent but wasn't tested much by Borini. If he can just cross the ball a bit better, I think he can be a top class full back.
I am excited about this Arsenal team. With Wilshere, Sagna and Koscielny all coming back, I think its fair to say we have a a lot to look forward too.
'Till Tomorrow
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