Another week and another frustrating draw to start the season. Tony Pulis’ side were instructed to try and disrupt Arsenal’s fluid passing movement, especially in the final third, and they were successful for the most part.
Chances were created, most by the fantastic Santi Cazorla, but a lack of clinical finishing meant that Arsenal have not scored in the opening 180 minutes of the season.
Conversely, the back four were very impressive, Jenkinson in particular, as Stoke were reduced to sending long balls up to their forwards which Mertesacker and Vermaelen dealt with well.
Vito Mannone GK – Player rating: 6
Called upon due to an injured Szczesny, Don Vito was solid throughout and made some good saves in the first half. Was not really troubled in the second and apart from some poor distribution here and there, played well.
Carl Jenkinson RB – Player rating: 8
After his first season was blighted by injury, it looks as though Jenkinson has refined his skills at right back and was very impressive against Stoke. Brave in the tackle and strong going forward, overlapping Gervinho, Jenkinson has improved greatly from the raw talent we saw last season. A promising performance.
Per Mertesacker CB – Player rating: 7
An efficient and encouraging showing from the Big Friendly German. Used his height to challenge and eliminate Peter Crouch’s threat at set pieces and in open play. Stoke’s physical play did not faze him and put in a good shift.
Thomas Vermaelen CB – Player rating: 7
The captain formed a good partnership with Mertesacker as they were able to handle Stoke’s forward attacks with relative ease. As always, ventured forward on occasion but was unable to make a real impact in the opposing area.
Kieran Gibbs LB – Player rating: 7
It was clear that Wenger wanted to see how effectively Gibbs and Podolski could work down the left hand side and, during the first half, they linked up well and Arsenal enjoyed a lot of possession in that area of the field.
Defensively, Gibbs’ is improving all the time and, despite one worrying moment where Pennant was able to get passed him, was competent in stopping Stoke attacks.
Mikel Arteta MD – Player rating: 8
Arteta dropped back to assume the ‘Song’ role, as it were, and had a very efficient game. His calmness in pressure moments is key and he was never flustered, always made the right pass and quietly went about doing his job, as per usual. Had a good chance in the second half but, unfortunately, made an embarrassing hash of it.
Santi Cazorla MD – Player rating: 8
It is looking as though Wenger has found a real gem in Cazorla. The first half was his as he dictated the midfield and the pace of the game. Tested Begovic with a furious shot from 25 yards out. Less prominent in the second half, match fitness maybe still an issue.
Abou Diaby MD – Player rating: 6
Diaby didn’t have his strongest game as it looks like he is still trying to find his best form after a long period of time out. There were promising signs, though, and we all know he is capable of sublime moments. Fluffed a good chance in the second half after stumbling in the box.
Gervinho FW – Player rating: 6
Deployed on the right by Wenger this week and there were flashes of what he can do. Gervinho always gets into the right areas but never seems to know what to do with once there. There was one point where he and Jenkinson got in each other’s way just outside the Stoke penalty area which shouldn’t be happening at this level.
Lukas Podolski FW – Player rating: 6
Still doesn’t look very sharp. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, will find his form and sharpness. Linked up well with Gibbs on the left hand side but, once in the final third, was not able to offer a great deal.
Olivier Giroud FW – Player rating: 7
Again, looks a little rusty and needs to put in the hours on the training ground. As the game went on, though, grew in stature and used his physical presence to trouble Stoke’s back four. An absolutely audacious effort in the game’s dying moments. Looks to be getting close to full fitness and, when he is there, looks as though he will be very dangerous.
Subs
Theo Walcott for Gervinho FW – Player rating: 6
Was given space to run into by the Stoke defenders, just didn’t do a whole lot with it when in the final third (sound familiar?) Best moment was nutmegging their left-back.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Podolski FW – Player rating: 8
Looked very lively when he came on. Asked for the ball, drifted inside to collect it, seemed to buzzing around everywhere. Was not afraid to get stuck in, too, but it looked as though he was limping a bit at the final whistle.
Aaron Ramsey for Santi Cazorla MD – Player rating: 7
Must hate coming here to play after what Shawcross did to his leg three years ago. The Stoke fans showed their true class by booing when he was brought on. Was energetic and almost curled a shot into Begovic’s corner.
Yes, people will be critical that we have yet to score this season and people will cite the selling of van Persie as a reason why. But, we must gain some perspective and tell ourselves that it is only the second game of the season. A point from a trip to Stoke is no bad thing and we have to hope Giroud and Podolski shake off the rust and that we refocus quickly for the trip to Anfield next Sunday.
Latest:
