The Game

Let’s face it, it was yet another disappointing overall performance from Arsenal tonight but also understandable considering what we were playing for.

Right from the start one could feel the tension in the air as we struggled to impose ourselves in the early part of the game. Almost all our moves were coming from the right with Samir and Bacary combining well but delivering no end product. Andrey Arshavin – having what could easily be described as his worst game in an Arsenal shirt – was kept quiet on the other wing and when we finally managed to move it to the centre, Marouane Chamakh was incredibly disappointing with his executions.

Incidentally, the more the game went on – especially in the first half – the more I realised how much we miss Cesc when we’re struggling, maybe the only who can produce that killing pass for the strikers.

As for the rest, the worrying situation at the heart of our defence is increasing with every game and brave is the one who can predict the starting duo for Monday’s big game at Old Trafford. Laurent Koscielny’s attempt to anticipate Cleo who went on to score was yet another sign that the Frenchman is still far from being a finished product.

Having said that, I’m extremely happy for reaching the knockout stage for the eleventh consecutive season which is quiet an achievement. Winning was of course the most important thing and we managed to do it. The Champions League will be back in February with Bacary Sagna to miss the first game through suspension.

One funny argument which could come out of this is whether the players actually knew that Braga were down and out as I’m not sure if it’s illegal to deliver the score of the other game to the players. But anyway, losing Bacary is a big, big blow considering how solid he’s been so far.

As always, 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: 7 – Poor distribution with his feet, unlucky to concede and brilliant in keeping his cool when Partizan stepped it up a gear or two after finding the equaliser.

Koscielny and Squillaci: 5,5 – I have to admit I’m very worried with our central pair. Again very shaky in certain occasions with these two, I’m afraid, with still a lot of work to do to improve the chemistry between them.

Gibbs: No Vote – Poor Kieran simply cannot play a full game without suffering any injuries. In an interview I saw not long ago on TV he said how frustrating it can be not to play, to be out injured, so let’s hope it’s not a serious one this time.

Sagna: 7 – Top class game, incredibly solid but the foul was a foolish one considering the scoreline.

Denilson: 5 – Too many balls given away cheaply and too slow to recover his position after losing the ball. Nothing new, that is.

Song: 5,5 – As equally poor was Song tonight who also was guilty of giving the ball away in a number of occasions. Credit, however, for his quick feet for Samir’s third goal.

Nasri: 8 – If something had to happen out there it had to come from his feet. Incredibly sharp on and off the ball and yet again on target. Keep it up, Monsieur.

Van Persie: 6 – On and off game for the Dutchman who won and converted the first half penalty but still rusty with his passing game.

Arshavin: 3 – Shocking game from the Russian who failed even in the most basic things. Are two games in quick succession too much for who is supposed to be one of the most influential players of the team?

Chamakh: 4,5 – Again showing that he is to be more adventurous and more confident in front of goal. Just like Fulham, the Moroccan looked tired and out of sorts out there, not a good sign ahead of Monday’s big game.

(Subs)
Eboue: 6 – Formidable run in the 33rd minute showing how good he can be when surging forward and an overall good game from the Ivory Coast International.

Walcott: 6,5 – Came on and scored one of the most important goals of the season. Should have done better to convert Nicklas’ perfect through pass.

Bendtner: No Vote – Fifteen minutes for the big Dane who produced a fantastic through ball to Theo who unfortunately failed to pick up Robin else it would have been the fourth.