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Brighton (a) Second half Rosicky purring once more
Had we scored the third goal then it could have been a lot more comfortable but we couldn't get it. Once Brighton scored, they lifted their heads and made it a match once again. Not the best defending from Flamini and the team and we allowed them back into the game but it always felt like we had another gear to go up if we really needed it. That is exactly what we did when Rosicky, Sanchezed upon a defensive error and recovered the ball back, bursting towards the box he slipped the ball wide with the trademark Ronaldinho no look pass (how many players can I merge into Rosicky here) when Giroud chipped the ball out to the edge of the area Rosicky to erm Pires it on the volley past the keeper
Brighton (a) “He made us tick, and brought a dynamism to our attacking play” – Q&A
There is really only one answer to the question...Rosicky. His work rate at 34 is outstanding alone but his vision to spot the pass to Özil for our second goal was amazing! The run he made for the third goal, the no look pass to Giroud and the technique on the volleyed finish were outstanding. He is truly a little Mozart
Brighton (a) Confirmed Line Up: Szczesny, Özil & Walcott start while Alexis & Santi drop to bench
Nice to see Arsene Wenger choose a strong line up this afternoon, I assume the seven day breaks between games has influenced his decision. In come Flamini, Rosicky and Monreal which allows Coquelin, Cazorla and Mertesacker can drop down to the bench and get some much needed rest ahead of our league fixture against Aston Villa.
Brighton (a) Thoughts & Line Up: Rotation needed but focus needed to avoid exit
I cannot count the amount of times I've heard people posit that injuries are no excuse for poor results. If that was the case I'd like to hear a good reason as to why yesterday's top teams who decided to rotate their squads all suffered with defeat in their own stadiums. Two of the very richest teams in the country who have 2/3 top players per position losing should provide sufficient evidence that not having a consistent team can effect results. So on that very subject, today will more than likely provide a chance to rotate some fringe players like Theo Walcott and Mesut Özil into the first team. As we are not in the league cup anymore we need to give them chances when we can. All unfunny jokes aside, today is an opportunity to give certain players a deserved rest as well as giving returning players a chance to get some much needed sharpness under their belts
Alexis must stop offending me with imaginary yellow cards
Paulista ticks Koscielny boxes, Bielik will need patience & Walcott comment outrage
Manchester City (a) – Coquelin, Cazorla & Striking first
t also goes to show that having two strong powerful yada yada yada 'DM's' isn't the magic stick and top hat. Our midfield were tiny in comparison to Fernando and Fernandinho, yet there was only one midfield in that match. Which brings me on nicely to Francis Coquelin. Can someone fill in the blanks for me? What happened in between the young Coquelin flying around the pitch as a teenager, filling in at full back and showing a lot of promise to all of a sudden being cast aside? The only possible explanation I can think of is that the player grew fed up of waiting and thought he had to start for Arsenal or find another club
Manchester City (a) ” A performance that Arsenal fans have wanted for a very long time” – Q&A
The Coq. He’s taken his chances as they’ve come and he looks like a half decent player. Arsene said words to the effect of this in an interview - “Sometimes looking internally can be a blessing in disguise”. I think Arsene bought Coquelin back from loan because he felt he had to and you have to credit a player who was looking at the end of his Arsenal career, that has taken the opportunity given to him with both hands. Also worth remembering that Flamini is basically fit now so today Coq kept him out of the starting line up on merit alone. Arsene has always had a knack for cultivating young talent and I’m glad that he is showing faith in a player that could now go on to cement a place in our 1st Team Squad. There are also rumours floating around the interwebs that he’ll be offered a new contract, if he keeps up this form then I don’t see why we shouldn’t keep him. And a quiet nod to Nacho, keep proving the doubters wrong