Arsenal's quest to finish in the top 4 is likely to be one fraught with tight matches and frayed nerves. So we should all relish those occasions where the team put on a professional display, and get a routine 3 points. The win over a moribund Reading side makes it 15 points from the last 18 for the Gunners.
Lukasz Fabianski - 7 – Had little to do, but was never less than solid. Made a decent save from Alex Pearce in the second-half.
Bacary Sagna - 7 – A solid comeback from injury. Always comfortable in defence, and augmented the attack nicely when coming forward.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – Unruffled performance from “the BFG”. Often in the right place to clear away Reading's crosses, and almost scored at the other end with a header that just flashed wide.
Laurent Koscielny – 7 – He appears to have rediscovered his excellent form from last season. Dealt with most things that came his way, and made a crucial tackle on Pavel Pogrebnyak that probably prevented a goal.
Nacho Monreal - 6 – He had a few issues dealing with Hal Robson-Kanu, and went ball-watching when the Reading man scored. The Spaniard hurt himself trying to defend the goal, and was substituted.
Mikel Arteta – 8 – One of Arteta's best displays this season. He received the necessary assistance from the rest of the midfield, which gave Arteta the freedom to control the midfield. He passed the ball brilliantly, and added the final goal from the penalty spot.
Aaron Ramsey - 7 – One lax backheel aside, Ramsey did an unsung job in the midfield, pressing the ball well, and causing Reading's players to concede possession throughout the game. Almost scored with a decent effort in the second-half.
Tomas Rosicky - 7 – He wasn't as effective on the ball as we've come to expect, but in conjunction with Ramsey, he never allowed Reading a moment's peace. It was one of the key aspects of Arsenal's strategy that led to the win.
Gervinho - 8 – So much of the Ivorian's display was the same old Gervinho. He failed to make the most of some promising opportunities, and snatched at some decent chances. But you can't really say that there was no end product today. After all, he scored the first goal, and assisted the second & third.
Olivier Giroud - 7 – Led the line impressively, often linking nicely with his midfield. For a while it looked like his goal drought in the Premier League would continue, but he put paid to that with a strong finish to make it 3-0.
Santi Cazorla – 9 – “Santi Claus” clearly enjoys playing against Reading. He was an absolute menace, buzzing around the final third, looking dangerous whenever he had the ball. He took his goal with real aplomb, which currently makes him Arsenal's top scorer in the league
SUBS
Lukas Podolski – n/a – A rare outing in the centre-forward position. Didn't see a lot of the ball.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – n/a – Always looked lively, with his first contribution being winning the penalty for Arteta's goal.
Kieran Gibbs – n/a – Came on for the injured Monreal. Did nothing wrong.
While Arsenal are unlikely to play any other teams who are as charitable as Reading were, they should feel pleased with the display. The win keeps the pressure on both Chelsea and Tottenham. And don't overlook the margin of victory. Goal difference could have a role to play in the race for the top 4.
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