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- Written by Tom DiMaio
Tonight’s game against West Ham was a game that I really thought we would win. We had to.
Although it cannot be denied that West Ham are experiencing a solid run of form, 11 points from their first six games is a clear indication that this game would not be easy.
But despite the fact that on paper, the teams looked like they would provide an adequate match, the quality in our team always looked likely to out perform an Allardyce team.
Big Sam’s at it again
It has been a while since we’ve played a Sam Allardyce team, and it’s not a fixture Arsenal fans have ever looked forward to.
We guessed what we were likely to receive and no doubt we got it. Long ball after long ball after long ball, the same thing every time, this was made more worrying by our seeming inability to defend balls flying into the box.
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- Written by Arsenal Latest
Ahead of Arsenal’s 3-1 win against West Ham there was much doubt. Andy Carroll’s aerial the main factor behind it, not to mention Arsenal’s poor record against Sam Allardyce teams.
Mannone – 6 - Looked poor in the air and Carroll had a free header after winning duel with him but thankfully, for Arsenal and Mannone, the England international missed. Apart from that the Italian had a solid game.
Jenkinson - 5 - During the game he ran ball out of play a few times and looked sloppy, potentially tired given the amount of football he has played lately. This reflected in his crossing. However he did hold up Vaz Te in a potentially dangerous counter-attack in the 45th minute.
Mertesacker – 7 - Had another solid game making an amazing tackle stopping Nolan in what would have been a certain goal. Again his influence was a calming one, perhaps he could have positioned himself better in Diame’s goal but apart from that his performance was pretty close to faultless.
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- Written by Shane Thomas
Arsenal secured their second successive win in this season's group stage of the Champions League, and once again, it was a hard fought victory, with many nervous moments for the home support.
With Per Mertesacker and Abou Diaby missing due to illness and injury, Laurent Koscielny kept his place at centre-half, while Francis Coquelin was rewarded for his strong display against Coventry seven days ago with a start along Mikel Arteta in centre-midfield.
Lethargy & Sloppiness
I've always been of the opinion that the speed and intent of how Arsenal pass the ball is a strong indication to how well they function when attacking. Any more than two touches before delivering a pass should always set the alarm bells ringing.
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- Written by Barnaby Merrill
While the score line may suggest Arsenal had an easy ride tonight, those who saw the game will know it wasn't quite a stroll in the park. The Greek champions were well drilled and defensively stable, but never really threatened and ultimately Arsenal were the better team.
There were some fine performances, some excellent ones, and some well, poor ones.
Vito Mannone: 6
Decent game, as usual not tested much but made a couple of good saves. Did play a few passes straight out to Olympiakos players, but otherwise nothing to complain about.
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- Written by Jeremy Van waveren
I hate losing to Chelsea, especially in the way that we did today. They are my least favourite team in the league (namely because their squad is full of players I loathe) and the fact that we conceded two very soft goals makes the defeat all the more difficult to take.
Ramsey a surprise
Wenger’s decision to start Aaron Ramsey was somewhat surprising for me. I like Ramsey and, yes, he performed well against Man City last week but I thought the manager would have selected Giroud after his goal against Coventry during the week.
After netting his first goal for the club, Giroud’s confidence would have been high and I would have started him as his strong, large physical presence would have caused Chelsea’s centre backs problems. His miss at the end of the game was not good but when he came on his movement presented problems for Chelsea and had he played for the whole game I feel we would have been more dangerous.
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