Arsenal grabbed a nervy win at Upton Park as they came from behind 3-1 against West Ham squad who last week knocked out Sp*rs from League Cup. Arsenal dominated first half but failed to score any, but West Ham opened the score just after the break after Charlton Cole capitalized Wojciech Szczesny's mistake. The polish keeper spilled Kevin Nolan's shot and gave West Ham lead. Arsenal struggled to find equalizer as West Ham as the home team defended well, and even they nearly scored twice which went wide from the target. However, Podolski introduction changed the game, as Theo Walcott equalized few minutes after that, as West Ham keeper Adrian failed to make a routine save on Walcott's tame shot. Podolski made a wonderful cross headed by Theo Walcott to make it 2-1 for Arsenal. Podolski impact was not only there, he sealed three points from a stunning finish on the 79th minutes, a lay off from Olivier Giroud.
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| West Ham - Arsenal stats photos from Worldwide Arsenal Fans |
It was a really nervy game for Arsenal. We might have dominated the game, but West Ham got some great chances as our defending was not as tight as usual. Arsenal really suffered defensively especially after West Ham opened the scoreline. Lucky they were not clinical in front of goal and we were able to find the equalizer before they scored another one.That equalizer was the turning point of the game. Arsenal dominated the possession and chances more and West Ham looked losing confidence. Only three minutes between Walcott first and second goal showed the impact of that equalizer, and after that West Ham lost the plot. It was a nice mentality test to see whether Arsenal can challenge for title or not. Coming from behind is a definite trait a champion must have and it's good to see Arsenal showed it today.
There are few players I would like to talk about on this game.
1. Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla enjoyed a fairly good game, and he looked much more sharper in the middle. He started on the left side but shifted after Podolski replaced injured Ramsey. Cazorla was playing in the Ramsey role for few minutes before Flamini's entrance, but he looked much more comfortable there instead of playing wide. He was not bad in the wing but in his natural position in the center he can stamp his authority on the game, getting space between midfield and defend and spraying the passes. If he continues playing like this, Wenger might be forced to play Ozil on the wing and Cazorla played centrally.
2. Lukas Podolski
What an impact for a player who has been away from the team for few months, one goal and one assist. He offered more direct play and width compared to Cazorla and Wilshere, who are naturally a central attacking midfielder. He can play centrally as a striker, if Wenger decided to bench Giroud. In addition, Podolski is a more clinical finisher compared to Giroud, although he can't offer aerial strength like the Frenchman. His return can give more depth for Arsenal to challenge for the title, and give Wenger some option to rotate the starting line-up.
3. Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud badly need rest. He had failed to score in recent weeks, and what worse is how clinical he is in front of goal. I don't mind if you don't score because the keeper is somehow playing very well and denying all your chances, but Giroud missed the chances because he miskicked or were unable to react quickly for the ball. Yes he deserved some credit for working hard but he looked short of sharpness in front of goal and, Bendtner or Podolski deserved to start upfront. Who knows with benching him, he can get back his sharpness? Remember Szczesny last season benched against Bayern and got a good form after that.
4. Aaron Ramsey
The only bad thing after the match is that Ramsey was brought off because of injury. Yes he hadn't been playing that well in recent games, but he is our best player in 2013 and we still need it for the next few games.
This result brought Arsenal to the top, at least for few hours, but they might stay longer should Liverpool failed to beat Manchester City away (I hope so). That would be a perfect Christmas present for all the Gooners: Top of the Table one more time!
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