- Details
- Written by Joe Smith
Certainly not the most exciting game you will see at the Emirates this season (hence the amount of players rated 7), however Arsenal managed to dig in and get the three points courtesy of a deflected free-kick from substitute Podolski.
Wojciech Szczesny – 7 - After an edgy performance against Liverpool, this was the perfect game for him to regain his confidence as Stoke were limited to a measly 1 shot on target.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – a solid performance from the Frenchman. After coming under some criticism in recent weeks, he put in an assured display against what was a feeble attack. Definitely needs to work on his crossing however.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – the BFG didn’t really have much to do today. Coming up against Peter Crouch he won the majority of aerial duels and offered a sense of composure at the back.
- Details
- Written by Shane Thomas
Breathless, infuriating, frenetic, enthralling. Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Liverpool was one of the Premier League's most exciting games this season. And will cause alarm for Gooners everywhere.
Wojciech Szczesny – 5 - Was unlucky with the two goals. But this was a poor display from the Pole. His attempts at a Johan Cruyff turn should have been punished by Daniel Sturridge, and he flapped at a corner, only for Daniel Agger to have his effort cleared off the line.
Bacary Sagna – 5 - His error started the domino effect that led to the opening goal, and the Frenchman was moribund in the first half. Dovetailed well with Theo Walcott in the 2nd half, but was always vulnerable defensively. Can no longer be relied upon as a solid presence at the back.
- Details
- Written by Sam Steele
It is always great to see Arsenal win, especially as it is their first away win of the year, to describe the match as comfortable would be far from true. Brighton gave the game their all and can feel aggrieved to have not come away with a draw.
Wenger made the bold move to rest three of our key players, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla, but it was one that needed to be made, as these players needed a bit of a breather with big matches against Liverpool and Stoke coming up.
Another slow start
Playing the first half with a poor tempo and lacking the fighting spirit, is a common theme which has occurred for Arsenal recently. Though the first half performance was nowhere near as abject as the one against Chelsea, it still seemed as though Arsenal were sitting back slightly and taking it easy.
- Details
- Written by Shane Thomas
It was a game which showed that trying to predict the outcome of an Arsenal match is a fool's errand. A second-half blitzkrieg flattened West Ham, and gave Arsenal their first Premier League win of 2013.
WOJCIECH SZCZESNY - 6 - The Pole was unsighted for the Collison goal, but otherwise he was an unruffled presence. His kicking was of a higher standard than we've come to expect, and he started the move which led to the 5th goal with a fine throw to Jack Wilshere.
BACARY SAGNA - 7 - This was more like the old Sagna. After a bad run of form, he was back to his dependable best tonight, which was needed while the contest was still alive in the first half. Largely kept Ricardo Vaz Te in his pocket.
PER MERTESACKER - 7 - At times the "BFG" struggled with Carlton Cole in the first half. And he needs to make sure his defence are aware of when he's trying to play the offside trap. But became more comfortable as the match progressed. The way he often spoke to the referee during the game indicates his growing influence at the club.
- Details
- Written by Will O'Doherty
Arsenal put in the most shamefully abject 45 minutes of their season yet somehow had Chelsea hanging on for dear life at the end. The second half was an almighty improvement but really only served to highlight the first for what it was: unacceptable sabotage.
Serious questions need to be asked about a team that is so clearly its own worst enemy.
Slow starts, defensive embarrassment, missed chances: these are what Arsenal’s defeats look like. In the worst ever season under Arsene Wenger, the shortcomings of how the squad has been built and the team prepared have never been so apparent.
Page 44 of 74
- You are here:
-
Home
- Match Report
