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.

Arsenal's Transfer Rated

It was half season already, and Arsenal - once again - underwent drastic changes. Robin van Persie, whom Wenger build the team around, went to rival, Manchester United, and Wenger was forced to rebuild his team. Alex Song, another importang player in last season, was sold to Barcelona in a cheap transfer fee, only around 15 million pounds.

Wenger had anticipated the departure of van Persie, by signing Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, even before Robin van Persie declared himself that he would leave. However, for Alex Song case, Wenger didn't buy direct replacement, instead he bought Santi Cazorla, and with the return of Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta was pushed into a deeper role, as a deep lying playmaker, a position which Song played last season.

Permanent Transfer

IN :
Olivier Giroud (Montpellier)
Lukas Podolski (FC Koln)
Santi Cazorla (Malaga)

OUT :
Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
Alex Song Billong (Barcelona)
Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad)
Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest)
Manuel Almunia (Watford)
Kyle Bartley (Swansea)

 1. Olivier Giroud

He came from Montpellier with a big burden to replace the talisman Robin van Persie, and he even admitted came to Arsenal at the wrong time. He could be said disappointing, only because he was compared to brilliant van Persie. People had forgotten that he was not the same player like van Persie. He is even a different type of player from RvP. Giroud is an old-fashioned, but hardworking targetman. He might not possess the flair, but he is aerially strong and could hold the ball well, and if he is provided good support, he could be deadly, like he did in Ligue 1 last season, becoming the top scorer.

He endured torrid spells in few first games, made some awful miss against Sunderland, Chelsea, and also Manchester United. However, he did improve few games after that, and after opening his goal account against Conventry, he scored two goals against Fulham and one against Tottenham, plus setting up two goals against Montpellier, which ensures Arsenal qualify to next round.

 Olivier Giroud after his first Arsenal goal

(photos from telegraph.co.uk)

The problem now is the team selection. He is not guaranted starter, as Wenger sometimes even prefer lacksture Gervinho starts upfront instead of him. Theo Walcott, who stated that he wants to play centrally, finally started the game in central against Reading, and he did well in that game, a possibility which would restrict his first team appearance. 

Seven goals from 24 appearances in total, 4 goals in the league from 16 games, is not the best thing you can get from the striker. However, given that this is his first season, and often he held the ball well during the game to open the space for the team mates, Olivier Giroud has arguably done a decent job.

TRANSFER RATING : 7 / 10

2. Lukas Podolski

Signed from relegated FC Koln, Podolski is another player expected to replace van Persie, beside Olivier Giroud. The Gooners saw it, both of them had a wonderful left foot and capable of scoring beautiful goals, both of them is the talisman and captain of the club last season, and Podolski had more than 100 caps in his bag. He easily become one of fans favourite after a good starts, as he scored one against Liverpool and a screamer against Southampton. However, he had been inconsistent, and failed to keep his good form throughout October and November - despite scoring a wonder goal against Montpellier. 

He is no natural left winger - he declared himself would prefer play in the central position , but Wenger had been using him in the left flank, and only started in the central in the first game against Sunderland. He often plays cutting inside, and is very composed in one on one with keeper, complemented with good first touch, but sometimes his shooting from left hand side is too often wide from the target. However, his crossing was quite good, especially in the last game against Reading, he did make two assist to Cazorla, after a largely average month for the German. His workrate has been a positive notes also, he wasn't afraid to challenge players in their own area.

Lukas Podolski celebrated his goal against Reading

(source : arsenal.com)

He is the second top scorer below Theo Walcott, with eight goals, three goals less than Walcott, but he is Arsenal's top scorer in Champions League - looks like he enjoys playing in the Champions League. He could be utilized more in the central striker, but as Arsene deploys 4-2-3-1, it is very hard for him to play in the central, but probably if Wenger switched to 4-4-2 Podolski could do better upfront.

