Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory against Coventry City in the FA Cup fourth round tie at the Emirates.
Lukas Podolski opened the scoring with a trademark left-footed strike after compatriot Mesut Ozil slotted him in. Podolski scored again soon after, putting the Gunners 2-0 up going into half time with a clinical header. After a second half with a few Coventry scares, substitutes Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla put Arsenal into the fifth round of England’s prestigious domestic trophy.
Lukasz Fabianski – 7 - The Polish keeper had little to do tonight, his trusty centre backs shielding him from any potential slip-ups. Bar a shaky moment at the start of the second half and a much needed save in the 49th minute, it was a confident performance by the Pole in Goal.
Carl Jenkinson – 7 - The young heir to Sagna’s throne put in a show at right-back today, the lower league opposition giving him license to bomb down the wing regularly. Whipping in dangerous crosses, Jenkinson gave his attackers the opportunity to score throughout the game.
Per Mertesacker - 7 - The BFG was solid at the back tonight, reading the game well to shut out the Coventry attackers throughout the game. Extending his clean sheet record with Laurent Koscielny, he contributed up front as well, heading on a corner to the far post for Podolski’s second of the night.
Laurent Koscielny – 6 - A strong, yet underwhelming performance from the ever-consistent centre back tonight, his understanding with Mertesacker lapsing slightly when Coventry forward Leon Clarke was allowed sight of goal in the 49th minute. Despite the error in communication, it was a good effort from the French defender tonight.
Kieran Gibbs – 6 - After suffering with injury in the past few weeks, Gibbs slotted back into the side seamlessly. However, his attacking performance shone through tonight more than his defending, the English left-back being constantly caught out of position and giving Ozil more defensive work to do. The highlight of his performance came with his pinpoint pass for Olivier Giroud’s late strike.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 - The return of ‘The Ox’ couldn’t have come at a better time for Arsenal, Wenger allowing the midfielder to roam the centre of the field against Coventry. Spraying balls to both wings, he looked to get on the ball as much as he could tonight. Despite his defensive duties subsiding him after allowing Clarke to hit the post in the 56th minute, the Englishman has cemented given Wenger a selection headache for the next game.
Jack Wilshere – 7 - The creative lynchpin drove forward constantly tonight, making space to allow him to create opportunities for his teammates. Sending through endless balls, it was a shame that he has not got an assist to his name tonight. This came at a cost however, his defensive work was shaky, allowing Coventry to utilise the space in the middle of the pitch during the second half.
Serge Gnabry – 5 - What can be described as a performance in the mould of “Ozil LITE” the young attacker looked comfortable on the ball, linking up with his teammates at every opportunity he could get. Despite this, he failed to make a huge impact on the game, but will learn the more he plays.
Mesut Ozil –7 -Arsenal’s record signing looked sharp in the middle of the park today, his deep presence showing his desire to work for the team. However, his attacking nous came in handy, his lively performance resulting in a trademark assist for compatriot Podolski. Unlucky not to score himself, Ozil worked tirelessly tonight and was one of the team’s key men.
Lukas Podolski – 8 - The German forward put forward a case to lead the line for the Gunners, a crisp finish with his left foot in the first half followed by an uncharacteristic header put his side in control of the game. Creating chances for his fellow teammates as well as looking to complete a hat trick, it was a fantastic performance by Podolski and he took his opportunity to show what he could do.
Nicklas Bendtner – 5 - Fan dubbed ‘Super Nick’ didn’t look the part at all tonight, fluffing every chance that came to him, despite getting into the positions to do so. Dragging shots wide and losing the ball out of his feet constantly, Bendtner has had a night to forget.
SUBS
Santi Cazorla – N/A - Santi Cazorla continued his fine form from off the bench tonight, helping to initiate Giroud’s late strike. To put the icing on the top of the cake, he got on the score sheet himself, capitalising on the strong Arsenal pressure that led to a loose ball in the box, needing a Spanish magician to whack it into the net and put Arsenal 4-0 up.
Gedion Zelalem – N/A - Becoming the first player to play under Arsène Wenger who was born after he started his tenure at the club was slight pressure tonight and was a fact that overshadowed the young German’s performance tonight. Unable to find his feet, Zelalem should not be disheartened and continue to strive towards the first team.
Olivier Giroud – N/A - Despite coming on late, Olivier Giroud managed to get himself into an area he has controlled so well this season. After a Kieran Gibbs cross, the French presence up front rocketed a left-footed strike into the net to put the result beyond Coventry’s reach.
Overall, it was an impressive performance by Arsenal, the Gunners always looking in control and like they would win the game. It gives the team great motivation going forward and the confidence to face anyone in the next round of the FA Cup.
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