The Game

Let’s face it. After Sunday, this is just what we needed. Not really the ease with which we won the game but featuring in a game with no pressure at all which is indeed the best way to “bounce back” from the season’s most disappointing chapter.

Contrary to Brisbane Road, Leyton Orient did show today why they are a Football League One side and it was nice to see their players and team members with a smile on their face after the final whistle, clearly happy for playing at one of Europe’s most important stadium.

As for us, there is a lot of positive to take from the game. Nicklas Bendtner did not disappoint when asked to deliver and with the news that Robin van Persie will be out for three weeks, it’s of course the Dane’s task to take over. And, although this was “just” Leyton Orient, we should consider ourselves delighted with his performance.

Abou Diaby also did well. Just like Nicklas he needed to deliver and I believe he didn’t disappoint. His fantastic run in the 49th minute of the game for which he deserved to score clearly showed why he brings something different to the midfield. Having said that, minutes before this aforementioned run, Abou showed the area where I feel he is still to improve: the final third.

There were occasions tonight where he was in a position where he had to improvise, he had to be more creative, but failed to. It seems that when no player is available to play a one-two with or to lay it off easily, he panics, always trying to dribble his way past his markers which unfortunately usually results in losing possession. There, that is the only area in which the Frenchman has to improve but if he does, he will be a beast in midfield.

Also brilliant in midfield was Tomas Rosicky. I have no idea what happened to him and it seems replays also failed to pick the reason of his injury so it will be interesting to understand what happened to the Czech who looked dizzy, when taken off. His game was top class, the one who assisted Marouane for the first goal and also the one who won the ball which started the move for our third.

And to conclude, Marouane Chamakh also produced a fine display, making himself available for quick one-twos and of course giving us the lead with a well-taken effort. Still reluctant to shoot the Moroccan but today’s game will give him confidence.

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

Almunia: 6 – It seems impossible to have Manuel in goal with no mistakes to talk about after the game. Made a very good save in stoppage time to keep the score five nil but one must wonder what he was thinking on minute 44 when he left his goal the way he did.

Miquel: 6 – Not much to do back there but some bad moments for the youngster such as the way he completely lost Dean Cox right after we took the lead with the Leyton striker missing the target.

Squillaci: 6 – Not at his best as he let Charlie Daniels twist and turn before crossing it for Dean Cox in the above-mentioned move. I’m afraid our central pair could have done better, especially when you consider they had very, very little to do.

Gibbs: 7,5 – Very good game from Kieran, the one to deliver for Nicklas’ head for our second and of course won the penalty after a brilliant run down the left.

Eboue: 6 – Some good runs on the right from Emmanuel but left his wing exposed a lot, especially in the second half.

Henderson: 5 – Arsene Wenger’s surprise name in the starting line-up felt the pressure as he was nervous and gave away possession in more than one occasion.

Denilson: 7 – Cool, calm and collected in midfield. Also not shy to try his luck from distance such as when on minute 47 he did well to create the necessary space to unleash a powerful shot which unfortunately was too close to the keeper.

Diaby: 7 – Meant business straight away Abou with his early shot blocked by the goalkeeper and went on to enjoy a very good performance including the great run I mentioned above for which he indeed deserved to get on the scoresheet.

Rosicky: 7,5 – As I said in the introduction, Tomas responded well after Sunday’s very poor game as he was very lively before giving way to Samir.

Bendtner: 9 – Perfect game from the Dane who as I said in the introduction was asked to deliver and deliver he did.

Chamakh: 7,5 – Finally showing the same form he showed at the start of the season, let’s just hope he can keep it up.

(Subs)
Clichy: 6,5 – In my preview I asked for Kieran to play in this position but I must say I was happy to see Gael get a chance up there as he scored with a strike any striker would have been proud of.

Nasri and Wilshere: 6 – Quiet game for our regular midfielders with Samir who went close to score in the dying minutes of the game.