TRANSFER RATING : 7 / 10  

3. Santi Cazorla

It was a coup, considering Wenger bought him only around 16 million from Malaga, for the World Cup and Euro winner in age of 28. He plays in Rosicky's position last season - forcing Rosicky out of first team -  and has largely enjoyed his role in that position. Integrated easily with Arsenal's game, he is now top scorer of Arsenal in the Premier League with seven goals after his hattrick against Reading. Capable of scoring magic goals - against West Ham and Manchester United, with great vision, plus great passing ability, that's what we can expect from Cazorla, and so far, he has been very impressive, pleasing the Gooners and not disappointing any of the expectations.

 Santi Cazorla enjoyed a good spell with Arsenal 

(photos from arsenal.com)

He had been pulling the strings in the midfield with Arteta, Ramsey and Wilshere, with his long ball. He reminds me of Cesc Fabregas, with a better shooting ability. His midfield trio with Arteta and Wilshere in the recent games has been quite well, except in the game against Aston Villa and Swansea.Wenger should be more careful of playing Cazorla continuously if he wants Cazorla to stays in his best, as he might become jaded. It is actually quite interesting to see both Rosicky and Cazorla plays together in pitch, another alternative for Wenger, should he rest Jack Wilshere in the central of the park. His corner actually has been quite disappointing for his standard. Arsenal only scored one corner goal from Cazorla's pass. However, beside that corner setup, Cazorla has arguably a perfect transfer for the Gunners.

If Arsenal flies high this season, Cazorla surely would become one of the main protagonists. Easily the best transfer for Arsenal, and one of the best transfers this season in Premier League.

TRANSFER RATING : 10 / 10

OVERALL COMING TRANSFER : 8 / 10

They bought who they need, and not buying any unusable first team player, like last year they did to Park Ju-Yong, buying him only to see he played in the League Cup few times. This time Wenger also buy someone who is already at their peak. Giroud is 26, Podolski is 27, and Cazorla is 28. Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski was a sensible replacement for van Persie, and despite yet to reach the same level as van Persie, Giroud and Podolski have done decent jobs so far. Santi Cazorla is a brilliant addition to the squad, adding some flair - and set piece experts - Arsenal needs. This is proabably one of the best buying policy Arsenal had in the recent years.

OVERALL TRANSFER : 6 / 10

It was a good buying policy, but it was not a good selling policy. It is never a good idea to sell your best players, especially to your rival, and now Manchester United is enjoying the coup of Robin van Persie, as Arsenal struggled from times to times when they need someone like him, who could create something out of nothing. The selling of Alex Song had little impact as Arteta fits the position very well, despite playing as a attacking midfielder in most of his career. Carlos Vela, Henri Lansbury, and Kyle Bartley were once a promising youngster but they were deemed a surplus by Wenger, and they were sold. Personally I would love to see Vela playing in Arsenal instead of being sold, but probably Wenger sees that Vela doesn't suit EPL's physical approach. Manuel Almunia was wisely released as Szczesny firmly hold the first place and he is no longer young - Almunia is 35 already.

Reading 2 Arsenal 5, and that how Arsenal should play

Arsenal bounced back from the midweek penalty defeat in League Cup against Bradford by beating Reading away from home, 5-2, as Santi Cazorla being the main protagonist last night with his hattrick, plus one assist. Lukas Podolski finally scored a goal once again in Premier League after last scoring against Tottenham Hotspurs, while Theo Walcott, who finally played centrally as he desires, also registered his name on the scoresheet.

