For 88 minutes this looked like a game in which we had forgotten how to score. 25 shots, just the three on target, it looked like one of those days for Wenger’s.
This was an extremely lacklustre performance from the Arsenal team in the first half, there was little spark and no impetus. We were certainly missing a presence upfront, and some verve in midfield. This was duly delivered upon 60 minutes as The Gunners looked to break, and finally did, the resolute Cardiff defence.
Szczęsny - 6 - Had little to do and was as the Bluebirds mustered up just the one shot on target. Impressive when called upon and commanded his area well.
Monreal - 7 - An all round decent performance from the Spaniard. Dealt well with the danger during Cardiff’s attacking phases, whilst contributing resolutely to our own. Supported Cazorla well allowing him to drift centrally, and delivered dangerous crosses that we mostly couldn’t exploit. Until the 88th minute. Impressed.
Sagna - 6 - A slightly up and down game for Sagna today. Not looking particularly troubled defensively, although contributed little going forward. I think we were all slightly bemused when he stood over the ball for a direct free-kick. Did well for Bendtner’s goal.
Mertesacker - 6 - A solid performance from the German, but by no means his best of recent weeks. No a tremendous amount to defend, but did get into a bit of a tizz with Campbell earning him a booking and Cardiff their one of their shots on target. Missed two great headed chances, either should have been a goal.
Koscielny - 6 - Again like the BFG had little to do but gave a solid defensive performance. Looked comfortable on the ball and gave Arsenal the opportunity to start attacks quickly and direct at times.
Flamini - 5 - A robust performance yet perhaps not his most effective. Failed to help out when going forward and often exposed us on the counter in the first half. A game in which we benefitted from the free-flowing movement, highlighted by the increased pressure when he was replaced by Rosicky.
Arteta - 6 - A stable performance from Mikel, offered organisation in front of the back four. His main contribution was allowing the more creative players the freedom further up the pitch. Came up with the occasional good pass.
Wilshere - 7 - A lively game from Jack the lad as he often looked like our brightest spark. An exquisite touch threw to Walcott set up his goal, as he threatened to find him on a number of occasions. Managed to keep finding space in the area and often proved dangerous, clattering the post. A lot of Arsenals best moves came threw him.
Cazorla - 7 - Grew as the game progressed after a shaky start. Unable to find Walcott with the diagonal ball early on, yet started the second half with more energy, linking well with Podolski. Tried the long range shot a few times, but never really threatened.
Walcott - 7 - Not a vintage display from Walcott and left people frustrated at points. Made plenty of direct runs early on, but couldn’t be found. Put in some great deliveries in the second half, that Mertesacker failed to capitalise upon.
Podolski - 4 - Worked hard today and perhaps a four is slightly unfair considering its his first game upfront for over a year. Unfortunately though, his performance highlighted the importance of Giroud, lacking the strength to hold up the ball and presented poor link up play. There was no excuse for not getting on the end of Wilshere’s cross in the 60th minute.
Subs
Bendtner - 7 - It is really saying something when you are feeling positive about Nickas Bendtner being subbed on. For the thirty minutes he was on, he was better than Podolski in all departments. Linking up he play well and putting himself about. Missed a sitter, but made up for it with a poachers goal that wont the game. Unfortunate to see him injured but will undoubtedly have won a few more admirers after that cameo.
Rosicky - 6 - Arsenal looked like a much more fluid team after his introduction. Always looking to speed up the tempo and played some killer balls through their defence, the directness we were missing. Vital in increasing the pressure on Cardiff.
Vermaelen - N/A - Came on for an injured Bendtner in the 89th minute, touched the ball three times.
This was a game in which Arsenal showed unwavering determination, bombarding the Cardiff half for most of the second half, shifting up the gears to an engine busting fifth, and it finally paid off.
It is also a game in which the substitutes made the difference. Not exactly inspired as Podolski was not delivering for Wenger today, and Flamini offered little beyond rigidness. Yet the introduction of Rosicky and Bendtner had the desired effect, both becoming extremely influential in this important Arsenal victory.
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