Only Arsenal could make you feel nervous when holding a 4-0 lead. However, they managed to see it out and come away from the Madejski stadium with 3 points. Despite the fact “it was only Reading”, I felt the team played really well tonight. Besides , you can only beat what is in front of you.
Wojciech Szczesny – 7 – decent game from the big Pole. He couldn’t really do much about any of the goals due to sloppy defending. I felt he dealt well with crosses tonight.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – the most consistent player in the team? I hope that the talk of him leaving in the summer is incorrect because he is certainly worth holding on to.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – a solid performance from the BFG. His composure on the ball is outstanding – which probably explains why he has the second highest pass completion rate in the league.
Thomas Vermaelen – 7 – made some vital interceptions to prevent what would have been certain goals. I feel as though he is adapting to the captaincy with every game he plays.
Kieran Gibbs – 8 – the only error he made tonight proved to be costly, as he gave the ball away which led to one of their goals. However, other than that, I was impressed. He gets forward so well, and that was emphasised by his two assists tonight.
Mikel Arteta – 7 – a much better performance from the Spaniard. I felt as though he showed more urgency in his passing, helping to keep the tempo going. He also made more ambitious, forward passes tonight which went down well.
Jack Wilshere – 8 – easy to see why he has been offered a new 5 year deal. His passing and forward runs were excellent as per usual. However, one of my favourite things about Jack is the way he goes into tackles. 100% commitment.
Santi Cazorla – 10 – hat trick hero! His best performance in an Arsenal shirt yet? With 3 goals and 1 assist, he has surely staked a claim for the best individual display this season. Everything he did oozed class, and for large parts of the game he was unplayable.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – much better from the Ox. After coming under criticism in recent weeks, he impressed vs West Brom and again tonight. His pace was a constant threat and he might have nicked a goal tonight.
Theo Walcott – 8 – in what was his first start as a striker for a number of years, he was really impressive tonight. His scintillating pace enables us to hit teams on the counter reminiscent of past Arsenal teams. As well as grabbing a nice goal, his off the ball work was also good. SIGN DA TING!
Lukas Podolski – 8 – he looked like a completely different player to the one who played against Bradford last Tuesday. He opened the scoring with a well taken goal, as well as providing 2 good assists. It’s easy to see why Wenger plays him on the wing with the crossing ability he has on that left foot.
SUBS
Aaron Ramsey – 7 – looked bright when he came on. He got stuck in and made some good runs surging forward. His passing was also sharp, and he could have had an assist we’d have been a bit more clinical. Much better display.
Francis Coquelin – n/a – didn’t really see much of the ball but looked bright.
Olivier Giroud – n/a – not fit enough to start after recovering from a back injury picked up against West Brom. He was a late sub and as a result didn’t see much of the ball.
A comprehensive victory, ignoring a brief 5 minute spell. As a result, Arsenal climb up to 5th, 2 points behind Spurs and Chelsea. However, with a win against Wigan, they could be up to 3rd.
Same starting XI on Saturday anyone?
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