Saturday, December 29, 2012

Crazy Game!!

Arsenal closed 2012 by beating Newcastle 7-3 in a very entertaining, thrilling match in Emirates Stadium. Leading three times through Walcott, Chamberlain, and Podolski; Arsenal let Newcastle equalized three times via Arsenal-linked Demba Ba - twice, and Sylvain Marveaux. However, Newcastle had no way back after Theo Walcott made it 4-3, with a cool finishing receiving Kieran Gibbs cross, which was initially meant for Lukas Podolski. Olivier Giroud made a diving header to score the fifth for Arsenal - from Walcott's cross, and added the sixth, with a great footwork followed by powerful finishing to the bottom corner. Theo Walcott finished his perfect night today, by making wonderful goal, completing his hattrick, dribbling through four players - and also falling down - before chipping the ball pass Tim Krul. Olivier Giroud almost followed Theo's heroism, but his shot receiving Ramsey's cross denied by the crossbar.

Theo Walcott celebrated his goal.
(photo from arsenal.com)

Theo Walcott once again started upfront, and despite scoring a goal in the first half, he was anonymous in the first 45, before going crazy on the second half. He showed real confidence after scoring his second goal of tonight, but he was also guilty wasting some good opportunities, with misplaced pass to Cazorla on the counter attack, giving Newcastle's defender time to recover; or his decision to shot when it was 3 against 2, with Podolski and Cazorla unmarked. However, generally, it was a stunning performance by the Englishman, who is yet to put his sign on the contract. 

On the other hand, Olivier Giroud showed Walcott that he is not the only one deserved to play in the central forward position. He scored two goals in just twenty minutes, showing his predatory instinct. Yes, Newcastle was exhausted and desperate already when he is coming on, but scoring two goals in twenty minutes in Premier League deserved a credit. His first goal showed why Arsenal bought him - to maximize crossing from both flanks, while his second goal showed his striker instinct. 

It is good to have healthy competition in the team, rising the level of both players. In addition of competing for one place upfront, today we see that Walcott and Giroud is also compatible to each other. If Giroud plays, he brings different dimensions, while Walcott can start on the right flanks, and it is also good tactical alternative for Arsenal, not only depending on Walcott's pace, but also Giroud's aerial ability. It would be interesting to see Arsenal's line up next match, whether Wenger stick to Walcott upfront, or trying to play Giroud and Walcott together.

However, despite good attacking display, Arsenal still need to improve defensively. Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen struggled against physical Demba Ba, and Pappis Cisse. Kieran Gibbs was dangerous marauding to opposition's box, but was clueless defending in own area, as shown on the second and third Newcastle's goal. Gibbs was nowhere to mark Sylvain Marveaux, and was nowhere to stop Demba Ba on the third. Bacary Sagna was surprisingly shaky in defence. It is true that Arsene's Arsenal never known as good defensive unit, except for 2006, but often, good defence would be the difference in the big match. Arsenal looked really shaky without Per Mertesacker, who missed the game because of unwell. 

It was a great game to end 2012 for the Gooner, but remember - without disrespecting Newcastle - it was just a match against Newcastle, who was missing a lot of first team players, plus played Man. United few days back, while Arsenal having a rest after the match against West Ham was postponed. Arsenal struggled to stamp the authority, before the last 20 minutes, Newcastle run out of gas, and Arsenal strolled to scored more goal. It won't be so easy next time, but if Arsenal showed attacking fluidity like in the last 20 mintues, plus strengthening the defense, next match against Southampton should be another win.

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