Coventry City had a good go in the second half and should be proud of themselves in the way they passed the ball around at times. Even if we cranked up the handbrake in the first half of the second period, the League one side did very well to put pressure on us at times. If I was to compare another team that have been comparable I would say Tottenham in the FA Cup victory a few weeks ago. In fact I think Coventry were more threatening yesterday so they should feel proud of themselves, especially when you consider the amount of money our neighbours spent last summer.
The Arsenal winning template was used again last night, score early and dominate then close the game out although this was a little different as we sparked back into life late in the game. Lukas Podolski looked much sharper, not just his goals but his burst of pace. He could have scored before he opened the scoring. Özil raced towards the edge of the penalty area before slotting a right footed pass to his German team mate, I’ve seen Podolski’s two touch finish around the keeper on a number of occasions when looking through his FC Koln goals. One touch to go wide of the keeper and the next to squeeze in a shot from a difficult angle.
The Paul Davis corner, Steve Bould near post flick to Alan Smith to head in at the far post returned to life in 2014. But instead of Englishmen it was the Germans. Gnabry, Mertesacker to Podolski to head in from close range.
It is nice having a threat from set pieces once more. For years Arsenal having a corner kick was either guaranteed opposition possession or even worse a chance for a counter attack.
That is Podolski’s fifth goal in six games this season, can he be kept out of the starting line up any longer? I am not sure he can and without Theo Walcott available, you would think that he will get his Premier League start in our next game at Southampton. If he starts then I bet you’d get decent odds for him opening the scoring once more, click here for the latest betting odds.
The Chamberlain and Wilshere combination behind Özil in the middle of midfield was very interesting. Both players strike me as more offensive players and they gave the team a good drive in midfield, defensively they need work, especially in the second half when the visitors played with nothing to lose and got behind the Arsenal midfield more than one occasion.
I thought Koscielny was fantastic yet again. His ability to read and intercept the cut back was exceptional and has been throughout the entire season.
I was bigging Nicklas Bendtner up for a big game in my preview so typically he was off colour yesterday. To be fair to the big Dane, it was his first game back from a knee injury so perhaps he was not at his sharpest. He will need games under his belt to get back to his best so that is a good step in the right direction. I’m just glad I didn’t put money down on that hat-trick now 🙂
Coventry City had a good go in the second half and should be proud of themselves in the way they passed the ball around at times. Even if we cranked up the handbrake in the first half of the second period, the League one side did very well to put pressure on us at times. If I was to compare another team that have played us recently I would say Tottenham in the FA Cup victory a few weeks ago. In fact I think Coventry were more threatening yesterday so they should feel proud of themselves, especially when you consider the amount of money our neighbours spent last summer.
Cazorla, Giroud and 16 year old Zelalem came on. Did you know that Zelalem wasn’t born befor…. yeah I know you’ve heard it already.
I know the comparison is obvious and has been done to death but his debut reminded me a little of Cesc’s back in the day. Kept everything very simple, sprayed the ball around without much fuss. He’ll do more and try more as he grows, matures and feels more confident. I wouldn’t be surprised if the manager told all his young debutants to keep everything simple for the first few games. Serge was pretty much the same at the start of the season.
Giroud replaced Bendtner and got on the score sheet late on. If our full backs work as wingers when we attack then I want to see them in the position that Gibbs got in more often, in the box heading towards the line. The cut back is far more effective than a tossed in cross from the touch line. Gibbs found Giroud who lashed in from close range.
Santi Cazorla wrapped up the game late on with a strike at waist height to make it 4-0.
We are in the hat for the next round, another clean sheet and a run out for a few players who need games. Job done.
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