The Game

Finally!

There was a moment where I thought this was going to end 1-1 but the lads were brave enough to hold on and glad to see the strikers helping out in defence when we were under pressure.

Of course this could have easily ended 4-0 or 5-0, but as I said above, it could also have easily ended in a draw. For sure, is that this win will be a morale booster ahead of next week’s away trip to Anfield.

And Chelsea lost.

Match Video Highlights

Match video highlights are available in the Videos section of our website. If not there yet, rest assured they will be up in a matter of hours.

Player Ratings

Almunia: 5 – One of the few who didn’t convince me today, very, very insecure in dealing with high balls.

Traore: 7,5 – I’ve said it in the past, he’s a beast going forward, maybe better than Clichy and Gibbs. His only weakness is when defending has to be done but he dealt with that pretty well today.

Gallas: 7,5 – Incredibly solid at the back. He used all his experience to keep Stoke away, let’s just hope it’s just a minor injury the one he suffered in the end.

Vermaelen: 7 – Also did well, very quick to clear the danger and good in the air as well.

Sagna: 7,5 – Nothing went passed him at the back. If he improves his crossing ability, he’ll be a monster of a player.

Rosicky: No Vote – Very disappointing game from the Czech International and Wenger said he suffered an injury so that could be the reason for his anonymous display, no fair to rate him.

Denilson: 5,5 – It’s an average rating this one. His first half, which I would rate a 4 was shocking but he did well in the second, for which he deserves a 6.5. For sure is that he’s NOT the answer to replace Alex Song but then again, if not the Brasilian, who?

Eboue: 6,5 – I think he did pretty well. He was causing Stoke all sort of damage in midfield with his runs.

Nasri: 7,5 – He clearly is back, fully recovered from injury and glad to see.

Fabregas: 6 – A so-and-so game for the captain. Everyone can miss a penalty of course, but he was easily dispossessed in the first quarter of the game and looked frustrated. He recovered as the game went on.

Arshavin: 7,5 – Finally up front! I lost my voice calling for Andrey to start as a striker and this confirmed HE is the one who should replace Robin. If I am to be picky, he failed to make the most of two clear chances, but glad to see him back to almost his best.

(Subs)
Vela: 6,5 – Quiet start but didn’t stay put, dropped deeper and deeper, enough to produce a brilliant tackle to start the move which led to the so-important second goal.

Ramsey: 7 – Second goal which was scored by Aaron, and I’m so glad to see him put City behind him and produce such an amazing display. Great goal, great finish!

Silvestre: No Vote – Only five minutes for the Frenchman.