The Game

Not the best of games from Arsenal but yet another big-scoreline win as we move on to the next round of the Carling Cup.

In every single department we were shaky with Johan Djourou again demonstrating how he is a long way off from reaching the fitness level required to play game after game, Denilson and Craig Eastmond bringing very little in terms of creativity in midfield and Carlos Vela failing to take advantage of a rare start.

Having said that, there are many positives to take away from the game. Besides Szczesny’s brilliant game, we can be more than satisfied with the three players who were returning from injury.

Laurent Koscielny had a faultless display at the back and Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott were superb in the offensive department, especially the Dane who was impressive from the first minute until he was substituted.

We move on to the last eight of a competition which is more and more demonstrating how after West Brom we mean business this season, in every game and every competition.

To conclude, I honestly wish Kieran Gibbs suffered no long-term injury. Many are not confident with Gael Clichy lately and Kieran was supposed to be the one to put some pressure on the Frenchman but unfortunately he suffers injuries whenever he’s called into action. Big shame.

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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

Szczesny: 8 – It would be harsh on Almunia and Fabianski if we are to close an eye on his mistake in the first half which could have easily led to a goal. But it’s also true he made sure to deny the Magpies from getting any hope late in the second half. Let’s face it, Wojciech was full of talking off the pitch but tonight he turned all of that into action.

Djourou: 5 – Again lost many and many battles at the back, embarrassing at times, especially in the air. Improved in the second half but a game lasts 90 minutes, not 45.

Koscielny: 8,5 – Welcome back Laurent. Considering this was his first game after the injury, he was rock solid, making no mistakes and showing that he’s ready for this weekend’s game.

Gibbs: No Vote – Big shame indeed, let’s hope it’s nothing serious for the poor kid.

Eboue: 6 – His decision-making in front of goal was very poor, he should have played more for the team in the final third.

Denilson and Eastmond: 5,5 – Two very similar players who failed to impress me. Way too many balls given away cheaply and no creativity at all in midfield as they spent most of the time passing the ball to each other without ever trying to pick up the strikers who were making some nice runs.

Rosicky: 6,5 – The only one who tried to invent for the offensive department. After only five minutes he produced a delicious through ball to Nicklas and made sure to be involved in almost all our offensive moves.

Vela: 4,5 – Made a couple of nice runs but still very predictable on the left. I insist on saying he should be loaned out to be given a proper run of games to improve.

Walcott: 8 – He was in an offside position for the first of his two goals but that aspect of the goal aside, Theo was formidable and glad to see him so clinical in front of goal.

Bendtner: 7,5 – As equally impressive was Nicklas who was full of energy from the first kick of the ball. If I were Robin van Persie I would be a little bit worried with these two, with Chamakh the second one of course.

(Subs)
Sagna: 6,5 – Good game and delivered some good crosses from the right.

Fabregas: 7 – Top class again from our captain who only needed 20 minutes to get involved and impress.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas: No Vote – Not enough time on the pitch to rate but he deserved more luck with that 1-2 with Theo towards the end as the backheel pass was superb, shame Theo didn’t return the pass.