The Game

It wasn’t spectacular or breathtaking from Arsenal but a 1-3 away win against a determined Partizan side will go down as a very good result.

There are a lot of positives we can take from the game such as the brilliant performance in goal by Lukasz Fabianski, the back-to-normal Arshavin who was the key to our win and also a tired-looking Marouane Chamakh who however still managed to get on the scoresheet.

But there were also some worrying signs such as the two penalties we gave away with some very bad defending or decisions and also the shocking game by Alex Song who I’m afraid needs to be dropped for the game against Chelsea. One of our most influential players last season, Alex has been incredibly poor in his last couple of games and needs a wake up call before he turns into a liability in midfield.

Lukasz Fabianski deserves a word or two as well of course. I didn’t like how he left his goal when Bacary Sagna had the situation under control as that was so much like Chelsea in the F.A. Cup. But I’m happy he produced two brilliant saves to keep the score 1-3. Was this the game which finally turns Lukasz into a world class goalkeeper? No, of course not, but he needed it, that’s for sure.

All in all, I am very satisfied with the win, it was just what we needed before the big game at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. Belgrade is not an easy place to clinch a win from and we now move to six points in the group, a big leap forward towards qualification.

To conclude with, whether you agree with my ratings or not, submit your own at Arsenal Interactive and make sure to share them on Twitter and Facebook.

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

Fabianski: 8 – He twice left his goal for no reason at all but he was superb in denying Partizan first from the penalty kick and then late into the game. I’m happy for him, I seriously am, this game will do him a lot of good. Tough decision for Wenger on who to start with in goal against Chelsea.

Squillaci: 6,5 – Some shaky moments in the first part of the game but settled down as the match went on and scored the important third goal which put the game to bed.

Djourou: 6 – Still not convinced with Johan, some of the decisions he takes are not good and way too often caught on the back foot.

Gibbs: 7 – He had a brilliant game, especially in the first half, he was a beast on the left. But twice lost his focus in the final part of the game, first allowing a Partizan player to easily win the ball without really challenging him and then the penalty he gave away which from what I understand was outside the penalty box.

Sagna: 6 – Bacary also had some very bad moments back there especially with his positioning but was ultimately solid, surely much better than WBA.

Song: 4 – Poor, very poor. Too many misplaced passes and no discipline in midfield. He needs a wake up call and starting from the bench against Chelsea could be it.

Denilson: 7 – Excellent game for the Brasilian but questions will be asked on what was he thinking when he opted to control the ball with his arm in the first half.

Rosicky: 6 – A so-and-so game from the Czech. Pretty much anonymous but delivered a brilliant cross for Marouane’s head.

Wilshere: 7 – Top class first half, our best player alongside Arshavin. He did fade away a little in the second half but still a very good game – yet again – from the 18-year old.

Arshavin: 8 – This is the Arshavin I know. Was a true leader in the first half, involved in almost all our moves. I don’t really care about the missed penalty, anyone can miss from the spot but I do care about his attitude. Keep it going for Sunday Andrey!

Chamakh: 7 – Looked tired, as I said in the introduction, but still managed to do well up front, helping the midfield and of course scoring the very important third goal.

(Subs)
Vela: 6 – Good game. Produced some nice runs and was willing to help the defensive department.

Nasri: 6,5 – Involved in all our moves towards the end of the game, a nice little warm-up ahead of Chelsea.

Clichy: No Vote – Too little to rate.