Well, on the plus side, we scored two goals and looked dangerous going forward. Conversely, the defensive issues still remain as we let a two goal lead slip. A draw is just about OK as we stayed one point behind Schalke with two games to play.
Vito Mannone – 8 - Don Vito had a very good game in goal making a number of important saves. The goals were not his fault and proved again that he is an excellent shot stopper.
Bacary Sagna – 8 - Isn’t it good to have Sagna back? Not that Carl Jenkinson was playing badly but Sagna is world class. A strong performance from the Frenchman and he effectively shut down Schalke’s attacks from the left.
Laurent Koscielny – 7 - Brought in at centre back as Vermaelen was moved to left back and Kos did well enough. Maybe a bit slow to react for Schalke’s first but looked assured on the ball and his forays forward provided the team with some drive.
Per Mertesacker – 6 - Some sloppy clearances from the BFG and his touch didn’t look very good either. Sometimes gave the ball back to the Germans in dangerous positions.
Thomas Vermaelen – 4 - Moved out to left back and his poor form continued as he struggled with the pacey and tricky Jefferson Farfan. Was all over the place for Schalke’s second goal and ended up poking the ball into his own net. Looks to be having a real confidence crisis and his play has been poor for too long.
Mikel Arteta – 7 - Was his usual industrious self. Maybe looking a little tired and leggy from all the distance he covers every game. As always, kept play ticking along and helped out defensively too.
Jack Wilshere – 7 - I thought that this was Jack’s best game since his return. It appears that he and Cazorla are starting to develop an understanding as evidenced with the build up play to our second goal. More of this please. Still needs a few more games until he is totally up to scratch.
Santi Cazorla – 6 -
A few flashes of brilliance but gave away the ball too often and, like Arteta, looked tired. Always puts in a good shift, though, and looked for the ball and to play the right passes.
Lukasz Podolski – 7 - A much better performance from Podolski following his anonymity in recent games. Worked hard all game and set up Giroud’s goal with a lovely cross from the left.
Theo Walcott – 7 - Got the start ahead of Ramsey and got a goal, too, which will help his case for a regular starting role. Fluffed a chance to win it at the death when one on one with the keeper, though. Was busy on the wing but some of his crossing was poor.
Olivier Giroud – 7 - Bagged his first Champions League goal after working really hard to shift the ball out to Podolski who set it up. What I like about Giroud is that he always puts in a shift and always throws about his big physique. We grew tired in the second half but he kept trying to win balls in the air. Good man.
A point will have to do but Wenger will have to make sure that qualification is assured with a victory over Montpellier at home later this month. For now, though, time to focus on the positives (goals!) and prepare for Fulham’s visit on Saturday as we look to get our league campaign back on track.
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