What can I say? One of THE greatest football matches I have ever seen.
In a night that saw us go behind 4-0 and Marouane Chamakh get a brace it can be safe to say, you will never see anything like this again.
Due to the fact we deservedly went 4-0 behind so early on, every player deserves the same low rating for their disappointing first half performance so I will only be doing the ratings from half time onwards.
Damian Martinez – 7 – Couldn’t really do much about any of the goals other than the one he palmed into the back of his own net. However, in the second half he looked reinvigorated. Made some good saves and looked more confident. He looks quite promising for the future.
Carl Jenkinson – 8 – You could see the Arsenal fan inside of him fighting for every second ball, determined not to lose this match. A solid performance from someone who will be a regular with the first team in the not too distant future. Also scored his first goal for the club!
Johan Djourou – 6 – Didn’t look confident all game. I tried to give him another chance coming into the game tonight but he didn’t impress. He’s alright for a 4th choice centre back but he won’t be troubling for a starting position at all.
Laurent Koscielny – 7 – Firstly, I’m going to say I’m a big fan of Koscielny. However, this was probably his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt. Jason Roberts had the better of him all night and he didn’t look very assured. Regardless of what he would concede himself as a poor match he scored one of the goals and made a vital interception which led to the all important 6th.
Ignasi Miquel – 7 – Pretty solid from the Spaniard. Feel as though he lacks the pace needed to play left back but I think his preferred position as centre back would suit him more.
Emmanuel Frimpong – 6 - Decent performance from Frimmers. One thing to bare in mind is that he is still searching for match fitness after his long term injury which would explain why he was subbed off early in the second half.
Francis Coquelin – 8 – Really impressed by Francis today. I didn’t know he had that much in his locker but he kept going for the entire 120 minutes and ran the midfield. His passing was crisp and yet again crunching in the tackle.
Andrey Arshavin – 8 – A good performance from our little Russian. At times frustrating yet however played a pivotal part in the victory. Played some nice passes and I was impressed at how long he kept going for.
Theo Walcott – 9 – Would’ve been a hat trick hero if it wasn’t for some poor officiating. However, 2 goals and 3 assists isn’t too bad. His first goal just before half time was a cool finish that gave us hope going into the break. Made some dazzling runs through the middle that will surely help him stake his claim for a starting place this weekend.
Marouane Chamakh – 7.5 – Never thought I’d say this but, he took his goals very well. Worked hard for the team also however would still like to see him more involved. He was non existent for large periods of the game.
Serge Gnabry – 7 – He didn’t really get the necessary service he required that he thrives on but when he did boy did he make an impact. Played on the left today and always looked to be his man. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but otherwise a good performance from a very promising youngster.
SUBS
Olivier Giroud – 8 – Along with Eisfeld, he completely changed the game when he came on. He took his goal very nicely and was a constant threat. He also did his defensive duties by getting back to head clear on numerous occasions. Possibly the confidence boost he needed for him to get a start against United on Saturday.
Thomas Eisfeld – 8 – Wow. He was immense when he came on tonight. I believe Wenger bought him in January for £100,000 and that is looking to be a bargain now. For someone so small and young, he was very composed on the ball. Linked up well with the attackers and could have got on the score sheet. I think we’ve got a serious player on our hands with him.
Jermaine Meade – 7 – Never seen him play before and I struggled to spot him when he came on (he’s so small!). He needed to settle into the game quickly to help the team see the game off. Look confident on the ball and did his defensive duties well. He got almost got broken in two at one point but too his credit got straight back onto his feet.
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