Santi Cazorla dribbled past a Reading player

(photos from arsenal.com, 7th picture)

Arsenal dominated the game from the start, and creating couples of chances, with Chamberlain's long shot was denied by Adam Federici. However, it was Reading who got first clear cut chances as Pavel Pogrebnyak cut inside from the right wing, and centered the ball which was awfully missed by Jobi McAnuff

Arsenal finally broke the deadlock after Kieran Gibbs penetrated from the left side and sent a beautfiul cross to Podolski, who made brilliant first touch and made no mistake to bury it to goal. Theo Walcott could've added the second few minutes after the first goal, as he beaten offside trap, but Adam Federici made an important saves to keep the scoreline. Santi Cazorla doubled the lead after receiving a delightful cross from Lukas Podolski from the left wing, and Santi did a diving header to put the ball into the bottom corner. Santi Cazorla quickly doubled his tally by scoring the third goal of the game, Theo Walcott lobbed the ball to far post, as Gibbs headed back to Cazorla, and the Spaniard controlled the ball beautifully before slammed the ball to the goal, leaving Federici no chance to deny it. First half ended, 3-0 for Arsenal.

Second half, Reading tried to pull one back, but Theo Walcott nearly added the fifth, but Mariappa made off-the-line block to deny him. Santi Cazorla made it 0-4 with a simple finish after a beautiful team goal. Chamberlain ran to the middle and passed to Wilshere outside the box, as he sent a through ball to the box to Lukas Podolski, whose low cross easily converted to goal by Santi Cazorla. Reading grab one back, after Kieran Gibbs awful pass picked by Reading player, and Wilshere slipped when he tried to chase the ball, and Adam Le Fondre rounded Szczesny to make it 1-4. Few moments later, Jimmy Kebe escaped from offside trap before beating Szczesny, 2-4. It was kind of deja vu, as Reading tried to replicate what Arsenal did to them, coming from 0-4 down to win the game, and Arsenal's defence was in the nerve for few moments, before Theo Walcott clinched it for the Gunners with the seventh goal of the game, after Santi Cazorla dribbled passed few player and sent a beautiful pass to Walcott, and he placed the ball to the left corner with his left foot, 2-5.

Theo Walcott celebrated his comeback by scoring a goal

(photos from arsenal.com, 19th picture)

This was the game Arsenal should've played in the recent weeks, a very fluid attacking display, the ball was flowing easily from the back to the front, with Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere bossed the midfield, while Mikel Arteta keeps the beat from the back. All of five goals from Arsenal are scored from open play, and also a good team play. Player exchanged position few times, Walcott moved to flanks few times with Podolski sneaked to the central position, or Cazorla and Wilshere moved to channels to support the flanks Chamberlain few times cut inside to create more spaces.

The players made some incisive run into the box, and look for a good spot for receiving the pass, and that's what missing from Arsenal in recent weeks. They created chances, but few willing to run into the box. In the game against Bradford, Arsenal wasn't that bad in midfield, but in the final third, they were quite toothless upfront. There wasn't any time when one player tried to beat one man - I hate to blame one player, but yes, it was Gervinho who was wasteful that time -, the ball was instead passed to team mates to open more spaces. It was the Arsenal game we used to see few years back, a beautiful passing game!

Both wings were very lively throughout 90 minutes, especially the left flank where two goals started there. Kieran Gibbs enjoyed attacking licence he got in this match, and few times he penetrated to the box, as he did to set up Cazorla's second goal. Gibbs started to enjoy the teamwork with Lukas Podolski on the flank, and linked up well with the German few times. Bacary Sagna was not as adventurous as Gibbs in attacking but his crosses were always accurate. Chamberlain could've done better with his crossing, but he is always getting into dangerous position, and wasn't scared to beat some man, without excessive effort of doing a one-man show.

The only bad thing from this match is the poor defending after the fourth goal. Under no pressure, Gibbs gave the ball cheaply and cost a goal, before another lapse in defending gave Reading the second goal, and giving another pressure to the defence, before Walcott scored the fifth. However, Arsenal had not known for the strong defence, except for the 2005-2006 season in Champions League when they won with clean sheets. In 2000s, they always scored a lot of goals, despite allowing some goals conceded. I would say this season Arsenal's defence wasn't that bad, but most of Arsenal's defeat was caused by not-so-clinical finishing, and inability to create chances. I don't think it is a problem, if you conceded three but you can score five.

