What a great day to start a new week. Well, it's raining in my area at the moment, but I bet that most of the Arsenal fans would be very happy after our 6-0 display at the Emirates Stadium. Yesterday's result between Fulham and Manchester United might have added some icing to the cake huh.
Ah, The Final Thoughts on last Saturday's game. Firstly, apologies to all The Arsenal Press readers for the delay of this important section. Unstable connection at home is to be blamed though. Anyway, the game is rid of any poor moments for the Arsenal, hence there will only be two categories involved.
The Positives
His first goal was made by Arshavin but he took it first time. His second was a result of good movement, twisting and turning, followed by a superb first time shot. His third was even better and reminded me of Henry, albeit scoring from the right side instead of Henry's favourite left side. Walcott utilised his weaker foot to full effect, curling into the far corner. No doubt, he was absolutely "unplayable" as Holloway would put it.
Song was basically Song. Whether he's the defensive midfielder or the centreback, his game is just the same. Making interceptions, heading the ball to safety, tackling, man-marking and closing down. Who wouldn't remember his trademark turn and quick feet? He did just all that against Blackpool. A solid partnership was formed with Vermaelen and grew throughout the game. Why can't we have a few more Alex Songs in our team? Then we wouldn't have to worry about defenders and defensive midfielders!
The Moroccan made his first contribution in the game by bringing Arshavin his first penalty chance. One could also remember the moment when he missed a sitter (which would require only a tap in but he sky-rocketed his shot) after Arshavin's perfect pass into the box. But luckily enough, his trademark header was enough to open his Emirates Stadium account with ease.
But somehow, I just feel that playing him as a lone striker isn't really that effective. His full potential can be exploited if he has a striking partner alongside him. I am very sure that Wenger will be looking at this seriously to add to his team's clinical side of the game. Crucial indeed.
Overall, it was an exciting one-sided game with a long-awaited huge scoreline at the Emirates Stadium. Blackpool did threaten our defence earlier on and almost managed to surprise us, but our movement and passing proved to be too much for the new boys.
Credit to Holloway though for persisting with his version of attacking football instead of opting the "To beat Arsenal, you must be a thug" way of playing against us. Till then, The Arsenal Press signing off.
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Ah, The Final Thoughts on last Saturday's game. Firstly, apologies to all The Arsenal Press readers for the delay of this important section. Unstable connection at home is to be blamed though. Anyway, the game is rid of any poor moments for the Arsenal, hence there will only be two categories involved.
The Positives
Walcott the hat trick hero...
Theo Walcott was easily the man of the match. Like Messi said, Theo's pace can frighten any defence in the world. But in the Blackpool match, Theo's pace was not only the main talking point. His movement, positioning and trickery had nearly torn Blackpool apart. He combined his strength well on a large number of occasions, leaving the Blackpool defence on the edge most of the time. His first goal was made by Arshavin but he took it first time. His second was a result of good movement, twisting and turning, followed by a superb first time shot. His third was even better and reminded me of Henry, albeit scoring from the right side instead of Henry's favourite left side. Walcott utilised his weaker foot to full effect, curling into the far corner. No doubt, he was absolutely "unplayable" as Holloway would put it.
Song the big defensive wall...
The Cameroonian defensive player deserved a HUGE mention here. With only probably a half match fit body, he was thrown right into the deeep end to partner Vermaelen. Well, not that he couldn't play centreback, but I was a bit worried whether he would cope for 90 minutes. My worries were unnecessary to say the least. Song was basically Song. Whether he's the defensive midfielder or the centreback, his game is just the same. Making interceptions, heading the ball to safety, tackling, man-marking and closing down. Who wouldn't remember his trademark turn and quick feet? He did just all that against Blackpool. A solid partnership was formed with Vermaelen and grew throughout the game. Why can't we have a few more Alex Songs in our team? Then we wouldn't have to worry about defenders and defensive midfielders!
The return of the World Cup finalists...
At 5-0, the game was effectively over and the home side were just toying the Seasiders. Then came Wenger's substitutions, van Persie and Fabregas, who were greeted with cheers by the home fans. I thought it was the great time to give some match game for both of them as it would accelerate their recovery in terms of match fitness. Their return has somehow galvanised the team even more.Diligent "Little Morzart" Rosicky...
With Nasri out for a month and Fabregas yet to achieve full match fitness, it was obvious that Rosicky would be chosen as the team's main playmaker. The thing about Rosicky is that his movement and passing are world class, which has caused tonnes of problems for the Blackpool defenders. The visitors did not know what to do with him and most of the time, they tried to close Rosicky down and marked him tightly. By doing so, huge amount of spaces were formed in between Blackpool's defence, allowing Walcott and occasionally Arshavin to penetrate easily.The Average Ones
Arshavin improves...
It was a much improved performance by Arshavin with a much better workrate. Having said that, the Russian was stil performing at only an average level as he was still an easy prey for Blackpool's defence. However, he created two vital moments in the game. The first was his assist for Walcott and Arsenal's first goal and the second was his penalty, which he has gone for power by smashing into the far right corner beyond the reach of the Blackpool keeper. Chamakh hardworking...
Okay, some would've disagreed with me on this. His workrate was top notch and there's no question about it. But his finishing was no that great. Well, again, it is understandable that it's only his second Premier League game and is still gelling into the team. The Moroccan made his first contribution in the game by bringing Arshavin his first penalty chance. One could also remember the moment when he missed a sitter (which would require only a tap in but he sky-rocketed his shot) after Arshavin's perfect pass into the box. But luckily enough, his trademark header was enough to open his Emirates Stadium account with ease.
But somehow, I just feel that playing him as a lone striker isn't really that effective. His full potential can be exploited if he has a striking partner alongside him. I am very sure that Wenger will be looking at this seriously to add to his team's clinical side of the game. Crucial indeed.
In The End
Overall, it was an exciting one-sided game with a long-awaited huge scoreline at the Emirates Stadium. Blackpool did threaten our defence earlier on and almost managed to surprise us, but our movement and passing proved to be too much for the new boys.
Credit to Holloway though for persisting with his version of attacking football instead of opting the "To beat Arsenal, you must be a thug" way of playing against us. Till then, The Arsenal Press signing off.
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