Couldn't have gone any better could it? Right from the blast of Micheal Oliver's whistle the lads left no-one in doubt of their intentions on the day. In a matter of minutes Arsenal had already settled into a rythm of Crisp, intelligent interplay coupled with the kind of attacking impetus that you just knew could only translate into one result...Victory. It was all about setting the mode for the season with this game and even though Manchester City looked a pale shadow of their-self....(for whatever reason), no-one can say we did not succeed in sounding a warning to rivals that we mean business this year.
It was also another opportunity to bag more Silverware and engage in all that trophy winning pitch activities we have been so desperately starved of over the years..Champagne spraying, pictures and the likes... God knows i had grown tired of seeing us win trophies now...its getting booooring (LOL!)
So it ended 3-0 to us, Ok i had a hunch we'd win this game but certainly not by that margin. City defended poorly and up against a rampant front trio of Sanogo, Sanchez and Carzola, it turned out to be a rough afternoon for them indeed. Here's a player rating of how the players performed.
Szczesny-----------------------7 Szcz was his usual reliable self. Was tested a couple of times but responded competently. Its going to be a demanding season for the Pole, with a quality deputy like Ospina in the squad..he knows the margin for error has thinned. But today he was solid. Don't know if he enjoyed playing in short sleeves though...looked rather uncomfortable in it.
Debuchy-----------------------6 Made one crucial block in the first half to deny Nasri a clear shot, and despite a few dodgy moments in positioning worked hard all game. From what i observed he doesn't appear the quickest of players which when combined with his erratic positioning could be a source of worry but its still early season, hopefully fully fit he'll be much sharper.
Chambers----------------------7.5 Started the game a bit nervously as he was peppered by the experienced Kolarov a few times early in the first half, but as the game went on, he completely dominated his area and showed maturity beyond his age. Impressive marking, speed and anticipation too. Good buy Arsene.
Koscielny-----------------------6.5 Still some distance from full match fitness and it showed as Jovetic got the better of him twice in the first half.Quick Recovery when beaten is usually one of Kos's strong points but Chambers it was that had to cover his ass today. Still he showed his experience to frustrate Dzeko, when the striker was put through on goal in the first-half.
Gibbs:---------------------------7.5 Everytime this guy goes down, i break out in sweat. In my opinion probably the most crucial ingredient in terms of how we play out from the left-side. A sound player who i try to fault game-in game-out but can't. His overlapping is great, his defending (primary role) is brilliant, and today again he was fantastic. Opposing wingers find him difficult to beat and if he wasn't so injury prone, i'd say he's probably the best English left-back in the division.
Arteta:----------------------------6.5 The Newly appointed captain was his usual self, doing his midfield job quietly and efficiently. My opinion is that we still need a DM, if we are going to have a solid Midfield that is strong enough to battle the best in Europe and the EPL. This isn't intended as a dig on Arteta who always does a good job for us, but i observed his pace is really reduced and in his position you need lots of that.
Ramsey:--------------------------8 The most Dangerous arsenal player within and around the box. This guy will continue to kill teams because no-one truly knows the depth of brilliance he can produce at any time. The little touch to completely out fox 2 City defenders before firing in the 2nd goal was just wonderful...if you haven't seen it, you need to..
Wilshere--------------------------7 Jack was great going forward and always had that eye for the pass. I saw him doing quite a lot of deep lying defensive play, but it only exposed him to crunchy tackles and I'm not sure Wenger should be using him there. I like seeing him smack in the middle of the park collecting the ball and running at the defenders of opponents. He was involved in the first goal by Carzola and had an overall good game.
Carzola----------------------------7.5 Took his goal quite brilliantly and was a constant thorn in the City backline. Looks in good form which is ominous for our opponents. Should have had an assist when his exquisite pass to Sanogo was fluffed by the young french man.
Sanchez----------------------------6.5 Showed glimpses of what he can do on the flanks with his constant running. Our Counter attacks with this guy and Theo on a good day should be deadly. The boss described him as an exciting prospect, and i cant agree more.
Sanogo ----------------------------7 The enigma that is Yaya Sanogo. I find this guy rather confusing to analyze. His finishing is wayward but his strength and awkward style of play is a nightmare for defenders. In the game, his highlights were providing the assist for Ramsey, Missing a sitter after Carzola served him a chance on a platter of gold,then battering everyone in City's backline like a bull and trying to do a bit of everything. He needs to improve the timing of his runs though, as he gets caught offside a bit to often. If this guy can refine his game, become more clinical and install a gps in his head to help him locate the goal post....what a player we would have.
SUBS:
Monreal------------------------------7 Showed some much needed versatility in CB position and didn't look troubled which is some credit to the man.
Flamini--------------------------------6 Came in to tighten things up when we began to get a bit dominated in midfield in the 2nd half.
Rosicky-------------------------------6 Introduced at a time when the game was already won. Didn't need to do much other than help us keep possession and steady the ship.
Campbell------------------------------6 I was personally disappointed at his late introduction to the game and i suspect he was too. Would have loved to see more of his game. Didn't have the time to make an impression but hopefully will get another chance.
Olade chamberlain---------------------6 Didn't do much of note when introduced, but could claim the assist for Giroud's piledriver. Massive season for him to stamp his authority in squad.
Giroud---------------------------------7 Well ,i hold my hands up and say i knocked the decision to bring him in place of Sanogo who was tearing the City back room to shreds. But he responded with a goal of the highest quality, powering home a blistering shot from 30 yards. Beautiful goal it was but then after that he did nothing else in the game. Look Giroud is Giroud, you wont get pace or skill from him in large amounts. But if you want a real battering power forward who will put his heart on the line for the group...he's your man.
So we did the job on City and now look forward to Crystal palace next weekend. Confidence will no doubt be high and hopefully with further new signings to come and the Germans set to return...we can have a great start to the real business ahead.
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