For about the 5th time today, Coq orders other player around as well to keep the defensive shape. His impact is more than just what he does himself, but the influence on the rest of the team as well.

We have a few players back from injury. This is the main reason we play like this.

Yes dont want to take anything away from Francis effort. Surely gives us more stability.

That's where i think the difference is - the ability to order people around, to show a bit of anger and to get stuck in. That is the one area where we tend to lack compared to our rivals - although our players tend to track back they don't always put their foot in but i am seeing more of that with players like Santi and Coq?

IMO, we already had a very good team although a bit light in some areas. we were devastated through injuries that forced Wengers hand.

From that, we have found Bellerin and the COQ and people like Cazorla found their natural position by default.

So a little bit of luck has played it's hand in a big way.

to add to that, we now have competition for places in a bog way.

The calming influence of Ospina.
Koscielny-Mertersacker partnership with two good full backs either side.
Revitalised Coquelin protecting back 4.
Ramsey keeping it simple alongside Coq.
Cazorla in fantastic form playing through the middle.
Giroud adding height, strength and great link up play at the head of our attack.
Walcott and Ozil back from fitness.

I agree about the competition for places - when was the last time we had players having to look over their shoulders to see if they continue to play week in week out -Ramsey has Jack to contend with; Giroud has Wellbeck; Ozil has Theo and Ox....just wish the season was starting but i also need to see Wenger be ruthless like he has with Szesney and let the team know he isn't going to settle for below par performances.

I think ospina's concentration levels are great. We have often seen it from Szcz where he almost gets bored and ends up doing something stupid. Ospina seems to be the opposite, he's happy not to be overly involved in the game. Deals with each situation in the right way, and doesn't try to hard to make himself a hero, while also remaining on his toes for 90mins. He's had a great impact, hope it continues.

In a similar vein so has coq. He's happy to keep it simple and stick to his job. We need players like that in the team.

Every time Villa were on the attack I would look at a point on the pitch expecting Coq to be there and 9 times out of 10 he was in position or very close. He's our best CDM but I still think we need another one to take some pressure off him.

You know the sad thing is that we are only doing as a team (defending) in the way everybody on this board has been saying for the past few years! It is shocking that through the injuries to Arteta/Flamster that Wenger has 'unearthed' Coq and the regular stupidity of Szcz has led to Ospina being given his chance - otherwise we could be on here bemoaning another draw against a team like AV?

When most of our players are fit we're a top team

Punjabi Gooner? Your a disgrace to all Punjabis

In all seriousness I'd say Arsenal and Ozil in particular played very well today. That flick for the Giroud goal was absolutely sublime. With all four of Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Saints in very good form the race for the top four looks to be hotting up.

Q. What's the difference?
A. Less injuries

Next question

comment by The Godfather (U10154)
posted 29 minutes ago
Q. What's the difference?
A. Less injuries

Next question
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Alright David Brent

comment by The Godfather (U10154)
posted 5 hours, 32 minutes ago
Q. What's the difference?
A. Less injuries

Next question
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