The question for Wenger is whether he will trust Walcott in the central position, leaving Giroud on the bench. Walcott was more mobile and pacy than Giroud, and probably that style of play suits Arsenal more. Giroud could be an alternative for Arsenal, should the opposition able to stop Arsenal pass-and-move game. Wenger should try Walcott in central position again in next match against Wigan, and see whether this plan is working. Gervinho has been put in the central but so far he has failed to impress.

The last question for Wenger is the consistency. Arsenal need to find the consistency, if they want to challenge for the throphy, or at least the fourth place. If Arsenal continued play like this, I do believe third, or even second place is a realistic target for this season.

Finally, a victory in EPL!

After three winless matches in EPL, finally Arsenal scrapped a win in front of their home fans, by beating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 from two goals from the spot by Mikel Arteta.

Cazorla dived in the penalty area to win a penalty, and the referee gave it. Mikel Arteta, who earlier this season missed a penalty in a disappointing 3-3 home draw against Fulham, made no mistake to put the ball into the net with a panenka-style. Another penalty was given after Chamberlain was brought down in the penalty area, this time it's a clear penalty, albeit slightly controversial as Chamberlain fouled a West Brom player earlier on. For the second time, Arteta successfully converted the penalty to doubled the lead.

It wasn't the best performance from the Gunners - I would say helped by West Brom poor game today - , nevertheless it was an important three points, bringing Arsenal to sixth place, two points behind West Brom, and it was the much needed win after three poor game in EPL, plus one defeat in Champions League. Arsenal created a handful chances, particularly in the second half, after the introduction of Tomas Rosicky, who played his first EPL game this season. That what Arsenal should've made in the last four games, chances! You can't score goals if you can't create chances! That's why Arsenal couldn't win in those games, they failed to create chances well.

Gervinho was improving in this game, getting into dangerous position, and making some good runs, despite still wasteful with the ball. Chamberlain also showed a better performance than his anonymous display in the defeat against Greek side Olympiakos in the Premier League four days earlier. Vermaelen is getting better and better in the heart of defence, dealing well with the big target-man Romelu Lukaku, while Tomas Rosicky was lively after entering the fray, replacing Gervinho. Arsenal's attack getting more and more dangerous after Rosicky played.

However, Cazorla started to lose his flair in the midfield, and his bright form in the early season faded. Jaded? Probably. Wenger probably could try combination of Rosicky-Arteta-Wilshere, and give Cazorla one or two break. Olivier Giroud was off-day in this game, despite hard working upfront, but failed to give any threats for West Brom's keeper, Boaz Myhill.

Arsenal needed to be more clinical in front of goal, they wasted so many chances today. They might been able to create so many chances against lesser opponent, but against stronger opponent, they couldn't  afford to miss so many chances, if they want to challenge for the throphy! Podolski missed from less than five meters after receiving a nice pass from Jack Wilshere. Gervinho miskicked the ball on the first half, while Wilshere's fake allowed West Brom defender's to buy some time to block his shot. Instead of first time shoot, Arsenal players often dribbled or touched the ball, givinig some time for defender to recover.

Another problem is the crossing accuracy, which is still lacking. I only saw two good crosses, from the deep, by our right defender, Bacary Sagna, met Olivier Giroud's head, and Gibbs gave a good ball to Gervinho which he couldn't maximiize it.

However, the worst part from this game is not that, but Cazorla's dive. Cazorla is undoubtedly a great player, and it's a shame to see a player with that quality dived. Yes, we need a win, but it's never good to win a game through dive. It's just not the game Arsenal fans want to see! We would prefer to see a clean win, instead of winning through penalty from diving!

Well, anyway, Arsenal must take benefit of some easier games than the November, as they will face Reading and Wigan away. If Arsenal could create chances like today and be more clinical, they would surely come back to top four, or probably challenge again for the title? Who knows if City, United, Spurs and Chelsea slipped again while Arsenal winning all the games?