Arsene Wenger’s side built on the 3-0 win at Fenerbahce in midweek to convincingly see off Fulham at Craven Cottage.
After last week’s disappointing defeat at the Emirates against Aston Villa, The Gunners produced a fine display even with depleted defensive options meaning Bacary Sagna would fill in at centre-back.
A double from Lucas Podolski after Olivier Giroud’s 14th minute opener had the game sealed before Darren Bent knocked in a close range consolation late on in the game on a rain soaked pitch.
Player Ratings
Wojciech Szczesny – 7 – Solid goalkeeping performance from the Polish international. Made a fantastic double save in the first half from Adel Taarabt and Damien Duff, and coped well as the ball zipped frighteningly off the slippy surface. Could not hold on to the shot which led to Bent’s consolation but the wet surface played a huge part.
Carl Jenkinson – 7 – Got forward fantastically on the right and whipped in some superb crosses. Was always available on the overlap when Walcott came inside however did not receive the same amount of support from Walcott who often left him on his own defensively, however Jenkinson stood up to the task.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – Playing out of position but looked right at home. Was good aerially and often used his superior strength to outmuscle Dimitar Berbatov. No doubt enjoyed not having to run as much!
Per Mertesacker – 7 – Led the defence brilliantly in the absence of Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen. On what was a horrific day for defending due to the pitch, Mertesacker led by example and forged a formidable partnership with Sagna. Unbeatable in the air.
Kieran Gibbs – 7 – Looked hungry to get forward after getting a taste for goals in Turkey on Wednesday. Was always up in support with Podolski and was often further forward than the German.
Tomas Rosicky – 7 – ran the midfield from deep, and even though the Czech is not known for his tackling ability was seen flying into some crunching challenges in front of the back 4. He and Ramsey protected the defence well in the absence of a preferred defensive midfielder. Subbed on 70 mins.
Aaron Ramsey – 8 – Carried on his excellent form from the game in midweek to once again run the show from the middle of the park. Probably the more defensive out of he and Rosicky, he dominated the space in-between midfield and defence and allowed the 4 ahead of him to surge forward with confidence. Grabbed an assist, even though it was by accident, and got forward himself when he could. Picked up a booking.
Theo Walcott – 8 – Frightening on the right wing. Walcott’s blistering pace shone though as the Fulham defenders literally tread water as the England winger skipped across the surface like a stone. Rarely took on Riise down the outside, instead preferring to come inside and try his luck against Haangeland and Hughes. Didn’t give Jenkinson too much defensively but made up for it on the counter attack, where he should have scored at least once.
Santi Cazorla – 8 - Cazorla seems to find space where there just isn’t any. Played the lines wonderfully, and probably covered every blade of grass in the opponent’s half. Skinned Reither for Podolski’s second goal and always looks comfortable in possession.
Lukasz Podolski – 8 – The German just has the ability to finish off games by himself. Can be invisible for large chunks of the game, until you give him a chance to score. Grabbed 2 fantastic goals from the left wing, the first a stunning side-foot from 18 yards. Could have had a hat-trick.
Olivier Giroud – 7 – Continued his great form and now has 3 from 3. After it took him 4 minutes to score last week, it took just 14 this week as Ramsey’s shot hit him unknowingly. The finish he then produced was sublime and he kept the pressure on the Fulham defenders all game.
Subs
Jack Wilshere (24minutes) – n/a – fitted right in next to Ramsey and carried on where Tomas left off. A fantastic volley late on could have sealed the deal however the gloves of Stockdale denied him, and his link up play with countryman Walcott late on looked impressive.
Nacho Monreal (22minutes) – N/a – Cameo appearance as he came on in the 72nd minute to do very little. On for Olivier Giroud surprisingly, he forced a reshuffle which saw him take up the left wing position, only to receive the ball on very very few occasions.
Yaya Sanogo (14minutes) – N/a – Didn’t get the ball in any kind of dangerous position when he came on for Podolski, but could be an important squad player.
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