Today saw a Hull City side coming to the Emirates on the back of a fantastic win against Liverpool.
It is fair to say a few eyebrows were raised at the sight of Nicklas Bendtner’s name on the team sheet this evening but it took only two minutes for the striker to justify his place.
Always in control, a second goal yet again a couple minutes after kick off killed off the game for Arsenal and saw them retain their place at the top of the league going into and busy and challenging winter period.
Wojciech Szczesny – 6 – Will be happy with another clean sheet. Slight lapse of concentration in the last ten minutes which needs to be cut out before it is costly.
Carl Jenkinson – 7 – Coming into the side after not starting for over a month in a disappointing show against Chelsea, he linked up beautifully with Ramsey to deliver an assist for the opening goal. Showed some rustiness and nerves at times.
Laurent Koscielny - 6 – Quiet game for both centre halves. Koscielny was very solid tonight and always in the right position to cover and sweep up any Hull City attacks.
Per Mertesacker – 6 – Another composed performance with Koscielny and made a nuisance of himself at the front post from attacking corners.
Nacho Monreal – 8 – Very lively performance from the full back in the first half an hour always looking to get on the ball and be involved with attacks. Did excellently to keep the ball in play for his involvement with the second goal. Arsenal are looking very strong in the left back department.
Mathieu Flamini – 7 – Worked hard in midfield tidying up loose play and letting his more attack minded team mates negotiate the Hull defence.
Tomas Rosicky – 7 – Combined beautifully with Ozil, Ramsey and Cazorla in the first half. Involved in the build-up play for the first goal.
Mezut Ozil – 8 – The ball sticks to his feet like glue. Along with his midfield compatriots played some thrilling quick football in the first half and his clever play leading to a shot from a corner should have resulted in a rebound goal. Slick finish for the winning goal.
Aaron Ramsey – 8 – Decided not to score this week but rather set up both goals.
Another faultless display from the Welshman teeing up an excellent pass for Jenkinson to cross for Bendtner’s early opener. Brought a fantastic save from McGregor with a powerful shot after half an hour.
Perfectly weighted pass for Ozil’s goal just after half time and was always looking busy tackling and getting into the attacking positions.
Santi Cazorla – 6 – Linked well with the midfield always showing nice touches and finding space.
Nicklas Bendtner – 7 – the surprise of the night in his inclusion and performance.
Can’t be faulted for his effort tonight which is what the Arsenal fans want from him. Took his headed goal very well after two minutes and should’ve had a second goal on 14 minutes only to be let down by a very poor touch.
Looked rusty and short of match fitness at times but always looked to get himself involved in the play. A good effort.
Substitutes
Theo Walcott – 6 - Came on and stretched the defence with his pace. Good to see back and fit again.
Jack Wilshere – 6 – Showed composure and hard work to come on and maintain the lead his team mates had worked for.
Mikel Arteta – N/A
Another clean sheet and tonight was a good chance for Arsene Wenger to rotate the squad and show Arsenal’s title credentials yet again.
The harder games are to come in this winter schedule but tonight was a job well done and a good three points.
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