Have to say, how impressed I was today with our team. Played excellently, just about every last one of them. Defence were great, midfield were superb and going forward we looked a little more clinical and ruthless from the first two games.
Verm and Mert seem to have struck up a great partnership with each other. They're reading the game very well, defending as a unit in a very good manner, and all round looking strong. Add to Kos now back from injury and we have some very good competition for places in the CB role. Gibbs was fantastic again I thought. Looked calm on the ball, good going forward, and defended in a good way. Jenkinson wasn't great but he is improving slightly. Sagna's back soon though so nothing to worry about really.
Onto the midfield, and my god were they great this afternoon. Diaby was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Passed it well, drove forward with the ball at his feet excellently, and caused Liverpool all sorts of problems. If he stays fit, he is going to be a huge player for us this season.
Arteta was magnificent in the DM role. Can't think of many times an opposing player got past him. Defended brilliantly. And kept things nice and simple when made forward thinking passes. How refreshing was it to not have to worry about our DM going to an advanced position too much and leaves us open to counter attacks? Was great. Cazorla again was marvellous. Passed the ball greatly, created some very good defence splitting passes a lot, kept us ticking, and got a deserved goal.
Forward wise it was huge step-up from the first two games where we looked toothless. AOC didn't have one of his best games. But he was decent, and will definitely improve performance wise as the season goes on. Podolski had an very good game. Scored a goal, looked threatening, helped out the defence, and generally all-round was good.
Giroud had a good game. Didn't score but bullied the two Liverpool CBs throughout the game, and had some good link-up play. He might of missed a golden opportunity but at least he is getting to these good, goal-scoring chances. He will eventually start to put them away. Give him time.
All in all, today was a great performance from us. If we play like that every week then it's going to be a very happy season for us. P.s we have the best defensive record in the league. How good does that feel?
COYG!!!
Very pleased with our performance
posted on 2/9/12
Yes.
posted on 2/9/12
Great team performance for sure.
But yes, the midfield looked tip-top and performed their nuts off, each individual sticking to their job.
Not used to this kind of cohesive discipline!
posted on 2/9/12
posted on 2/9/12
Andrei Sergeyevich Arshavin
Which question are you saying yes to?
I assume it was "How refreshing was it to not have to worry about our DM going to an advanced position too much and leaves us open to counter attacks?"
Because the only other question was "we have the best defensive record in the league. How good does that feel? "
And 'Yes" isnt really an appropriate answer to that
Please clarify
posted on 2/9/12
Have to say I love the way Diaby canters forward, and his touch is really great. He finds himself in some good positions so ideally he'd use his left foot more and improve his shooting but if he keeps this up we're in for a good season from him.
Nothing to say about Arteta that hasn't already been said. Very good passer, everything he does works. It's all smart, a great player.
Can't wait to see Giroud's first goal for us.
posted on 2/9/12
CEG, yes.
posted on 2/9/12
Agree totally
My favourite part of the match (apart from the goals obviously) was when Mert tackled Suarez without even moving.
It was just like there was a wall which we wouldn't let him get behind. Great match
posted on 2/9/12
'My favourite part of the match (apart from the goals obviously) was when Mert tackled Suarez without even moving.'
It kept happening too
posted on 2/9/12
There is really no need to criticise any player today. No one really dissappointed.
Very solid and mature performance from all our players. They worked very well together. Very happy and relieved. We needed three points and we got them.