In a game that we would have dropped points from last season, we managed to hold on and come away from the DW Stadium with an important 3 points.
Wojciech Szczesny – 7 – made some good saves today and came away with a clean sheet. Only aspect of his game that needs to be improved is his kicking.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – he was caught out of position a couple of times today but overall, a good performance.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – another solid performance from the BFG. He made several, vital interceptions to stem Wigan’s attacks.
Thomas Vermaelen – 6 – decent performance, however he could have given away a penalty in the dying moments for a possible handball. Other than that, he played well.
Kieran Gibbs – 7 – as with Vermaelen, he could have given away a penalty late on for a possible handball. I felt that as though he played well today, however he needs to work on his crossing. He gets into such good positions but often wastes the chance.
Mikel Arteta – 7 – scored his 4th goal of the season after slotting away another penalty. I love his attitude, he leads by example. He should be captain in my opinion.
Jack Wilshere – 6 – he got booked for one of the best tackles you’ll see all season in the first half. As a result, it affected his game as he couldn’t play with his usual high intensity. He didn’t have as much as an impact as he did vs Reading, but this is largely due to high amount of bodies Wigan had in midfield.
Santi Cazorla – 6 – he was man marked out of the game today. Yes, he was involved in some nice link up play, but as with Jack, the amount of players Wigan had in midfield reduced the space he had to work in.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – my man of the match today. Every time he got on the ball he looked to go forward and create something. After signing a new long term contract midweek, I for one can say I am looking forward to watching him play in red & white for years to come.
Theo Walcott – 6 – after an impressive performance as a striker in the 5-2 win vs Reading, he didn’t have as much as an impact today. The 3 centre backs of Wigan closed him down quickly and he struggled to hold the ball up well. However, he was involved in some nice moves, one of which saw him win the penalty. SIGN DA TING!
Lukas Podolski – 6 – he seems to take one step forward and one step back. After an excellent performance vs Reading which saw him grab a goal and 2 assists, he failed to have any sort of impact today.
SUBS
Aaron Ramsey – 6 – came on for Oxlade-Chamberlain at right wing. I felt he played well, however he is a centre midfielder and is wasted on the wing.
Francis Coquelin – n/a – came on for Podolski at a crucial moment and was impressive. He put out the fires that were beginning to emerge, making some important tackles. His passing was also neat and tidy.
Laurent Koscielny – n/a – came on as a very late substitute to see the game out.
Arsenal aren’t at their best yet they manage to grind out the 3 points, “they played rubbish, very lucky.” Manchester United do the same, “The stuff of Champions, excellent!” People will complain at anything, personally I’m just happy to get the win.
Merry Christmas gooners!
Latest:
