Details
fShare

Fantastic result for Arsenal which takes them above West Ham in the league. 2 v 1 seems to be the score of the moment for the two North London clubs. The two sides go toe to toe at the moment with Arsenal coming out on top in time for the Southampton game on New Year's Day. A game that could put them into the top four.

The formation 4-2-3-1 worked well for them last year and, with Coquelin coming in to support Flamini in front of the back four and playing very well, may do so again for the rest of the season. With the offensive line of Cazorla and Alexis and Oxlade Chamberlain giving West Ham all sorts of trouble today it was an excellent display and result against an extremely dangerous side away from home.

The main reason the Arsenal defense felt more solid throughout was due to the return of Koscielny who gives the team an added level of stability. He played well most of the game in his first match back in the fold. Despite all that they still let West Ham back in to the game in the second half and they had a penalty shout and a free kick in injury time just like the QPR game. It felt like deja vu.

With Chelsea and Manchester City and Manchester United and Spurs all dropping points today Arsenal had a fantastic day overall but all the arguments of my prior article about them making life difficult for themselves still apply. At least they had all eleven players on the park this time though.

So 2 v 1 to the Arsenal could become the new "Song" who played very well as captain of West ham today, incidentally, if Spurs don't claim it first!

If Koscielny is now back long term it will provide more solidity at the back and Coquelin's new role could help to solidify the defensive side of their game. He particularly managed to nullify Stuart downing's influence in the West Ham team and that is very positive for him and Arsenal for the future.

The influence of Alexis, though, must not be understated. His work rate and ability is phenomenal and as long as he is playing well Arsenal have a chance to win every game. With the likes of Walcott and Ozil to return, and Podolski waiting to come on when required, Arsenal do have a good chance, this season, to win the fourth place trophy again.



Follow Arsenal Latest on TwitterRSS FeedArsenal Latest news on FacebookSubscribe by email

fShare

Comments  

#4 Julious 2014-12-30 10:51
Must not get carried away by latest results, we are still only one injury away from disaster. Despite his criticism Mers has been reliable, if not outstanding. If he and injury prone Kor were out, how would we cope with four full backs as defenders? Must purchase one good central defender at least, and a solid holding midfielder. For Mr. Wenger it is make or break time in the transfer window. Forth position is OK providing we obtain another trophy somehow, other wise!!!
#3 Porpor 2014-12-30 04:06
Coqelin and Flamini were outplayed (bullied) by Song and Koyoute in midfield imo. And Song didn't have tgat good of a game; he kept giving the ball away. Evidently, central midfield is the area Wenger really to focus in January and I can only hope that he makes at least 2 signings to cover this position.
+1 #2 John Ndedigwe 2014-12-29 01:01
Attacking department has improved with Sanchez working like a a jackey but the defence department need further tightening. There is no doubt Arsenal is a good team but occasional lack of concentration and wrong changes cost the team very valuable points. On good day Arsenal can remain unbeaten for long stretch of matches. The defence department needs solid defenders with good anticipation and ball sence.
#1 John Ndedigwe 2014-12-29 00:23
Good performance. Can be better if sustained for the Southampton new year match. The defence department could be tightened further. Southampton players are tall and make good use of their heads a lot. Koscielny coming back is welcome news.
  • You are here:  
  • Home
  • Match Report
  • Arsenal have taken a leaf out of the Spurs book